All together now for a pre-mosh ring of fire

Most of us have stood in or at least seen a mosh pit. It's that busy spot in front of the stage where hordes of music fans assemble, cheering or squashing each other as soon as the band gets going. Anyone who made it to London festivals Wireless or Lovebox to see Basement Jaxx and the mighty Dizzee Rascal this year will know that the mosh pit is still going strong. But, just as bands have support acts, so now does the mosh.

The pre-mosh, or circle-pit, formerly appreciated only by death-metal or ska fans, has gone mainstream. Instead of standing still, waiting for the tune to take off, groupies are making space, forming circles and running in anti-clockwise direction, getting the crowd in gear.

It all sounds rather tame — you might anticipate joining hands and chanting next. But you'd be foolish to prepare for a polite gathering of minds or discussion of the base guitar. This is hardcore, violent even, and you'll get shoved aside if you're not quick enough. Whereas there is no mosh-pit manual or style book — while moshing it's generally acceptable to dance, jiggle, muscle your way to the front and jostle for space — circle-pitting requires conformation and energy.

Once the circle-pitting starts, you can't leave. Rather like the rapids at my local swimming pool, which activate when you're least expecting, you have to swim, or in this case run round for your life.

A nod or a catch of the eye might start off a circle-pit frenzy. Usually the beginning of a song will do, but if it's a fast one, it might catch you unawares so it's wise to bring hobnail boots, gum shields or head protection. That might be overstating it, but as someone who has fainted mid-squeeze at a Real Big Fish gig recently, I advise you to come equipped.

It sets a good tone, as George Norton, 25, from Victoria, says: "I've been circle-pitting for some time but I'm glad to see it's gone mainstream. I can't see why you wouldn't because it gets the crowd going better than anything else, which always makes a good gig."

So what are we waiting for? All together now.