Mosh Pit Etiquette
Author's note:
i bit off more than i can chew for a weekly essay. This is an imperfect, surface level look at the spiritual path found in punk rock. There is much more to both expand on and refine. That said, i'm pleased with the introduction to a thought i hope to return to in the future.
“I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence... I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour.
But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns a soldier...But abstinence is forgiveness only when there is the power to punish; it is meaningless when it pretends to proceed from a helpless creature....
But I do not believe India to be helpless....I do not believe myself to be a helpless creature....Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
We do want to drive out the beast in the man, but we do not want on that account to emasculate him. And in the process of finding his own status, the beast in him is bound now and again to put up his ugly appearance.
The world is not entirely governed by logic. Life itself involves some kind of violence and we have to choose the path of least violence."
-Gandhi
"Your Anger is a gift" -Zach del la Rocha (Inside Out/Rage Against the Machine)
The duality of distorted guitars are as symbolic as they are intoxicating. Their screams as electricifying as police sirens gnawing at our heels, and as seductive as Homer's sirens singing us to the shoals. Through the noise, past a lifetime of hell howled in flat notes, is the poetry of pure hearts, haphazardly stitched to the sleeve's of combat jackets. Punk is more than a genre, more than a fashion style, more than a lifeboat to the disenfranchised. It's a philosophy, and at its best, a blueprint to profound spiritual growth and social change. While most never complete the path, lost among the first steps, there are profound truths, albeit uncomfortable ones, found further down the road for those that choose to seek them. The painful transcendence of self, society, and culture, are important stepping stones in all revolutionary thinkers, truthseekers, and spiritualist's journeys. Jung would relish the radical shadow work in the life of a punk. The nobility of embracing the harrowing chaos of existence, and finding astounding beauty within it.
Opinions of punk rock are generally unfair, written off as nothing more than anthems of wasted youth and nihilism, celebrating getting trashed and contributing zero to our global community, or society at large. Made by, and encouraging, contrarians who move against the grain for the sole sake of being a nuisance, deviants and menaces focused on refining their own suffering and throwing it to the world to deal with. Their piercings, stupid; their hair, depraved. Nothing more than an attention seeking "hey, look at me" culture. At first glance, like every genre, sure, you can find that. But when your ears and eyes open there's a world of depth beneath the surface.
Punk bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and Blink 182 sonically tore down the walls separating the mainstream from the underground. Their catchy pop sensibilities infiltrated popular radio-waves and brought foundational punk ideals to the masses. First and foremost, be your weird ass self, and don't apologise for it. You'll never be cool enough, smart enough, pretty enough, hell you'll never be punk enough. Let it go. Be yourself, and have fun. The simplistic structures (too an extent, they're still phenomenal songwriters and musicians their own right, especially the drummers Grohl and Barker) of these group's songs shattered the barrier of entry for being an musician, for being an artist, with the global epiphany: "i can do that!"
Of course these bands weren't the first to cover this ground. Luminaries like The Ramones, The Clash, and Sex Pistols inspired the generation before (or if you want to nit-pick, we could say The Velvet Underground or Stooges) though without close to the same reach. That enabling, inspiring epiphany, regardless from which era, or band it's sounded from, is transcendent. The moment that thought permeates, access to the stage becomes universal, and everyone's voice has an opportunity to be heard. From the Raincoats, to the Replacements, The Minutemen, to the Buzzcocks, Bikini Kill to Black Flag, Bad Brains to the Linda Lindas. Rules were broken, and musical ability fell to the wayside of heart, conviction, attitude, and authenticity. It mattered what you said, not if you were flat, sharp, or in key while you said it.
Tim Armstrong of Rancid, John Lydon of the Sex Pistols, Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys (and many more) have hands down some of the most untraditional voices to put to tape (and arguably from a technical perspective, some of the worst). That said, their roughness, unapologetic attitude, and ethos has kicked down the door for legions of singers and songwriters in their wake. Just do it. Believe in yourself and express. Regardless of his range, Tim Armstrong's sense of melody is incredible, his lyrics fantastic, and he highlights the irrelevance to what you think you need to make something gorgeous. How and what he emotes makes the work so special (especially on songs like Fall Back Down). It's an incredible sleight of hand, sucking us in with simplicity whilst drowning us in a depth of meaning.
