Huge American music festival introduces moshpit “zones”
The annual American music festival, Rock Fest, has introduced “designated zones” for moshing during the 2024 event.
Rock Fest, which takes place in Cadott, Wisconsin, is set to run from July 17th to July 20th, but this year, festival goers will need to act differently. The new measures have been introduced in order to make it a safer experience for those in attendance.
The significant event typically attracts around 30,000 on a daily basis, and this year, it will be headlined by Mötley Crue’s Vince Neil, Jelly Roll, Shinedown and Thirty Seconds To Mars. Other acts set to appear include Parkway Drive, Fever 333, Killswitch Engage and The Hu.
With a festival that specialises in heavy rock, typically, moshing goes hand-in-hand with the experience of those in attendance, but Rock Fest attracts more reserved audience members than most events, hence the new rule.
In a new statement, the organisers confirmed: “In the past, we’ve held back on moshing at ‘Rock Fest’ to ensure everyone’s safety, which is our top priority. We know, however, that moshing is a vital part of rockers’ release and metal experience for many of you we’ve listened to your feedback and are excited to introduce a moshing area at the Budweiser Boneyard Stage as a pilot program.”
Defending their decision, they added: “This allows us to embrace the energy of moshing while maintaining a safe environment for all festival-goers. We’re setting up designated zones for both moshers and non-moshers, ensuring everyone can still enjoy the show up close.”
They concluded the statement by writing, “Please note, for everyone’s safety, hardcore dancing styles flail moshing will not be permitted. Lets rock responsibly, keep an eye out for our brothers and sisters, and make this a memorable addition to Rock Fest 2024!”
Despite being called Rock Fest, the event doesn’t have a reputation for rowdy audiences. After Falling In Reverse’s performance last year, their frontman, Ronnie Radke, took to X to share his frustration with the crowd.
Radke wrote: “It’s time for bands to criticize crowds. Cadott, Wisconsin was boring as hell. LOL. What are some cities dudes hate playing cause you know the crowds are lame?”
While the idea of “designated zones” for moshing may seem like a plan which could derail the energy of the festival, Rock Fest hope it will have the opposite effect and make their crowds more lively without harming the safety of those who don’t want to get involved.
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