How To: Moshing Explained with Do’s and Don’ts
GET READY TO MOVE, BUT KNOW YOUR LIMITS
(TLDR at the end of this post)
The idea of being dragged into a mosh pit, often freaks new concert goers out. Many imagine stepping into a swirling vortex of chaos, where everyone is fighting for their life in a mosh pit but this is not reality. I have been a part of this tradition for over 20 years and if you want to understand the controlled chaos, keep read.
GENERAL ADMISSION Pit ≠ MOSH PIT
GA/General Admission/Pit/The Pit: Think of it as standing room where you can stake out a spot to vibe to the music. You might end up near some enthusiastic pushers, but unless you’re in the pit, you’re not obligated to throw hands or dodge flailing limbs.
Mosh Pit: This is a specific, self-contained zone of movement. It’s where fans get together to fell the music, push each other around, and truly have a good time. People wouldn’t do it if they thought it wasn’t fun.
Myth: “Everyone in GA gets dragged into the mosh pit.”
Myth Busting Fact: Nope. Mosh pits are voluntary zones of chaos. If you don’t want in, stay clear of the center. You might feel a little crowd push from fans moving with the music, but that’s not the same as moshing.
MOSH PIT BEHAVIOR CHANGES
Mosh pits shift depending on:
The Band: New Found Glory might bring fun, bounce-heavy pits, while A Day to Remember could spark some serious breakdown energy.
The Song: Fast-paced anthems equal chaos; slower songs tend to mellow the crowd out.
At festivals like When We Were Young, Riot Fest, or Sad Summer Fest, pits can be unpredictable. Casual fans might not follow the “unwritten rules,” so watch your surroundings.
TYPES OF MOSH PITS
1. Pop-Punk/Emo Concerts
Expect:
Circle Pits: Everyone runs in a coordinated circle, propelled along by people on the edges. It’s oddly satisfying and chaotic.
Push/Bounce Pits: People running into each other like a human game of bumper cars. Light chaos, heavy camaraderie.
Key Rule: If someone falls, everything stops (in that vicinity). The Pit pulls together to help them up.
2. Ska Shows
Expect:
Skanking! It’s moshing, but quirky. Lots of stomping, flailing arms, and big smiles. Ska pits tend to feel playful and less aggressive, so bring your energy but leave your fists at home.
Pro Tip: Go see Real Big Fish for the best example of skanking; thank me later.
3. Hardcore Concerts
Expect:
Wall of Death: The crowd splits into two sides, only to charge at each other when the song drops. It’s intense, to say the least.
Slam Dance Moshing & Hardcore Dancing: Think exaggerated, aggressive movements. Expect windmills, high kicks, and bodies flying. Hardcore pits can be dangerous, so know your limits. Still confused?
Pro Tip: Watch AFI's "The Leaving Song, Pt. II" music video.
My Hard No: Crowd killing—a brutal form of moshing that involves intentional harm to those on the edge of the pit. It’s dangerous, reckless, and completely against the spirit of the scene. If you see it, move out and call it out.
HOW TO HELP IF YOU’RE NOT MOSHING
Not feeling it? Step back, find a less chaotic spot, and enjoy the show without the pit’s intensity.
Spot the Fallen: If someone gets knocked down, help them up.
Barrier Support: Stand near the pit’s edge to act as a buffer for those avoiding the chaos.
Lift With Consent: If someone wants to crowd surf or join the pit, help responsibly.
I personally spend most of my time on the edge of the pit, enjoying the view, helping when needed, and only jumping in for a song or two.
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Concert-Ready Kicks: Avoid big boots that can injure others and remember that indoor venues can have slippery floors.
Want to record the madness? Your phone will defiantly get knocked out of your hand. Strap an action camera on, but check your venue’s rules first. Not all places allow them.
"Follow Me to the Pit" T-Shirt: Great for moshing or just flexing your concert vibes.
Emo Never Died—And Neither Did the Scene
Moshing is part of the emo, pop-punk, and hardcore culture, but it’s just one way to connect with the music and community. Whether you’re catching State Champs, belting out every lyric to Waterparks, or vibing in the back at an emo nite, there’s a place for everyone.
For more emo concert-ready gear and to rep the culture, check out our emo merchandise in our “Emo Never Died” collection our “Pop Punk” collections. Stay safe, have fun, and remember: help up your fellow fans up, even if you’re not in the pit.
TL;DR: Moshing
General Admission ≠ Mosh Pit: GA is just open floor space; you don’t have to join the pit if you don’t want to.
Types of Mosh Pits: Pop-punk has circle and push pits, ska is playful with skanking, and hardcore pits bring the Wall of Death and slam dancing.
Stay Safe: Help people up if they fall, and watch your surroundings.
Festival Pits: Casual fans may not follow the rules—be mindful of unpredictability at big events like WWWY or Riot Fest.
Gear Up: Skip boots & secure your essentials
