What to Know About “Moshing” and Concert Injuries

The latest craze in dancing at live rock concerts is known as “moshing.” While moshing, concert goers violently slam into one another in an area that is referred to as a “mosh pit.” These mosh pits have turned concert going into a real danger. Crowd Management Strategies Inc, reported that between 1994 and 2006, there were 9 deaths that resulted from mosh pit related accidents. The organization also estimates that at major music festivals, anywhere from 100 to 200 injuries typically occur as the result of moshing. Interestingly, experts state that those whom are closely observing the mosh pits are injured at a much higher rate than those whom are actually doing the moshing.

Mosh Pits Are Dangerous Even with Increased Safety Measures

Despite such dangers, moshing will not likely end anytime soon. At concerts, bands often promote moshing in an effort to excite the crowd, and venue managers often give the ‘okay’ for the activity to go on. In preparation for a concert that is expected to include moshing, venue management may take out costly insurance plans and work on training security to better manage the crowd. Some have suggested that moshing can become more safe if designated moshing areas are created during concerts. This would keep many onlooking bystanders from being harmed. However, this quick fix will do little to stop moshing related injuries and deaths. As long as venues allow for the activity to go on, people will continue to be harmed.

Simply put, moshing is reckless and dangerous. Music venues should ban the activity, and those who don’t should held entirely liable when accidents do occur. Under premise liability laws, property owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who populate their premises. Concerts should not be an exception. Our firm recently took on a case in which a 15-year old boy was injured while attending a concert at Long Island’s Nassau Coliseum. Our New York and Long Island Injury Lawyers want to ensure the safety of the pubic. Hopefully civil actions against those who are in charge of the music festivals will encourage change for a better and a safer concert going experience. For those who have sustained a concert related injury, contact our offices for a free case evaluation.