Cadott, WI festival Rock Fest, which bills itself as “the largest rock & camping event in the U.S.,” is launching a new pilot program for 2024 to allow moshing, which has previously been forbidden. In a social media post about “2024 Improvements,” along with options for rent-a-lockers, mocktails, early camping, more hammocks, and theme days, they write, “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 listening to your feedback and are excited to introduce a moshing area at the Budweiser Boneyard Stage as a pilot program. 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. Please note, for everyone’s safety, hardcore dancing styles or flail moshing will not be permitted. Let’s rock responsibly, keep an eye out for our brohers and sisters, and make this a memorable addition to Rock Fest 2024.”
As Stereogum points out, Rock Fest’s 2023 edition took a strong stance against moshing, with the message, “ROCK FEST IS A NON-MOSHING FESTIVAL. No moshing, Death Walls, or any other forms of moshing – security enforces this policy and failure to comply with warnings will result in wristband removal and removal from the festival grounds. Although we understand moshing is part of the rock music culture, the safety of our fans is priority.”
Playing Budweiser’s Boneyard Stage (where the sole “moshing area” will be located) are Evernoir, Shallow Side, Psychostick, and Killakoi on Wednesday; Citizen Kane, Softspoken, Cultus Black, Crossbreed, True Villains, and Nine Left Dead on Thursday; Reign of Z, Kazha, City of the Weak, Silent Theory and Amerakin Overdose on Friday; and Alborn, Ignescent, Blue Felix, Holy Wars, and Dark Sun on Saturday.
Attendees hoping to mosh to headliners and top line artists like Jelly Roll, Chevelle, The Hu, Fever 333, 2 Live Crew, Shinedown, Parkway Drive, Beartooth, Atreyu, From Ashes to New, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Killswitch Engage, Sevendust, and Dirty Honey are out of luck.
