- Otway's Next Hit!
John Otway is a legend in his own lifetime. This sensational show brings out his anarchic humour at its most bizarre as well as an exhilarating musical performance blending punk, electro-funk, heavy metal, rock `n roll and everything in between.
Otway last stormed the charts 25 years ago with his last, and only, hit single - Cor Baby That's Really Free, now a truly endearing punk rock classic. But he`s not been forgotten. When the BBC ran a poll to find the nation's favourite song lyric as part of the Millennium celebrations, Otway's Beware Of The Flowers Cause I'm Sure They're Going To Get You Yeah came in at No 7 above Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan.
Otway - (like Madonna, Bono and Kylie he mostly gets by with just one name) - will be 50 on the 8th of October and he's decided to celebrate with the release of a new single, Bunsen Burner, otherwise known as The Hit. The song was chosen from a CD sent out to thousands of his very large and loyal Fan club who voted for their favourite track. It's this cult following which has helped him through the hitless years,
During this energetic performance he's joined by superb guitarist Richard Holgarth and in song, music and comic banter they make a brilliant double-act. Otway jumps off ladders, somersaults across the stage and creates a crazy mike stand out of a wire coathanger, Blue Peter style. Apart from the zany Marx Brothers antics, they do sing as well - a lively mix of familiar oldies - Cor Baby, a brilliant rock version of Delilah and a riotous rendition of House of the Rising Sun, with an enthusiastic audience joining in. Also a sneak preview of the disco-groove Bunsen Burner. A hit? Well, as the song itself goes, "I'm an alchemist baby, turning heavy metal into gold".
The only quibble for me was the one-hour show was too short. I'd love to have heard many more great tracks, including Poetry and Jazz or Geneve, quiet lyrical ballads which suit his voice so well.
The Hit is due for release on 30th September. If all goes according to plan, Bunsen Burner will top the charts on Sunday 6th October. That night Otway will celebrate his birthday with a sell out gig at the London Palladium.
But what if it all goes horribly wrong? Well, he's already written his autobiography, subtitled " Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure" and perhaps resigned to his microstar status. Otway will be 75 on 8 Oct 2027. He's probably planning the party already.
"Otway's Next Hit!" is part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe at Club West at Crowne Plaza Hotel until 17th August.
Next page > Head Games > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.
Or return to Index of Reviews.
Where else would you like to go in Scotland?
