“It sounded so crazy I just had to say yes”
Professor and jazz musician Peter Vuust was invited to Copenhell to talk about music, mental illness, and the brain – surrounded by headbanging, mosh pits, and 35,000 metal fans.
Science in society
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“Science in society” is a series of articles about Health researchers who apply their expertise in society in ways that go beyond traditional research communication and expert commentary.
“It sounded so crazy I just had to say yes. And of course, I also did it because it earned me some ‘street cred’ with my two boys at home,” laughs Peter Vuust in the days following the festival.
He is a professor, jazz bassist, internationally recognized brain researcher, and head of the Center for Music in the Brain at the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University.
At this year’s Copenhell festival, he participated in a couple of talks on music, the brain, and mental illness, alongside Danish heavy metal musicians and individuals with diagnoses like PTSD and autism, in events organized by PsykInfo, which provides advice about mental illness.
From brain research to heavy metal festival
“I knew virtually nothing about heavy metal when I said yes to giving the talks,” says Peter Vuust and continues:
“But I’m naturally curious and find it incredibly interesting to experience other music scenes on their own terms – almost like a kind of field study.”
Peter Vuust’s presentations at the festival included topics like how people with ADHD and autism often have a special relationship with music, and how certain mental disorders are overrepresented among musicians.
“The golden age of jazz is a good example. A study shows that many of the greatest jazz musicians from the 1940s to 60s had various mental disorders – for example, depression and bipolar disorder. That raises the question of whether creativity and psychological vulnerability are connected.”
About Copenhell
- Denmark’s largest music festival focusing on hard rock and heavy metal
- Held annually since 2010 at Refshaleøen in Copenhagen – with around 35,000 attendees in 2025
- Known for its immersive aesthetic with fire, dystopian decorations, and a strong sense of community
- Also features talks, comedy, art installations, and debates – often with an edge and alternative perspectives
Source: https://www.copenhell.dk/
A hell of a good audience
Despite the unusual setting, the audience was both curious and open.
“I had to learn how to throw the devil horns, and I was probably the only one in a white shirt at the entire festival. But the audience was really attentive and asked good questions. I was completely overwhelmed by how peaceful and friendly everything was – especially considering the festival hosts so many thousands of people.”
Not everything went as planned. One of the smaller talks took place at the same time as music from a nearby stage, making it hard to focus – for both the audience and the speaker.
“It was a bit of a soapbox situation, and that particular talk could probably have been skipped. But that’s part of the charm of events like this. You have to be patient when stepping outside the auditorium – the main presentation, however, exceeded all expectations.”
“I always adapt my material to the audience”
In preparation for the talks, Peter Vuust carefully considered the audience he would be addressing.
“I always adapt my material to the audience, but in this case I chose to be honest and start by admitting that I don’t know much about the genre and wouldn’t pretend to. And it actually worked – then we could talk about what I do know, without it feeling forced.”
After the talks, he had the chance to walk around and absorb the atmosphere.
“It was incredibly pleasant and inspiring to talk to the musicians and the audience, even though I’m not necessarily a fan of the dark and satanic universe they cultivate. There are many introverts in the scene, and it was fascinating to hear how the aggressive music can be a kind of refuge for them – just like gaming is for some people, or jazz is for me.”
However, there was one thing he regretted:
“I really wanted to hear some of the headliners. But I had to get up early for work the next day, so I only caught a few of the smaller acts. That was a shame, and if I go again, I’ll plan better, because I’d really love to see what Copenhell looks like when 35,000 people party together.”
Communication outside the comfort zone
Copenhell is far from the only unconventional stage Peter Vuust has stood on as a researcher at the intersection of medicine and music. It’s in these experiences that he finds new inspiration.
“I truly believe it’s important for us as researchers to share our knowledge where people are – even if it’s far from the university. At a festival like Copenhell, you meet people who would otherwise never attend a lecture on brain research. It makes a difference when you dare to step up.”
To colleagues considering similar invitations, he offers two simple pieces of advice: Take your audience seriously – and make sure the technical setup works.
“If you’re a guest in an unfamiliar environment, don’t take anything for granted. Arrive early, test the tech, and be ready for things to not run as smoothly as in an auditorium.”
And even if everything isn’t perfect, it’s still worth it:
“You always learn something, and some of my best research ideas have come from experiencing music culture from a new angle. That’s why I often say yes to these kinds of opportunities – especially if they sound a little crazy.”
Contact
Professor and Center Leader Peter Vuust
Aarhus University, Department of Clinical Medicine – Center for Music in the Brain and
The Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus
Phone: +45 27 11 94 71
Email: vuust@clin.au.dk