Looking for someone who had a pretty happy childhood and who grew up to be a well-adjusted adult? Just find a person who was into heavy metal in the 80s. “Social support is a crucial protective factor for troubled youth. Fans and musicians alike felt a kinship in the metal community, and a way to experience heightened emotions with like-minded people.” (So that’s what was going on in the mosh pit…)

+ I waited until adulthood to attend my first heavy metal festival. And I must admit, I was struck by how welcoming it seemed. I was struck by other elements as well, as I shared in the piece I wrote for McSweeney’s: An open letter to the guy who puked next to me at the heavy metal festival.