While the greats may have certain limitations, it only serves to sharpen their creativity, and allow them to find ways to leverage their "weaknesses" as strengths. Constantly refining, and working on themselves to create something better, something greater. Members of NOFX are a prime example, working with challenging song structures, throwing in absurd amounts of chords and melodies, and difficult, linear lyrics. They're far from stagnant, and never boring. Both the seriousness and absurdist humour of their songs reflect that of our lives, blanketing profound truths, with difficult horrors. In the end everything is subjective.
“Not everything is for everyone{'s taste} There is no right or wrong. It really is as simple as do i like this? Yes or No.”
-Rick Rubin
It wasn't only the musicians punk gave voice to, but artists across the board. From fine art, to fashion, zines to literature, when the world said they couldn't the punks said they'd show them how. Grabbing guitars, cameras, starting independent labels, distribution means, creating venues, booking tours in basements, and eventually enormous festivals, nothing has been beyond reach.
And what does this have to do with the spiritual path? Radical, unapologetic self acceptance. Remember punk is only an open barrier of entry, from there it's for individuals to choose whether to stay or progress. "Should i stay or should i go?" -Joe Strummer
While the first steps are fun, answering the call to adventure and unknown with song and dance, confronting the shadow comes quick. Right off the bat, adopting the self deprecating, unapologetic moniker of being a Punk shatters any normality. While other "alternative" genres give a passive push against social norms, punk is the very definition of counter-culture.
The very name of the style is intentionally as repulsive as possible. Punk is a derogatory term for imprisoned men forced into homosexual relationships. Refusing to accept the offence, Punks instead welcome and leverage it against those who might hurl the slur, relishing the confusion and freedom of self-depreciation. They embrace what was an insult, and spin it with an obnoxious sneer and middle finger, an attitude which is paramount in the genre/culture's philosophy. It's a liberating leap rejecting outside judgments from corrupting internal self-worth. Finding fortitude in dissolution of previous normalities. Questioning language, customs, traditions, interrogating everything, and going against the grain, following your own will. Becoming dejected from society, destroying hair, clothing, and instead of woeing about impoverished lifestyles, relishing it. Punk rock is the age old proverb "making lemonade from lemons." (and yes Beyonce's album Lemonade is without a doubt a philosophical punk album). At its core, punk is the rejection of a society that rejects.
After finding the sound, the inspiration leads to the search. The search for others, the search for more. An inevitable road that leads to shows, which brings community, and unity. This usually begins with touring bands, then braving to local shows. Sometimes its record shops, or anarchist bookstores, but live shows are as eventual as they are important. It's not just about the music. It's the conversation. The booths, the petitions, the activists, and accessibility of the artists (most punk musicians make concerted efforts to intermingle with audiences and fans, an attempt at shattering hierarchies within society, tearing away at the concept of celebrity, idolization, and stars). Sitting on the pavement for hours lined up, making friends, sharing information about albums to seek and check out, swapping tapes, CD-Rs, links, teaching, philosophizing, and finding solace in one another. Strength is found in hordes of others that agree our current way of life and thinking is fucked up. The proverbial you are not alone. Conversations are ventured, topics broached that would unthinkable at home. Anti-religion, anti-war, anti-corporate, questions regarding what's happening by "the mainstream" and big business. Why are we living our lives this way? Why do we think this way? Why aren't these voices on the radio? Was it as simple as their abrasiveness? Surely not.
The questions aren't only pointed at authority, they questioning everything. Why was this priced this way? Where did this come from? How was this made? What was this made from? Was everyone ok? What was harmed in the process? What does this mean? Why do we need to do things this way? Most importantly, can we do this ourselves? DIY (Do it yourself) ethos and attitudes are integral to the punk community. Reinforced beyond financial necessity, but most times in moral obligation. SST, Fat Wreck, Alternative Tentacles, and of course the infallible Dischord Records.
Ian Mackeye (of Fugazi, and founder of Dischord Records) unwavering upholdance to his ethics and morals are a light in the dark for punks. Complete independence, clean living, affordable prices (records at ten dollars, shows at between five to ten), no barrier between band and audience, equal pay amongst band and crew, all ages shows, and zero tolerance for violence. Not only would his band Fugazi stop shows if there was someone harassing or injuring anyone, they would have envelopes stuffed with ten dollars on stage to refund, and eject the culprits right then and there. Fugazi gave preference to performing at rallies and benefits, focusing on societal change rather than spare change. Mackaye and co. are some of the few to talk the talk and walk the walk. Ensuring not only their lifestyle lined up with their values but their music did as well. While that may be a borderline impossible standard for all to measure up to, it's a fantastic banner to walk beside and aspire too. Is it immoral to sell t-shirts? Absolutely not. Are we forever in Dischord's debt for opening eyes on better ways of doing things, and providing (perhaps unattainable) ethics? Definitely.
