Caught In A Mosh

Album: Among the Living (1987)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Anthrax relates getting caught in a mosh pit to dealing with stubborn, annoying person. When you get stuck in a mosh pit, it can be frustrating and can wear you down in a hurry. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Nick K - Longmont, CO
  • Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian considers this song the best starting point for people who are just getting into the band. "It's like a greatest hits in one song," he told Revolver. "It's got so many different aspects. It's got hardcore, it's got rock, it's got metal. That main riff is like an AC/DC riff, but then you've got a hardcore breakdown in the middle, you've got the down-picking verses. It's fast, it's mid-tempo, it's slow. It's got everything."
  • The song came from an Anthrax guitar tech hurting his back in the pit. While being treated by paramedics, he yelled, "Dude, I got caught in a mosh!"
  • The master recording of this song appears in both Guitar Hero: Smash Hits and Rock Band 3.
  • Charlie Benante told Artist Direct in a 2016 interview that this is his favorite song to play live. He explained: "Since the song was first written and recorded, it's been in the set list and it's always been a number that gets people going crazy.

    And it's fun to play; there are different elements of the song that I love. I especially love when the song kicks in it has this really cool, I would call it an 'AC/DC-type of beat' except a little faster. But there are just elements of the song that keep me interested and I know the audience loves that song."
  • "Caught In A Mosh" ranked #29 on VH1's list of the 40 Greatest Metal Songs.

Comments: 5

  • Dan Gillespy. from Courtenay Bc.A very very good and a very super cool thrash metal classic.
  • Dylan from Euclid, Ohwhen i went to a anthrax consert in 1984 this song was played and i broke a few bones in the mosh pit :)
  • Aaron from Seattle, WaI love the bass intro the best.
  • Christopher from Santiago, ChileAwww... the crowd... er... I mean... THE MOSH PLEASER SONG!!! Whenever I hear this one, I go wild. This song can energize anyone =).
  • Cody from Perry, NyGreat song. One of Anthrax's best!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

JJ Burnel of The Stranglers

JJ Burnel of The StranglersSongwriter Interviews

JJ talks about The Stranglers' signature sound - keyboard and bass - which isn't your typical strain of punk rock.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.