ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO PREVENT ASSAULT AT GIGS?
I have always been safer at metal gigs over mainstream gigs and nights out. I like going in the pit; it’s my choice, if I get hit by a guy it’s never intentional, and most will go a bit easier if they see you are a woman. That is why I have always loved the metal scene! I can go to a gig on my own and not get hit on, because people are actually there for the music, and 99% of the time I have found the guys at metal gigs to be wellmannered. Usually they will look out for you, and even fend off the odd creepy guy you always get in a crowd. I love this scene. KRISTA-BELLE As a guy, from my concertgoing experience, women tend to be protected and respected at metal gigs. I’ve never seen any form of harassment, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. I’m pretty sure if a girl
With groping at metal shows being reported more regularly and issues of pit etiquette within the scene receiving
national attention, this month we ask…
called out a guy for harassing or assaulting her, the other dudes around him would probably fuck him up. PATRICK SHAW
I go to gigs of multiple genres. Dudes at lots of punk shows are total douches, which is odd as most of them claim to be so PC and all for women, but they treat us like meat. In the metal scene I never have dudes sliming on me. Interactions are very appropriate. I think part of the reason is they are actually there for the music. I’m not sure if it’s like that everywhere, though. ZOE RAE
I went to a Metallica show last Friday, and
I’ve never met nicer, more respectful and friendly men. I’ve been to concerts and shows for all genres of music, and by far the most respectful are the metal guys. My girl friend and I never once worried about our safety. JESSICA LYNE SARLEY
I have been punched, kneed, elbowed, crushed and shoved aside at metal gigs, the worst offenders being Slayer fans. At the same time, I have also had complete strangers put their arms on either side of me to protect me from jerks! I am 55 years old and it’s nice to know there are still some gentlemen out there.
TANYA SAINT I think most women are cared for. Some guys get careless while rough housing at gigs, but it’s mostly unintentional. I don’t know of any girls who have been inappropriately touched at gigs, though that’s not to say there aren’t any. MARK VANDERVELDEN
I feel safe but I do get sick of boozed-up men pushing past me, spilling their pints all over me and treading on my feet. And you mega-tall guys: we want to see the band, too! STEPHANIE KAYE
I’ve been going to metal gigs since I was 13 (I’m 27 now). I always feel comfortable and safe at shows. If I go in the pit, it’s at my own risk. I don’t feel I should be treated differently because I’m a woman. Everyone should look after each other regardless of gender.
BECKY HUGHES
Where I’m from, girls are treated as equal. If they want to get in the pit, they go and go hard, and everybody looks out for everybody. It’s always felt like a respectable community that I’m proud to be a part of. CODY SCHULER
You never know what will happen at a show. The crowd could be forgiving and just want to have fun – devil horns, headbanging and some friendly pushing, while other shows can be really violent. As a woman, I feel like you need to observe the overall feel of the crowd. It’s important to assess the situation.
LEXII ROJOHN
I have social anxiety and the lead-up to any metal gig gets my stomach in a massive knot, as I usually go solo. But, when I actually get there, I’m in a happy place. I’ve met so many nice people there and have often come away with new, genuine friends. Sure, you’re always going to get that group of wankers that are there, but the majority of metalheads are the most amazing, caring breed of human.
YVETTE SMITH next MONTH:
WHY Were THE 90s so MALIGNED BY METAL FANS?