Folk singer Woody Gutherie, scribbled This Machine Kills Fascists across his guitar. Kurt Cobain's black stratocaster famously adorned a sticker stating: Vandalism is as beautiful as a Rock in a Cop's Face. While revealing violence does not represent the genre, or culture at all, the sentiment does. Abrasive, unapologetic, thinky, and perspective shattering to antiquated cultural ideals and perceptions.
The more you're exposed to, the more you learn. Whether it's a sticker, a logo (see Bad Religion), a t-shirt, a video, a sample, or a song, punks seize any and all opportunities to open audiences to new avenues of thought on politics, philosophy, history, and societal norms. Punk artists frequently cite work from Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Nietzsche, Thoreau, Emma Goldman, and Nelson Mandela, amongst others. From the lyrics come principles and ideals, spider webbing until they consume every aspect in life. Bands like Propagandhi brought an entire mobile anarchist bookstore with them on tour. Travelling festivals like the Warped Tour would partner with charities and activist groups (Punkvoter, PETA and many others) who set up booths, handed out pamphlets, and hosted speakers. Punk rock statesmen Henry Rollins (of Black Flag), Jello Biafra (of the Dead Kennedys), and Joey Shithead (of DOA) provided a world of new information, and perspective with their spoken word albums and tours.
There's a strange dissolution when you stop believing everything the generations above you are expelling. When you start questioning everything- include yourself, and the very things that used to be your foundation of thought. Why, jumps to the most dangerous word in our vernacular. Because i said so, or that's how it's always been, that's how we do it, become pillars of smoke above raging dumpster fires. It's easy, normal even, to believe wholeheartedly in "the rules," confusing law with morality. That's not to say that the obvious laws, against assault, murder, theft, harm etc, aren't based on imperative principles. Unfortunately most governments and their laws, are quick to dissolve from protection, and justice, to controlling power structures. Laws that oppress individual freedoms, segregate people, decide what they can or cannot do with their bodies, parking spaces, controlling speech, and manadating religious ideals are reprehensible. This can be a difficult, and at times even painful, thing to wrap one's head around. Especially when it comes time to question social, or religious rules and ideals people may have been raised with. When eyes are opened people in the punk community don't simply get angry- they get organized. Punks write literature, march, or grab guitars, hoping through the noise someone more qualified can help lift the load. Or they straight up go into politics themselves.
The furnace of fury is set to flame by compassion. The rally cry against the ism's, racism, sexism, homophobia, etc. and equality is one of the most uniting perspectives across punk. Bands like the Slits, Bikini Kill, Bad Brains, Sleater-Kinney, Death, The Specials, prove race, gender, or sexual preference mean nothing in regards to how hard you can rock, and how imperative it is to include all voices. They widened audiences, opened hearts, changed minds, despite how harrowing the experience may have been for the musicians to do so.
That doesn't mean that there aren't still problems within punk scenes in regards to sexism, homophobia, and racism. But where there was darkness, there is now a lot of light, and most of these issues have been confronted fast and hard in the first waves of punk. Since punk's inception there has been a long history of fighting for the rights of others. The Clash's Rock Against Racism festival being one of the most notable, followed soon by Rock Against Sexism, and countless others, ranging from grassroots protests and strikes, to festivals. Again, not solved completely, but taking better, and earlier strides then most communities.
Legendary DIY all-ages venue 924 Gilman St in Berkeley California not only broke ground for bands to play, but emphasized a more compassionate way of doing things, and scene safety. Run by a true collective. For the minuscule membership fee of two dollars, members meet twice a month to discuss what needs to be done in terms of running the venue and how. 924 was founded on, and has maintained, strict rules against racism, homophobia, sexism, drugs, and violence, as well as keeping shows to strictly independent bands (famously refusing to let Green Day, who got their start gigging at the venue, to play after signing to a major label). Gilman has been home, as well as hosted some of the most important American punk bands. Welcoming thousands of people from all walks of life with open arms for great evenings of great music. Staying true to their mission, striving for a better world, and having fun while doing so.
