COPIOUS LOCKS OR MIGHTY MANE?

The hair....the really long hair. Ubiquitous, iconoclastic  and sometimes mistaken as irreverent expression of defiance of norms, the hair of rockstars are the pervasive trademarks as famous as their music.

When I was in college, I used to wonder why the male music students in my university sport long hairstyles and swagger their hairstyle like everything is about the hair. Generally, it's not the the hair attitude but more of a semblance of what they see of their selves and towards their own pursuits. Usually, long hair in men is a sign of rebelliousness, artistic spirit and freedom of expression. That is why long hair is worn by musicians and artists.

Creativity as a whole, has always the element of rebelliousness---deviating from the straight path, and the standard way of thought patterns. But unlike any other form of dissent, long hair is rooted in the cavemen days where survival is the sole goal in a predatory environment. In all essence, long hair is probably a necessity, not a form of defiance.

But in the turn of the civilized centuries throughout the contemporary society, long hair in men has either been despised or adored. For propriety-adherents, long hair is scorned---sort of being a slob, a loser, and/or a scumbug. But in the music world, long hair is edging on beyond cool and artistic.

Even then, rock and roll  being dubbed as the "hair nation" where most rock musicians flip their long locks while performing --either rocking out or just leaping on the air, to the delight of the fans. I think musicians' long manes are not only their trademarks, but a significant part of their whole selves---conveying not only their music but a message as well. "Let your hair down, and get loose."

The Rocker during his long-hair days

My hubby used to have long hair in his 20's while struggling to be a real rock-star. He loved it then but had to snip them short when he started teaching in an elementary school. He said it looked "pretty" but was a pain to maintain. But according to him, his copious tresses drew some dirty looks and got him pulled over by the police several times for no good reason, the charge being DWLH (driving with long hair). However, to be taken seriously as a rock musician and as a sign of commitment to the lifestyle of a rocker, the long hair was necessary. It's like a mark or a tattoo proudly demonstrating membership in a club.

The Rocker Wife with Chris McCarvill

One of my husband's friend/co-musician, Chris McCarvill, who plays bass for Dokken and House of Lords, has a similar story. He also experiences the dirty looks and the stereotypes, however his long hair drives girls like a magnet attracting them to his side. "It's all about the hair , dude" he answers when asked why he could amass the women around him.

Maybe it starts with Mom saying, "get a haircut, you look unkempt!" and maybe it comes from the hypnotic effect long flowing hair has on an audience. Maybe it's biblical like Samson's hair that gave him strength. I can't say for sure, but long hair has become a symbol or Rock and Roll and the rebellion that goes with it. It is clear that those long flowing ringlets will forever be stamped with music, Rock music.

Comments

[katherine]

hahaha...abi nako imo bana Bing..ingon ko nausab man ang nawong, long hair naman, pagbasa pa nako kay friend man diay sa imo hubby hehehe.

ay di ko ganahan ug long hair lalo na pag long pa sa ako buhok kay kalas shampoo..hehe.

[bingkee]

JORDACHE - He is still handsome even still today.

[Jordasche Bledsoe]

From rocker to teacher that is quite extreme. Your husband was terribly handsome in his younger days.

[LaShan]

Yes! It *is* all about the hair!!! :)) I absolutely love long hair. Sadly though they always seem to cut it short :::sigh:::

A Lil Enchanted,
~LaShan~

[Ivy@Spinning Lovely Days]

"Driving with long hair", lol, I like that.