Tommy Kennedy IV

Tommy Kennedy IV's life story is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of one's passions despite adversity. Born in Warrington in northwest England, Tommy's early years were filled with sounds and smells that would shape his worldview. Despite being sent to various institutions during his troubled childhood, Tommy's desire to explore and experience the world led him to leave his hometown and venture into the bright lights of London. Tommy's love for music eventually led him to run a bar in Thailand and organise parties and raves, immersing himself in the pulsing energy of each event. His entrepreneurial spirit brought him back to London's Notting Hill, where he set up a music promotions company. Despite facing bankruptcy and homelessness, Tommy never gave up on his dreams and eventually turned his life around. For 22 years, he managed and promoted bands, and his love for music continues to be his source of inspiration. Beyond his love for music, Tommy is a prolific writer, having authored nine books drawing from his real-life experiences. His latest work, exploring the life of fashion designer Ossie Clark, showcases his passion for research and creativity. Tommy's thirst for knowledge and growth led him to complete his second writing course at the Chelsea Theatre and pursue a 4-year degree in creative writing at the prestigious Birkbeck University. Tommy's upcoming book, "THE DEVIL WENT DOWN TO DOAH," the second in the El Peculiar series, is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. Despite his life challenges, Tommy's story is one of triumph and perseverance, demonstrating the power of chasing one's dreams and never giving up. Through his writing, Tommy has a gift for evoking vivid images and emotions, transporting readers to the world he knows so well. His autobiographical work, "Nightmare in Jamaica," has been well-received, with the second edition released on January 3rd, 2022. Readers can delve into the intense memories that haunted him and gain a deeper understanding of his journey. Get ready for a wild ride through the life of Tommy Kennedy IV, who endured the torment of the British penal system of the 70s and burst out of his hometown of Warrington into an exciting world of jet-setting, worldwide travels, class-A drugs, and wild parties. As a confidant of MR Nice, AKA Howard Marks, Tommy lived on the edge until he was incarcerated in Thailand and hit the road with a passion upon his release. But five years later, his life took a dangerous turn when he transported drugs that landed him in a Jamaican prison, sentenced to three years of hard labour. Trapped inside the maximum-security unit of the General Penitentiary, Tommy faced the most treacherous and Machiavellian criminals, fearing for his life and sanity in this harsh and aggressive environment. But he found an unlikely escape through music, joining the "Bloom of Light" prison band and facing the convicted killer of Reggae Superstar Peter Tosh of Bob Marley's Wailers, Dennis "Leppo" Lobban. Tommy's journey was set out by a German spiritualist he encountered on his travels, and he soon realised he was sprinting from demons of a disturbed childhood. From the Northern Soul Scene of Wigan Casino to the Punk scene and the height of the rave scene, Tommy sought to blot out the memories with drink and drugs and a hedonistic lifestyle. But he turned his life around in the noughties, finding salvation in the power of music on the world-famous Portobello Road, deep in the heart of London's Notting Hill. This fast-paced and brutally honest memoir will leave you on the edge of your seat with its raw, harrowing, but ultimately uplifting story. Best-selling writer Mandasue Heller calls it "a gripping journey into a nether world of violence and mayhem," while Shawn Atwood, activist, podcaster, and true crime writer, describes it as "an extraordinary story." NME journalist and writer of biographies, including Bob Marley, The Clash, Jimmy Paige, Chris Salewicz, calls it "a life lived on the dub side of life." Tommy's commitment to his family is also evident in his work, with his children, Sophie and Tommy Jnr, being the lights of his life. Their love and support have given him strength and purpose. Tommy's work reflects his adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial mindset, and passion for creative expression. Despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, he has never wavered in his commitment to his dreams, using his experiences to fuel his writing and music. In all aspects of his life, Tommy exemplifies the power of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to one's passions. His story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and an inspiration to all those who aspire to pursue their dreams.