A heavy metal fan in Sweden is so obsessed with his favorite music that the state of Hässleholm in the southern part of the country has deemed him psychologically impaired and eligible for financial assistance from Employment Services.
According to Blabbermouth.net, the story was first printed in the Swedish publication The Local, which reported that 42-year-old Roger Tullgren underwent psychological analysis after losing numerous jobs because he stayed out late at so many shows he couldn’t make it to work the next day. He claims to have attended almost 300 rock shows last year.
“The fact that I am so into music has affected my work situation to the extent that I have had to quit some jobs,” he said.
Tullgren started seeing a psychologist when he was fired from his last job and went on welfare. When the analyst realized the severity of the man’s situation, he had Tullgren sign a paper that indicated his “heavy metal lifestyle” was a “disability” and the man became qualified for a wage supplement.
He has since gotten a job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant, but still receives his weekly payment from the government. In addition, his new manager allows him to go to concerts as long as he makes up for missed hours another time. And he’s allowed to listen to metal while washing up.
After hearing about the case, an occupational psychologist in Stockholm was flabbergasted: “I think it’s extremely strange,” he told The Local. “Unless there is an underlying diagnosis, it is absolutely unbelievable that the job centre would pay out. If somebody has a gambling addiction, we don’t send them down to the racetrack. We try to cure the addiction, not encourage it.”
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