Heavy Metal

Alexander Milas and Rob Halford (Judas Priest)


Last Monday (13/07/09) was a big day for us. It was results day for Advertising and Marketing Communications, and I was on the train to London - Heading towards the offices of Ogilvy. A day full of nerves. I got to the offices in Paddington a bit early, so I circled the block once, then twice. Butterflies multiplying. Right. 12:40, I think I can go in now. I go to reception and give my name and I am asked to sit down. Perched awkwardly on the sofa I pick up the latest copy of Campaign, seeing as none fo the other students want to make eye-contact with anyone else, let alone talk to me. The atmosphere could have been cut with a cheese wire.

I open up centrefold to find a man with long hair and a beard wearing a black shirt facing me. I grin a little grin and start to read. The person in the picture is Alexander Milas, Editor of Future Publishing's Metal Hammer. After 2 paragraphs I am encapsulated in the article which on this years winner of the PPA Best Consumer Editor of 2009, whom is also a Metalhead. As I am reading I am disturbed by someone chuckling. I try to ignore it but curiosity gets the best of me so I look up to see who it is, and I am faced with 3 pairs of eyes. Shit, It's me who is the laughing man. I purse my lips and nod an apologetic nod and carry on reading.

As a result my nerves were calmed, and those butterflies has been culled. Milas' words remained in my head "Many fans are now chief executives and lead sophisticated lifestyles". YES, I AM A CE, and I am BLOODY SOPHISTICATED. The slender worry of not fitting the image that is set by the Children of the Adworld was demolished, allowing me to stepfoot in to that interview room not conscious of them thinking my hair will need the big chop but to concentrate what is inside that head, not what is on top of it.

It isn't what you look like, it what is what you can do that is important. It doesn't matter that Milas is editor of a Metal Magazine, rather than Horse and Hound, or working at Ogilvy, but it's that the stereotypes are no longer exclusive.

And I can see this happening now. I have long hair, and spent a lot of my time in a leather jacket and camo shorts - and go to a lot of gigs and festivals. I think I have the longest hair on the course - out 70 people - 2/3 of which were women. I am capable of a 2:1 dissertation and a 2:2 degree in Advertising and Markeitng communications. It is people like Milas that are no longer grotty teenagers, but successful businessmen and media people, that lead the way in breaking down the wall of conformity, and show that cutting your doesn't make you better at your job and as long as one is sensible with the behaviour, and is professional in conduct - you are a highly suitable candidate for the job.


With all this said, I am waiting to hear back from Ogilvy if I am wanted by them to return for the assessment day. I also wonder if Lowe Advertising will love my locks in the picture I sent them required on the application form.

I shall keep you updated on the advances on my job hunt and my hair - if such thing occurs.


Other successful men who have had long hair: Richard Branson, Bruce Dickinson, Trevor Beattie, Peter Stringfellow, Pirates (PLEASE add some others)

Cheers Scott.