Introduction Elite musicians face high risks of performance-related health problems, yet research mainly targets classical players. Metal musicians, despite unique demands (fast tempos, headbanging, extreme vocal techniques) remain under-investigated, highlighting urgent need for broader, inclusive studies on musicians’ health. Methods This scoping review, guided by methodological recommendations, maps existing evidence on metal musicians’ health worldwide. It identifies gaps across physical, and mental well-being, using systematic searches, inclusion criteria, and structured data analysis. Results From more than 5,000 references, 47 studies were included, and then categorised into musculoskeletal, vocal, hearing, mental health, mortality, and other issues. Findings highlight specific risks for metal/rock musicians, including injuries, hearing loss, vocal strain, psychological challenges, and elevated mortality rates. Discussion This first scoping review synthesises evidence on metal musicians’ health, highlighting musculoskeletal risks, vocal resilience, hearing loss, psychological stress, and elevated mortality. Despite shared issues with other musicians, unique practices like headbanging demand targeted research, prevention, and culturally informed approaches.
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Camille Rousseau
Dirk Möller
Alice Vincent
Frontiers in Psychology
SHILAP Revista de lepidopterología
Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
Osnabrück University
Université de Tours
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Rousseau et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
www.synapsesocial.com/papers/69e1cd6f5cdc762e9d856ea4 — DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1737492