Moshpit: The Violent World of Mosh Pit Culture

by Joe Ambrose

Joe Ambrose has spent 5 years talking to the fans and the bands who subscribe to the violent culture of the Moshpit. This disturbing book is the result. Moshing, Ambrose says, is a unique and often violent interaction between artists and fans. Its heroes are bands like Marilyn Manson, Korn and Slipknot. Injuries to fans - even death - are all part of the attraction. A riveting expose of rock’s darker side.

Genres: Music

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

About the author

Joe Ambrose works as a writer, filmmaker, and DJ. As a member of experimental hip hop group Islamic Diggers, he as performed live with Lydia Lunch, Anita Pallenberg, Richard Hell, and Howard Marks. He is the author of seven previous books including two novels - Too Much Too Soon and Serious Time - praised by The Guardian as being "unputdownable." His non-fiction includes Gimme Danger: The Iggy Pop Story, Moshpit Culture, and, with Frank Rynne, Hashishin. He co-produced with Rynne the 2CD 10% File Under Burroughs featuring tracks from William Burroughs, Brion Gysin, John Cale, Marianne Faithful

Reviews

[Mirella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly personally written book from the inside of mosh pit culture. The screaming cover and title do not do it justice. Besides the writer's strong opinion, that you can agree with or not, the details and facts on this book are uncommonly accurate, as far as I can tell from my own experiences. Sometimes the year is not correct but that seems more like a lack of editing than anything else.
I enjoyed reading this very much, because it almost felt like being there, throughout the years and in different parts of the world, seeing lots of live performances by bands with mosh pits. Maybe it is less fun if you do not know or like most of the bands mentioned, but I happen to like most. Someone should make a playlist to accompany this book.
Some serious subjects are in the book, like people getting wounded or even dying during or after concerts and festivals. Opinions and facts are given so you can sketch your own picture and maybe see things from more than one angle.
All in all, it is a varied book that can be read one short chapter at a time, since every chapter is about a different topic. It is educating, challenging, and entertaining. I wish all my friends would read it.

[Embla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sei a un concerto rock. L’atmosfera è carica. Le luci si spengono, la musica inizia…
ed improvvisamente decine di ragazzi iniziano a spintonarsi aggressivamente e a lanciarsi l’uno contro l’altro.

E’ il Moshing: una danza violenta e sfrenata, una sorta di moderno ballo tribale che si pratica durante gli spettacoli degli artisti dediti al rock duro, al metal, all’hardcore senza compromessi. E la zona sotto al palco dove il pubblico si infiamma seguendo il ritmo delle band più energiche si chiama MOSHPIT.