Swede on Disability Benefits for Heavy Metal "Addiction"

A Swedish man has been granted state disability benefits due to his addiction to heavy metal music. Long-suffering Roger Tullgren, 42, says he was compelled to attend 300 concerts last year, making it impossible for him to hold down steady employment. “I have been trying for 10 years to get this classified as a handicap,” he says. "I spoke to three psychologists and they finally agreed that I needed this to avoid being discriminated against." The "heavily-tattooed metal head" says he's been hooked on the music since his older brother first exposed him to Black Sabbath when he was two years old. After consulting with mental health professionals, he received a form for employers which reads: "Roger feels compelled to show his heavy metal style. This puts him in a difficult situation on the labor market. Therefore he needs extra financial help." Tullgren currently works as a part-time dishwasher, with his income supplemented by his state disability benefits. His new boss allows him to dress in metal-inspired attire (including skull and crossbones jewelry), and to play his music of choice while washing dishes—as long as it doesn't disturb customers.