WHAT THREE WORDS: OTWAY AND BARRETT
This magnetic bond still holds after more than 50 years of attempted escapes. Still loved for their total in-yer-face originality, the contrast between the deadpan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship (he seems to play almost every stringed instrument known to man, plus a few hybrids of his own making!).
Willy’s interest in making instruments began when he commandeered two guitars made by his dad in 1965. One from an old guitar neck and a scaffold plank which became affectionately known as the Les Dawson, and the other branded the Mk1 Schitstik electric slide of similar pedigree. These instruments were used on many of the early tracks, including Really Free and Racing Cars.
Willy’s remark “this will be the last time that many of you will see us together again” was often hastily misinterpreted as the final throw of the dice, but the reason given: “it’s not us packing up, it’s you lot dying off, you know who you are!” is often overlooked by eager scribes. And so the rumours abound.
Last year, John celebrated his 5,000th gig to a packed house at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
And if that’s not enough, we are now talking about DOCTOR JOHN – an Honorary PhD in Music by Oxford Brookes University.
“I’m really thrilled to be awarded this totally unexpected honour, especially as I failed all my A levels as I decided to concentrate on preparing for my burgeoning career as a rock star. To get this from Oxford Brookes 50 years later shows I did the right thing.”
For any Otway/Barrett virgins out there who don’t know what to expect, be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another: An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.
+ Support from Bob Collum and Martin Cutmore
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