The Mosh Pit Army Soldier’s Creed

I am a Soldier in the Mosh Pit Army

I represent the free human spirit and the heart of all metal fans

I am a warrior and guardian of a brotherhood committed to protect, honor, and respect all those who enter the mosh pit

I will always place the safety of others first

No matter what situation I am in, I will never do anything which will disgrace the Mosh Pit Army

And above all, I will remember I am in the mosh pit for fun!

Description

Moshing- A new age form of dance that is described as concert goers aggressively shoving and slamming into one another. Also includes stage diving, crowd surfing and headbanging. Moshing is normally found at hardcore punk, heavy metal, and hard rock shows. Moshing is described as one of the most energetic, crazed forms of dancing ever invented. Moshing is normally performed in a Mosh Pit or Circle Pit.

Rules

In all Mosh Pits there are standard rules that apply:

1. Remember to have fun! You are there to get your aggressions out, not thrown out of the show or end up in jail.

2. Don't take anything personal. If you are in the Pit or near the Pit, you will be hit, end of story. So try not to get mad.

3. If a fellow Soldier falls, get him back on his feet as soon as possible.

4. In the event of slower song, keep the Pit going with the "Slow Motion Mosh".

5. This one is directed toward the females, If you are going to be in or near the Pit you may get leveled, sorry...

6. Boyfriends/husbands, if you don't want your girl hurt, don't get her near the Pit dumbass!

7. Always assist a fellow Soldier no matter what. We are all brothers in the Pit.

History

Slam dancing began in the 1970's at Punk Rock shows and later developed into moshing in the early 1980's. Moshing is rumored to have originated in Southern California (L.A.) during the early 80's. As Punk music became more aggressive the audience response was to match the intensity and aggressive nature of this new music. Along with the audience slamming into each other, moshing was defined by strutting around in a circle, swinging your arms around and hitting anyone within your reach. this form of moshing was termed the "Huntington Beach Strut" after the neighborhood of Orange County where it originated. Author Steven Blush writes:

"According to lore, Mike Marine, a former U.S. Marine and star of "The Decline of Western Civilization", performed the first slam dance in 1979. Marine created a vicious version of punk dancing. He'd smash the fucking face on anyone who would get near him--especially some hippie, who'd get pulverized."