I have been to my fair share of metal shows. If you had told me that five years ago, I would have called you a liar. But, the more I go to the more I honestly enjoy them. My first metal concert was unlike anything that I had ever been to. I went and saw Danzig [original Misfits singer] on Halloween. I saw more jean jackets, black patches, and band T-shirts that night than I think I had in my entire life. There was pushing and shoving in the crowd, but that was only the result of the energy and excitement of each and everyone there. They seemed to feed off of one another's head banging so that soon enough the whole audience was in sync with the music.

When I was younger, I used to never understand how people listened to any type of rock music. It all sounded like noise to me. Now, I don't think you can truly appreciate a style of music without seeing it live for yourself. Seeing bands live allows you to watch them and take in everything that's on stage. When I am at a metal concert, one of my favorite things is to watch all of the band members. It's amazing to see how fast the guitarist can move his fingers and think about how the lead singer can sing like that for that long. I mean how can you strain your voice or scream for over an hour and still sound good? I would never have thought that I would enjoy listening to that type of music but when you're in the moment, with everyone else in the crowd, their head banging and pushing and shoving is quite contagious. It makes you feel carefree and able to let loose without people complaining about you stepping on their toes or spilling their drink. They're not complaining because they're doing it too. Not on purpose, but when you're at the edge of the pit it doesn't matter if you accidentally bump into someone, everyone is just having a good time and listening to the music.

When I first found myself in a mosh pit, I was instantly panicked. People much larger than me were stomping in circles and hurling their bodies this way and that. I soon realized that if I stumbled back or felt myself falling there was always someone there helping me back up. Metalheads are some of the nicest people I've met and the most interesting to hang out with. Metal is a lifestyle just like any other; it just took me a while to recognize and enjoy it.

I've been to all sorts of pop, reggae, and hip hop concerts before, but there is something about going to a metal show with all of your friends. There's something about the friendly, almost violent, fun that goes on in the audience. Next time you favorite metal band comes to town, throw on a pair of jeans, Doc Martens, and a black T-shirt and go. I promise you won't regret it.