Metal festivals help people endure pain longer

People who attend metal music festivals can tolerate the discomfort of pain for longer, according to a study by German and Belgian researchers reported by ERR.

The researchers conducted a field experiment at the world-famous Wacken metal festival, asking more than 100 volunteers to keep their hands in water cooled to two degrees Celsius. About half took part one day before the festival began, while the others were tested on the third and fourth days of the event.

In a second analysis, the researchers excluded participants who had consumed large amounts of alcohol. The results showed that festivalgoers tolerated the ice-cold water significantly longer than the control group.

The participants did not report less pain or reduced sensitivity. The pain began just as quickly and felt equally unpleasant as before the festival. However, they were able to endure it for a longer period. Neither anticipatory anxiety nor excitement about the festival explained the increase in pain tolerance.

The researchers said the festival experience may have increased participants’ psychological resilience. Metal music often addresses harsh realities and difficult emotions, and its energetic sound may strengthen people’s belief in their ability to cope with challenges.

The researchers also proposed an oxytocin hypothesis. They said that an intense social experience combined with live music may trigger the release of oxytocin, which can ease the sensation of pain. Heavy alcohol intoxication, however, may suppress this beneficial effect.

The findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.