John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett at Telford’s Warehouse in Chester

Sep 17 2009 Flintshire Chronicle

ARRIVING on the back of punk rock and a gymnastic performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, the half-spoken love song Really Free reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart.

The song earned John Otway a five album deal with Polydor Records, who viewed him as a punk rather than merely an eccentric.

His first album, recorded with Wild Willy Barrett, was produced by Pete Townshend but sold only fitfully.

Despite poor record sales, his live audience remained loyal, due to Otway's manic energy and the very real possibility of physical injury.

In 2002, when asked what he wanted for his 50th birthday, he requested "a second hit". A concerted drive saw Bunsen Burner — with music sampled from the Trammps classic Disco Inferno — reach number nine in the charts and earned Otway an appearance on Top Of The Pops.

Thanks to this second hit he has now been able to release his Greatest Hits album and he has reteamed with Barrett. They will be together on stage at Telford’s Warehouse in Chester on Monday, September 21.

Tickets priced £12 on the door. Ring 01244 390 090 or visit www.telfordswarehouse.com.