Along with the safety pins, the studded belts, offensive t-shirts, piercings, tattoos, hair dyes and jarring haircuts comes the realization that we live in a world of illusions and veils. These illusions go in all directions, including inwards. Our appearance is mere decoration. While our exteriors are phenomenal aspects of ourselves, they give no real sense of heart within. We also have no true sense of what lies beneath the surface in others. Some clues, sure, but never the entire picture. At their best, these more radical fashion styles allow the adorner an increased empathy, and patience, allowing to see the humanity within others rather than what a bias on their appearance might be telling us. While on one end of the spectrum it is easy to point at wolves in sheep's clothing (horrific examples include the priest that molests altar boys, crooked cops, bent politicians, etc), the other side of the extreme is host to far more, everyday, wonderful cases to discover. From brilliant blue collar workers, to kind hearted goths, generous rappers, to the intellectual stay at home mothers. Through this lens one finds more good than bad. There are more friends and allies to uncover where they once may have been overlooked.
The pendulum moves from hope to despair. The swings are as vicious, as they are relentless. The dream crumbles quick, and reality bites back hard. When you think you've found stable ground the rug is torn from beneath you. Whether it's an icon or leader's fall from grace, or the dark seeded underbelly that festers under all governments, organized religions, and organizations for that matter. As hard as it tries, even Gilman St. suffered imperfections, and scandals. While there are many positive aspects of punk rock, theres no denying the violence, the gangs, and, worst of all, the white supremist neo-nazis. Neo-nazis, sexists, abuse, are the most horrific aspects of disparaging darkness within the dream that one must reject, there are more dissollutions to come but in the darkness is always light,( see the Dead Kennedy's anthem: Nazi Punks Fuck Off).
While a majority of punk communities are based on inclusion and unity, travelling to different punk scenes can be a rude awakening. That's not to say there weren't extraordinary thinkers and visionaries, but punk's abroad can be far more abrasive, and self serving. Rotten with rudeness, hooliganism, though not as dangerous as they are disappointing. It can make the revolution appear as if it was built on lies. Even something as presumably innocuous as straight edge falls from grace. What starts off as a very positive course, a rejection of substances (booze, drugs), and quick pleasures, not conforming because you're expected to, can make an unexpected and horrible turn. On the positive side, some evolve to things like Krishna-core, a more mindful way of living, (see Shelter, and Equal Vision Records), veganism, and animal rights. Other straight edge scenes become militant. Inciting violence, smacking drinks out of people's hands, wearing t-shirts with slogans like "Kill Your Local Drug Dealer," and starting aggressive, violent gangs. The worst being murderous Neo-Nazi groups adopting "Hate-Edge."
Even squatting scenes suffered. Philosophical spears against class war can be in many ways amazing, harmonious, and utopian. Providing punks without the means to exist to flourish (see The Clash, or Crass). In other ways squatters completely fuel the opposing views of negligence and vandalism. The destruction, and closed mindedness of some squatters is completely selfish, and pigheaded. Drowning the disparaged spirit of change.
Again the pendulum swings, bringing a healthier perspective, and back and forth and so on. Around the world there's the good and bad. Friendly hardcore shows in Seoul, and Bali, unity in Australia and New Zealand, riots in London, obscene abuse in Europe, Nazi skinheads, DIY punks in Rio, it can be hard to find balance, but balance is what is needed. When you're too close it's easy to see all the blemishes, and imperfections. Which is good, it's healthy, it can point you in the right direction for change when you don't get dragged down. Zooming out is also important, from a distance the imperfections are still there, but so is the progress. Is the world a utopia? Far from it, but are we a great distance closer than we started? There is no doubt.
The hardest step in the journey, of course, is coming to terms with your own shadow side. Accepting that like everything and everyone else, you have your faults, and are far from as perfect as you'd like to think. That's ok. It is impossible not to be. Perfection is as much as a flawed fiction as it is a wonderful game of perspective. The Japanese have a tremendous practice called Kintsugi, where broken pottery is fixed with gold. Changing the "flaws'' to the most valuable aspects of the piece. We are all as"broken" as we are already "whole". It's a difficult concept, the most burdensome of the path.
