“I’m not scared of dying, I just don’t want to”: Warne’s life philosophy

He chose the path of pleasure. According to the stories told since Warne’s sudden death, he was a man who not just gave into his instincts but turned them into a rolling live performance with friends and family invited along for the ride.

Warnie was famous for his generosity and one way or another, dying is his last gift to us.

We can take it two ways. Either it’s a cautionary tale which inspires us all to stick to kimchi, kale and meditation apps that might allow us to live in good health well past our three score and ten, unless we bore ourselves to death first.

Or it’s the inspiration to suck every last bit of fun out of life and refuse to kick the self-indulgence of youth, with the understanding the ride could be a short one. To quote Sherbet, lots of old pop stars today, “life is for living” (although they just wanted to dance and see rather than spurn vegetables and get on it).

What would – do – you choose? A careful well-behaved long innings or a flashy half century that sees you back in the heavenly pavilion well before stumps?

Science says genetics plays a part in the duration of our lives. But what we can control through environment and lifestyle is the journey’s quality and whether we spend our last decade or two walking the Camino or in a nursing home.

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In my late teens and early 20s, I had a five-year-long bender that was medicated with Fanta and fried rice. These days I’m playing a long game and am the embodiment of tedious asceticism. Daily workouts, no weekday booze, no chocolate, endless fish. I really want to be around for grandkids and great roadies, but my secret fear is I’ll hit 90 and wish I was trolleyed more at the disco when I could be.

Of course, millions of us who do the disciplined thing will still die youngish. There are no guarantees, just better odds at being around to spend that super you drank the healthy Kool-Aid for.

Warnie, as a commentator, you annoyed the hell out of me. As a man, you were a true original. Sleep tight.