Justommy: Notting Hill Ponces

Tommy Kennedy IV's final autobiography enters the millennium years with energy, pace and sincerity. Immediately, we are swept into the heart of London's Notting Hill and into the hypnotic centre of its vibrant music scene. Tommy's management of the bands in his care is in equal measure affectionate, creative and dedicated. Characters such as Big Alan Clayton, The Assassin and Whiplash Jackson, Steve Dior, Alan Blizzard, Billy Idle, Rainbow George are presented in vivid techno-colour against the kaleidoscope of a cascading sub-culture. The writing sparkles with anecdotal humour as we observe their interactions which are always interesting, sometimes hilarious and often tragic. When a series of tragedies manifest into his own life Tommy reacts with his characteristic optimism and the unexpected events do not serve to dampen his passion for adventure. It is the birth of his son which gives Tommy a new lease of life, transporting him into an era where his ego is relinquished in favour of altruism and a more conscious way of living. This is what makes this volume a must read, as despite the many adversities we are never presented with a tale of victimisation. On the contrary, the work emerges as a celebration of community cohesion, freedom and friendship. This volume ends in 2020 as Tommy reaches his sixtieth year. The ultimate message for his readers is that they, like Tommy, can move forward confidently with a realisation that even a global pandemic will not and can not diminish the human spirit.

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