I bet the footage is still around somewhere, but in 1996-ish, MuchMusic did an interview with Victoria punk gods, NOMEANSNO! Intertwined with the interview is footage of a show that had them performing at the now-defunct New York Theatre in Vancouver. If you can find that interview, you will see a 20 year old Chris Alscher, with a smile as wide as the Grand Canyon, pushing down a young man half his size in the middle of a mosh pit! I was wearing this white shirt with a giant likeness of Johannes Brahms on it! BADASS!
After that monumental experience, I thought shows were incredibly boring if no one was moshing at them. I had to be "calmed down" at the LUV-A-FAIR after trying to start something when the DJ played Smashing Pumpkins "Cherub Rock!" I tried to start something at a Spirit Of The West outdoor show once!
But, my days of doing that are long since past, thank goodness. One reason for the self-retirement is that it is really tiring. Another reason for stopping is that the music that inspires such acts of aggression doesn't do much for me anymore. And most importantly, old guys moshing is kind sad. No offence to my father.
How old is too old to join in the choas of a mosh pit?