Now, before you read my post and get all uppity - I'm not going to mosh.
There seems to be a few unwritten rules about what to do at metal concerts - as for power metal, it's definately the whole fist pumping, mild headbanging thing. I don't like to generalize, but a lot of power metal fans I've seen have been the stereotypical scrawny geeks. Then again, there are some buff dudes...doesn't matter...the point is, it seems for stuff like Nightwish, Kamelot, whatever, it's only stationary limb movement.
The weird thing is, the rules seem to get bent once a band reaches iconic status. Sure, Iced Earth is power metal, but you definately DO get mosh pits there. Maiden, Iced Earth, whatever...I don't think it's why it happened for Rage though. Power metal pits are weird for another reason, which is that they're much more friendly than something like a punk concert. There, you gotta make sure you don't die. At every metal show I've been to, people moshing around have been considerate, although you may all think that's an oxymoron..
It's 4 in the morning and I have an exam tomorrow...I can't do anything but ramble....um...the problem is that numerous people like me enjoy moshing - it undeniably brings you more into the concert experience, it brings spontaneity and physicality to go along with the music, and makes you feel more like a part of some collective.
So yeah, I know people can get hurt...hell, people probably got hurt tripping down the dark stairs last year. Ideally, we could have a space up front for moshing, or at least more physical concert-going, i.e. jumping around. Problem is, then the types who bring along their camera or whatever or like to "appreciate" the music will complain, which is understandable...as brothers/sisters or metal, it IS our duty to find a compromise to make the best experience possible for everyone at the concert. As I recall, Metallica was a band that had the right idea a few years back - they had the seperate pit on the interior of the stage, I think. I know it's totally out of the question for Atlanta, and I'm not asking to mosh, I'm just sort of typing as I go.
As a bandmember, I can say that it DOES feel nice to have some movement in the crowd...it's hard to tell when you're half-blinded by lights whether the audience is enjoying it or not, and general running about like mooses in heat accomplishes that.
Wow, I totally forgot what I started typing about. Sorry people, maybe I'll post in a coherent state next time.
I suppose it would be unfair to say something along the lines of "Stay in your seat if you don't want to get jostled"? I guess there aren't enough seats...
But whatever Glenn, it's your baby, you call it like you want. We wouldn't complain if we didn't love you so much
If everyone could see everything, it would be fine...I don't think it's so much the danger of getting thrown onto a bunch of beer bottles (I saw Into Eternity!), but somebody enjoying the concert in their own way who doesn't notice a mosh pit forming around him/her. I wouldn't want that to happen to someone, as I'm sure it might be intimidating for somebody who doesn't know what it's all about or is unprepared for it.
Actually, I'd be surprised if there weren't a few people thrown out for moshing for the first band (IE). It shouldn't, but it does amaze how some metalheads can be so intelligent and outgoing, and some look very, very stupid.
I didn't read all the other posts so you might've answered this, but I have a question for you, Glenn. Why are you against moshing? Is it a personal thing, or a risky endeavor from a professional standpoint, i.e. injuries and lawsuits? Or are you just one of the "Moshing sucks. Period." people?
Edit: I was reading over the posts in this thread...maybe it's an age thing, I dunno...I'm only 18. Maybe if I was one of you, I would hate the idea of a moshpit too. The problem is, some of us DO know how to get it going with very, very minimal interference in other people's space...however, there's always that slightly crazy looking 20-something year old with their mouth slightly agape who turns it into chaos by randomly bodychecking some guy drinking a beer from behind. THAT'S the moshpit you people hate, and that's not what I want moshing to be. On a positive note, it doesn't let anyone hog the space in the front since you're always rotating
And I think there's also an unwritten rule that you have to stop and sing along to choruses. I totally agree with the guy who was wondering what was up with the guys who go up front, lean on the rail and bob their head.
Then again, if I was moshing, I wouldn't have gotten to see Peavy look at me and say my name at the end of their set (talked with him and Mike for 15 minutes that afternoon. Made my adolescence)
OK, NOW I'M STUDYING. ARGH.