You will on occasion compromise both your values and self. You will eat unhealthy food. You will take out your emotions accidentally on the ones you love the most. You will make mistakes. You will do small infractions, bend to corporations for ease. And it's true, it's next to impossible when you need fresh socks, or a quick meal, make minimum wage at best, or are trying to support people beyond your means, and are attempting to procure things from ethical sources. In truth, perhaps a hardline stance on everything doesn't serve you, or anyone else, as much as you think. Eventually it comes time to shed the skin of the punk rock identity, and evolve. The fashion might change, you might need to for a job to afford living as healthy, and kind as you can. To raise a family, and do your best for the next generation. For some, this is the end of the road. For others, this is the most important step, the one that spins the wheel again. A rebirth. Your clothes may change but your style, and values don't need to. Always unapologetic in your sense self, retaining the discovered ideals you love, whilst reaching ever upwards for further growth. A deeper understanding of the truth, and ethos, the evolution of what being a "punk," really means.
This is the part that ascends punks from snot-nosed brats, to legends. The death and rebirth. From the uncalled for fury of Henry Rollins the singer, to the brilliant, and charming public speaker and activist he is now. When the Clash disbanded, Joe Strummer continued as an everyman, his most famed latter performances were around campfires at Glastonbury staying up late in the night, singing and swapping stories with anyone, and everyone. Him and Paul Simonon both continued lives as activists after being in one of the most important bands in history (as well as making fantastic music in other groups outside of the punk genre). Ray Cappo (Youth of Today) and John Joseph (of the Cromags) both left the hardcore scene and studied with Hare Krishnas, only to return to punk with "Krishna Consciousness." Playing to the same audiences with changed values, and renewed conviction. Ray not only started a new group (Shelter) but wildly influential label Equal Vision to spread his PMA (Positive Mental Attitude- coined by the Bad Brains) ideals to scenes across the country.
It doesn't always need to be that extreme, bands evolve and grow even within the scene. Sometimes outgrowing, and returning later when the rest of the world has caught up. Swedish legends Refused are a prime example with their album The Shape of Punk to Come. Upon release the record was heavily criticized and panned by fans and critics. Only to be (arguably) one of the most influential records of the 90s, evolving hardcore, punk, emo, metalcore and the like. They broke up and started new projects, retaining their ideals only to return as legends taking their messages to larger audiences then they could ever imagine. Before Refused, in the 80's, post-punks reinvented hardcore after hitting the ceiling of speed and sound. They slowed things down, becoming angular from their previous straight head form. Punk in personality but perhaps not in their tempo. The Replacements, growing from their snot-nosed hardcore on Sorry Ma' Forgot to Take Out the Trash, to heartfelt ballads like Androgynous, as emotional, and gorgeous as it was informative, and thought provoking. That it wouldn't be punk to stay stagnant and not evolve, not push against your own, and your audience's boundaries. Sometimes a different sound is too punk for the punks, which is in the most punk thing of all.
You can see the same concept in the evolution of how individual punks approach the anarchist A. Moving from a cliched chaotic proclamation, to a rebellious libertarian political ideology, finally to a deeper personal philosophy embracing individual accountability and sovereignance, following one's will and bliss, embracing both the chaos surrounding order, and the order surrounding chaos.
It's a painful realization, admitting that punk rock has not saved the world. Watching former idols fall in disgrace, witnessing the death rattle of great projects like Rock Against Bush, confronting the failures of greater community by and large. Yet out of the ashes comes hope again. From there stands the next plateau, seeing others again with the ideals you love. Seeing the ripples of the voices, the rise of veganism, and better food consciousness, decolonization, the damnation of racists, a renewed effort of magnifying problems in hierarchies, old repressive systems and mindsets, and making efforts to repair.
When your eyes are open you can see hope again. You can find "punks'' in a world you had once rejected and appreciate a new harmonious balance. Seeing the White Album as punk, seeing Pet Sounds as punk, Yeezus as punk, listening to Classical music in the 2000s is punk, A Tribe Called Quest is Punk, Lady Gaga is punk, Nina Simone was punk, Bowie was punk, Dali was punk, Picasso was punk. Recognizing "punks' ' like Gandhi, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks have been dotting all of our recorded history. Contemporary punks like Kendrick Lamar, Bernie Sanders, Gabor Maté, Daryl Davis with their unapologetic self identities, and morality, but with a dash less aggression, continue to carry the banner. The spark is everywhere, regardless or not if it came from a Sex Pistol's record. The same essence is in the DIY ethos and unity that kicked off collectives like the Wu-tang Clan, and Odd Future. Punk finally ascends from a sound to a spirit. The spirit of revolutionaries, those that welcome different, and difficult perspectives. That take the chore of harmonizing discords, and making music from them, carving joy from the ugliest of sounds. That this noise did ultimately change things for the better, rather in increments than like a light switch.
