Crowd surfers prove to be the most effective path forwards - if you can't see any, ask someone who looks like they'd dig it if they want to go up. Follow them for a few steps. But, none of the above means will get you all the way to the front in time for the main part of the show... The best way to get ahead if you don't mind the looks is to tell everyone you're heading to the pit and you won't take up any space in the crowd... everyone will let you through to the front, seeing that you're obviously more hardcore/crazy than them. Once you reach the pit, go in for a minute or two and take your place in the front. Or stay there - this method has never failed me, regardless of venue size.