RE-IMAGINING BECKHAM

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The hair used to fly free.

Of all the peculiar things that have happened since David Beckham came, Beatle-esque, to America, is the blandness that's defined him since. The Barclays Premier League kicked off over the weekend—Becks' old team tied Newcastle 1-1 in less than stirring form—and it had us recalling one of the great aspects to the EPL's opening weekend. A new year always means new styles, new jerseys, and at one time, almost always a new version of Becks. He would go from a wave to a crew cut to a mohawk to flowing locks seamlessly. Sadly, since he arrived on our shores, just one look has graced his dome: a tight, Marines-inspired trim.

Who knew that one could go to Hollywood and feel the need to tone it down? Maybe Becks was compelled to shine the light of style in the gloom of England. And now, among those in searingly bright LA-la land, he finds simplicity sublime.

Still, we have our memories. And the Internet, in the form of YearbookYourself.com. With it, we can re-imagine Becks, as he may have looked in the years that preceded his British hair glory. And hope that the style he left behind eventually follows him stateside.

Beckham Circa, 1952: President of the Glee Club, Becks knows how to tie his own bow.

Beckham, Circa 1959: One day a year he sports a tie. Usually, he rolls with the T'Birds.

Beckham, Circa 1967: He may look like a doper by day, but he cleans up good.

Beckham, Circa 1971: Length in hair loses out to length in chops. Glasses = contemplative.

Beckham, Circa 1975: Hair is back down, and don't forget to accentuate the waves.

Beckham, Circa 1977: And stop washing it so often. Just relax, man.

Beckham, Circa 1981: Far more concerned with his collar than what's on his head.

Beckham, Circa 1988: Almost over Axle Rose, not yet having discovered grunge.

Beckham, Circa 1994: The greater question looms: Does the frontal shot conceal a rat tail?

Beckham, Circa 1997: Laird Hamilton could barely escape that wave.

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