Moshing or slamming refers to the activity in which audience members at live music performances aggressively push or slam into each other. Moshing is frequently accompanied by stage diving, crowd surfing, mic swinging, instrument smashing, and headbanging. It is commonly associated with concerts by punk, hardcore punk, heavy metal, metalcore, grunge, alternative, and rock artists in general.
Moshing primarily takes place at live shows, though it can be done to recorded music.[1] In the 2000s, many variations of moshing exist, such as "thrashing",[2] and the dance is practiced at concerts of many musical genres. Moshing is typically done in an area in front of the stage which is referred to as the mosh pit or simply pit.
While moshing is seen as a form of positive feedback or reflection of enjoyment from live audiences, it has also drawn some controversy over its dangerous nature – injuries are common and deaths have been reported. However, it is generally agreed that moshers are not trying to harm one another and follow an unwritten "moshing etiquette", or pit hospitality, which promotes safety through behaviours such as immediately helping fallen audience members back to their feet to avoid them being trampled. Commonly the circumstances that lead to this act at a concert are only a few people starting it and creating a snowball effect in the crowd.
Some bands also glamorise the act in their songs, with Hatebreed being an example, while others have voiced protests against it, such as The Smashing Pumpkins