by Ashley Smith

Created on: May 15, 2010   Last Updated: May 16, 2010

Firstly if you don't know what a mosh pit is go into U-tube and look for Slayer or Slipknot playing live, I have been in mosh pits for both. They look deadly to the uninitiated but are normally very safe, I only have one scar and that was from a bottle thrown from a balcony. If you enter you will be looked after, and if you fall you will be picked up, if you get hurt you will be rescued by fellow mosh-pitters and bouncers. I survive due to being six feet five and sixteen stone but there are many much smaller and much younger in there too. The safest place is at the front but this is where everyone wants to be so is hard work.The front doesn't move around but is where people crowd surf over to reach the front and where the bouncers dive after them. The trick if at the front is that if you see a bouncer is coming towards you, someone is coming their way over your head so duck.

Most gigs will have bouncers giving drinks to the front people, essential even if its a cold day as pits are always hot, but as I said before if in trouble get out,you can go in most directions but forwards is usually easier then backwards. Most metal gigs that have mosh pits are normally ninety minutes tops and often shorter. Stock up on water before hand and make sure you are suitably dressed for very hot conditions. Loads of alcohol isn't always wise as you end up crushed,hot and feeling very sick if not careful, me at last Slipknot for example where i threw up in the crowd as I escaped.

I have been in pits for Pantera, Slayer, Slipknot and many others and have survived. Just keep your eyes open and keep an eye on others and you will enjoy yourself. If you like the bands already you will find the pit is the only place to watch from and to enjoy the music properly. Most metal and thrash especially is designed to be heard in the mosh pit. You can be a few feet from your favourite bands, you can see the singer strain his vocal chords and you will see the guitarists finger fly over the frets. So get up close and personal. Start gently with a brief dip in the pit and build yourself up to a full immersion. Start with a Metallica or a Linken park,build yourself up to a Slayer or Slipknot over time and you will be ready for anything.

Once you have been in you will want to be in every time you go to a metal gig, you will learn how to get to the front and how to survive. The only con with the pit is it's hot, sweaty and you may get a bit bruised, otherwise it's all pro.

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