How to survive a moshpit
Going to live gigs can be both a hugely thrilling and hugely terrifying event. You travel to the venue, join the queue, and make yourself comfortable for several hours. You finally make it inside to the hot, sticky, claustrophobic and dark pit, waiting for the band to come on. How do you survive?
The Heat
The most dangerous thing about being in a mosh pit is the heat. It’s hot and sticky, with little to no ventilation. Trying to stay cool is easier said than done. Don’t go in there wearing a hoody. Wear a t-shirt. It’s better to be too cold than too hot, though there’s not much chance of getting cold.
The Dehydration
Unfortunately you’re not allowed to take food and drink inside with you. Some venues do have bars where you can buy drinks, and they should give you tap water for free. If they don’t, you should complain.
Security guards do pass out cups of water, and if you get them first, don’t drink all of the water! Just take a little sip to keep you going and then pass the cup back. I can guarantee the people behind you are suffering more than you are.
The Pushing
It seems that everyone in a pit wants to be right at the front. This obviously results in a lot of pushing, which can be hard to deal with, especially if you’re right at the front against the barrier. Where exactly are you supposed to go? If it were up to me, pushing would be banned, but that’s not about to happen any day soon.
How to get out
The three things I’ve described above are virtually unavoidable in a pit. They can soon become overwhelming. However, do not feel trapped. Help is always at hand. If you’re within a few rows of the barrier, you can normally catch a security guard’s attention. They can then lift you to safety. Make sure you won’t drop anything as you’re lifted out though. A good pair of jeans also helps, as they tend to pull your arms round their shoulders and then grab you round the waist and hoist you out.
If you’re with people, tell them you need to get out and then push your way out. People won’t have a problem with you pushing your way to the back. After all, it means they’ll get that little bit closer to the front!
Once you’re out, it’s probably best for you to *stay* out. It’ll be hard for you to get back in (you’re now right at the back) and there’s a good reason you left: your safety. Pits can be amazingly fun. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of jumping up and down with several hundred other people, all screaming out the lyrics to your favourite song by your favourite band; few things come close.
But, you don’t want to risk your safety just to get that feeling. Be sensible.
First Aid Rooms
All venues will have first aid rooms. Whether you need urgent medical attention, or just a paper bag to breathe into for a while, they’re there to help. Simply ask any security guard or venue employee to point you in the right direction and you’re all set.
For larger venues, or shows where serious injuries are expected, there’ll be paramedics there waiting to take you to hospital. If not, the venue’s first-aiders will call 999 for you. They want you to be safe just as much as you do.
Conclusion
Being in a pit is generally a hot, sticky, mass of sweaty people barely able to stay still. However, there also tends to be a lot of enthusiasm for the band. Most people are there to enjoy themselves and have a good time, not get into trouble. You’ll most likely be fine and have a great time, but if you don’t, please don’t be afraid to ask for help.
