What is "moshing"

vb. (present participle of mosh English)

Moshing or slamdancing is a style of dance where participants push or slam into each other, typically during a live music show. It is usually associated with “aggressive” music genres, such as hardcore punk and some styles of extreme metal, especially thrash metal, which borrowed the practice from hardcore punk. In the late 1980s, moshing crossed over into the mainstream and it was done at concerts by grunge bands and other styles. It is primarily done to live music, although it can be done to recorded music.

Variations of moshing exist, and can be done alone as well as in groups. Moshing usually happens in an area called the "pit" (sometimes called a "mosh pit") near the stage. It is intended to be energetic and full of body contact. Variations on the traditional mosh include " pogoing", "circle pits" (where the participants bump and jostle each other as they move in a circle) and the more extreme "wall of death". Some moshers swing their arms back and forth and move their legs in a rhythmic fashion. Moshing is typically done in an area in the center of the crowd, generally closer to the stage.

While moshing is seen as a form of positive fan feedback or expression of enjoyment, it has also drawn criticism over dangerous excesses occurring in offshoots. Injuries have been reported in mosh pits, and a few deaths have occurred in "Wall of Death" moshing, an offshoot that developed when fans at thrash metal shows adopted punk-style slamdancing.