Tales from the pit: moshing in the metal scene
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Joseph M. Barker (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
- Advisor
- Sarah Daynes
Abstract: What would become known as Moshing began in the early 1980s in the punk scene. It’s a violent and aggressive form of dancing that can involve flailing, pushing, kicking, and hitting other dancers. Moshing has made headlines in the news when fans have died in these aggressive concerts. However, this aggressive dance also harbors social bonding, a code of ethics, and comradery that give life to concerts. As moshing spreads to more genres such as rap and electronic dance music, it becomes increasingly important to understand its role and function in live performance. This paper uses neo-tribal theory to analyze site observations and in-depth interviews with moshers to understand how moshers turn the space in a venue into a place for creating meaning and belonging.
Tales from the pit: moshing in the metal scene
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Created on 12/1/2019
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Thesis
- Language: English
- Date: 2019
- Keywords
- Metal, Moshing, Mosh Pit, Neo-Tribal
- Subjects
- Moshing $x Social aspects
- Dance and violence $x Social aspects
- Heavy metal (Music) $x Social aspects
- Hardcore (Music) $x Social aspects