Ken Astill

Did ALL that REALLY happen to ME? Ken Astill

On 4th September 2020, I had three consecutive and totally unexpected brain seizures! Thirty-six hours later I woke up, and could recall nothing of the experience!

My wife and I both thought I was going to die!

In addition to medication, my recovery plan included the doctor's advice to exercise the area of my brain that controls memory and vocabulary. I called my lifelong friend and fellow musician, John Howarth.

There was a short pause, then he said,

"You should write a book!"

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me your first ever memory."

"I was under a table, in my mother's arms, and heard the bombers passing overhead."

"Exactly! You were born before the end of World War II. Your involvement with music coincides with the birth of rock n' roll. You've always played music and sung. If it wasn't for Covid, you'd be gigging this weekend. You've met, (and played with), many famous people. You have lots of 'stories' to tell. You've also been involved with some great musicians, and fantastic 'characters'.

Add to that, an interesting and sometimes chaotic personal life, filled with music, fun, drama, humour, and sometimes tragedy.

It's exactly what the doctor has told you to do.

Go and write your book!!".