Vision cleared, we can recognize the importance of the "punk attitude" in creating not only well rounded world views, but personalities. That punk is not just an embrace of the shadow itself, but the All (see punk band All). It's finding your own path, following your bliss whilst simultaneously lifting everyone else up along the way (whether they've fallen in the pit of life or they're crowd surfing high above). The balance between being self actualized and independent, while opening up to radical collectiveness. That we are a group of individuals, who need not conform to an identity of a single group. That there's no need "join the punks'' but to realise that we are all "punks" in our own way, on our own path, and we need to look out for one another. That it's paramount to think for ourselves. To listen with our hearts, to digest and sift through the noise in order to find the heart of songs, the hearts of those hurt, to see the fragility of anger, to find the power to embrace our darker emotions, and the love hidden within them. To recognize everyone else as fellow travellers, fellow punks, doing their best. To lend a sympathetic ear to those lost to the tides of life, and not let their hopelessness drown us. That we can lead with our own hearts and not rely on charlatans or false idols to guide us. That the path is never done. That it’s endless circles (or circle pits), picking up the pieces, trying again. In this way "punk" is, in fact, revolutionary. It's never ending cycles, spiralling (hopefully) forever forward. From punk, to post-punk, to a life in service of one's family and the global family of other selves.
It's doubtful that any revolutionary was ever happy, or satisfied with their work when the world is still filled with hurt and injustice. Not Joe Strummer, not Woody Gutherie, not Mandela, not Gandhi. No mythic punk like Buddah, Mohammad, or Jesus. At a certain point you accept that you can only do the best you can, and hope your work, your influence (no matter the reach, the world, your community, your children, or friends), ripples to greater things in your wake.
Perfection lies in perspective. At first glance punk rock is the yang to the yin, both the dot of order in the chaos, and the chaos surrounding the order. The madness of mosh-pits, with the friendly barrier of peer's containing it. In truth punk is the yin-yang itself, beyond the duality within, rather, the complete balanced wholeness in its entirety. Oh it's not a path embraced by all, the trail is a turbulent walk through fire, but the clarity of self, and community is more than worth it.
Anger is not to be shied away from, rather, embraced, until it's calm and quieted, safe and assured. Punk is not dead. Punk is rebirth.
Thanks for reading! As a little treat i drafted up some proper moshpit ettiquette rules for you! enjoy!
-Mr. Write
1) If someone falls, pick them up
This goes without saying, if you notice someone down, lend hands. If you can't reach the fallen, open your arms to claim the space so those helping, as well as those on the ground, don't get trampled.
2) Don't Panic!
Lifted from Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, there couldn't be better advice in general. Whatever the situation is, if you fell, you're crowdsurfing erratically, don't panic, just ask for help. Your neighbours will be happy to get you out of the situation.
3) Grrrls to the Front
This is not sex specific, originated by Bikini Kill to make sure womyn had a safe space to enjoy shows and see bands, we can extend this to everyone. Mosh, dance, but make room for those who want to be every bit as involved and not get body slammed. If you see some people on the fringes of the pit who doesn't want to get hit, and you're able bodied enough to make barrier for them with your body, do so.
3.2)
For us giants out there, if its a less rowdy show, look behind to you and see if someone shorter wants to step in front. They won't ruin your field of vision at all and the world needs a little more kindness.
4) No elbows, no pushing.
Ok, maybe a dash of pushing, but if your pitting, its shoulders and bouncing bodies only. Your elbows hurt. Pogo as hard as you want, it's called slam-dancing for a reason, and its an absolute blast. This isn't fight club, i've been through every pit imaginable you're no hero for playing king of the mountain during a Slayer set. Have fun and make sure everyone else is having a good time too.
5) Take your hardcore dancing to the back of the room.
You're just being a dick. Imagine if someone started break dancing in the middle of the dance floor tripping everyone. It's everyone's space and the amount of time people get clipped by fists and kicks is far too often. Hey, dance how ever the hell you like to, take it to the back cool guy. Lets avoid injuring others.
6) Don't go against the grain in the circle pit.
Ok... maybe do it a smidge. Not a hard rule, i get it, its pretty fun, just remember to keep your elbows down, and don't try and ruin the moment for others.
7) Tie up your shoes
When you fall you take others down with you.
Have fun out there dingdongs!