When Ike Willis passed away on May 16th 2026, I was devastated. I found out in the evening, after I finished teaching; turned on my computer and there it was ... that horrible news. I could not focus on anything else and was invaded by memories of all the things that I had the honour to share with him. I sat in my studio, crying, wanting to talk to people. But it was already late. But I called some friends anyway. I needed hugs, and virtual ones would do.

I stayed up for hours on end, trying to grasp what had happened. What had happened was that Ike Willis had passed away. The world had lost an icon. Zappa fans had lost yet another of their heroes. And I as well. I also lost an icon, a hero. But I also lost a friend.

It took me a few weeks before I realised that this was actually a new reality; a life without Ike. And I decided I wanted to start writing things down. Not only to honour and thank him, but also to relive all the wonderful moments I spent with him. To thank him for all things wonderful and amazing. I started writing. And I kept writing. And I wrote so much that there were enough words for a book. Not merely a diary anymore, but something I'd want to share.

I am proud and humbled to say that Andrew Greenaway not only offered to proofread, but when I asked, also agreed to write the foreword for the book. And I am most thankful to Axel Becker for turning all these pages into an actual book.

As I type these words, the book is about to be printed and see the light of day. I am so excited about showing the real book, and I can't wait; there is this generated image of what it will look like. The book is a genuine representation; the background is imaginary.

The book is called: Life, what a town! Memories of Ike - Act I (and yes, that means there's an Act II on its way).

What started pretty much as a diary of my times with Ike, actually became a real book. And I am happy and proud to be able to share my memories of Ike. This first edition of 100 copies are numbered. You can pre-order your copy now and I will post it to you after the Book Presentation at Mosae Zappa.

To pre-order, just send me an email and I will put you on the list and get back to you as soon as possible. If you are attending Mosae Zappa, and want to buy it there, please also let me know, so I can reserve a copy for you.

Just click the link below (should it not work, for whatever reason, please just send an email to: piano@fredhandl.com - thank you.)

And if that was not enough, Andrew and I will be presenting this book at Mosae Zappa on November 21st, at Makkers in Heerlen! Where Andrew will ask me all kinds of intricate questions about the book (or not, of course).

Mosae Zappa is well-worth attending! This year: November 20 - 21 in Heerlen, on several locations in the city.

If you have the chance: GO!