Boston, MA police and city officials have been cracking down on moshing at shows held in the city. The police recently cited the Boston area House Of Blues club for a license violation as a result of a mosh pit at a Flogging Molly show. No injuries were reported from the set however.
Boston, MA police spokeswoman Nicole Grant spoke on the situation, offering:
“Dancing is a First Amendment right, but the behavior itself is a violation, especially when it becomes dangerous and a public safety hazard.”
Apparently the House of Blues has since been ordered to put up signs which forbid moshing. You can read more on that, complete with commentary from members of Unearth, Shadows Fall and The Red Chord over at Bostonherald.com.
Update – March 13th 10:12am:
Shadows Fall frontman Brian Fair has since taken to his Twitter to discuss the crackdown. Here’s what he had to say:
“Read about the Boston Police crackdown on moshing http://bit.ly/zkYlkB by @DaveWedge. Crazy to think the would spend money + energy on this! Moshing allows people to release aggression and energy in an environment that welcomes it and polices itself.
Adding police into the mix will Only add to the potential for confrontation. Focus on real violent criminals and leave music fans to enjoy themselves in they way they want. I support the idea of stopping fights at shows and attempting to minimize violence and injury but this is the least productive way to do so.
Yes people occasionally get hurt but not any more then at contact sports like youth football and hockey. And I see more fights outside frat bars and club nights then I do at metal and hardcore shows. Go bust real criminals and let the kids dance”
