Last saw John Otway performing with fellow musical maverick Wild Willy Barrett in the wilds of Aldershot in 2023, so it was good to see him back with his Big Band. However, it was a smaller Big Band as lead guitarist Richard Holgarth had a better gig offer!

First up was Damien A Passmore, a talented country rock singer songwriter with a witty lyrical twist, including instant favourites ‘Road Kill Chef’ and ‘Mail Order Bride’. Both myself and my friend commented on how there is so much musical talent out there, yet much of it hardly ever gets noticed or recognition beyond those lucky enough to hear/see them. If Damien plays live nearby go and see him as he has two new fans after tonight’s gig.

The good thing about a John Otway set is that you know what songs you will get, just not necessarily as you heard them performed last time around!

A small, but perfectly formed crowd with a fair few rock and metal t-shirts spotted including Y&T and the mighty PowerWolf!

Starting off with his 1977 hit single ‘Really Free’, followed swiftly by the single’s B-side ‘Beware of the Flowers (‘Cos I’m Sure They’re Going to Get You Yeah)’, you could argue the set had peaked early? Not so, as you get the anthem that is ‘We Rock’.

Otway make other people’s songs his own, as ‘Delilah’ proved with Murray ably filling in on guitar parts usually played by Richard. Throughout the gig Otway himself seemed to playing more guitar, which improved immeasurably when he remembered to plug his guitar in! This song was used to advertise Weetabix and tickled the lower reaches of the UK’s top 200 singles chart.

Other favourites followed thick and fast including ‘Louisa On A Horse, complete with Otway let loose to roam stage hands free with the mic attached to Blue Peter inspired coat hanger mic set-up. Just don’t try this at home folks…

The Big Band are a talented bunch of musicians with Murray often providing a comedic foil to Otway and the deadpan humour of bassist Seymour was superb.

His other hit ‘Bunsen Burner’ is rocking disco affair complete with a mini-mirrorball. The cover of the Osmond’s hit ‘Crazy Horses’ is a firm personal favourite and the Theremin was deployed – hurrah!

Audience participation is a key part of ‘The House of the Rising Sun’, which coupled with the aforementioned band banter, often gives the feel of panto or musical theatre.

‘Seagulls on Speed’, with a finale of Otway wearing a seagull’s head mask, provides a bit of rock bombast to the proceedings, with ‘Cheryl’s Going Home’ rounds of the main set.

For an encore we had ‘I Shouldn’t Be Doing This’ (but we are glad he still is!) and ‘Geneve’, a gentler song and one of his best.

My own predictions made back in my 2022 gig review – “John Otway is one of the best night’s entertainment and live music you’ll witness this side of a Spinal Tap or Krankies reunion” – has in part come to pass with Spinal Tap back in cinemas this year. Fingers crossed then for a Krankies reunion by this time time next year then! Until then, enjoy an Otway show if he performs near you as he is a unique talent and very entertaining. An Otway Big Band show is like a musical panto or ‘Rocky Horror Show’ but without the dames or fishnets…

Review by Jason Ritchie

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