Nice reading a bit of back story. Amazing jamming with so many people and different styles. Admit to being quite a bit jealous ;)
I relied on tabs way too much and really only recently started to use my ears more - the difference is profound!
Would highly encourage anyone to at least try an instrument even if really simple stuff - as long as you enjoy it who cares.
No Tv would be an interesting lifestyle - although you might miss out on some amazing Tv themes - Scooby dooby doo........ ;)