Growing old in the mosh pit: Subcultural perspectives of belonging and ageing in extreme metal music

This study explores how older extreme metal fans understand and sustain long-term involvement in a translocal subculture. Drawing on cultural gerontology’s invitation to examine spaces uncommon in ageing research (Twigg & Martin, 2015), it addresses a notable gap: older adults’ identity work in extreme metal scenes has been largely overlooked, despite extreme metal’s global reach and distinctive local scenes (Kahn-Harris, 2007; Wallach et al., 2011). The article asks how fans aged 60–75 across the UK, Denmark, Bolivia, Finland and Germany experience belonging, identity and ageing, and what their participation reveals about informal learning in non-traditional cultural spaces. It frames extreme metal fandom as a community of practice (Wenger, 1999), extending debates on ageing and fandom beyond mainstream music audiences (Jennings, 2015; Harrington & Bielby, 2017).

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE OLDEST METAL HEAD ON THE PLANET

We used a qualitative-based approach and narrative storytelling to generate data and insights to foster communication and understanding to promote social change among underrepresented groups.

We consider how social diversity acknowledging not only race, class, and gender but also age is important for older adults as they become part of the cultural fabric in societal communities of practice. We would like to have a better understanding of the motivations of older adult communities for attending extreme metal festivals, exploring their experiences, and examining the social dynamics within this community.

Notes:

* This project was initially funded by the Faculty Research Initiatives Fund (FRIF), Queen’s University Belfast, then self sustatined.

* Initially, we used the word seniors in the title for the promotion of this research; we also understand that the preferred word for these underrepresented communities is older adults. However, upon conversations with folks, we realized the negative nature of the terms and as suggested by them, we use the word Elders, which suggests a person with a vast knowledge of the topic based on their long-lived experiences.

* Extreme metal is mainly referred to as Black Metal, Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, Blackened Death Metal, Grind Core, Grind Noise and other aggressive, fast, heavy subgenres of Metal Music sonically and lyrically.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse