JOHN OTWAY (solo show) + guests
May 26 @ 7:45 pm - 11:30 pm
John Otway is an English singer-songwriter who has built a sizeable cult audience through extensive touring, a surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona.
From the age of 9, John Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister’s Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar.
A visit to a fortune teller would have a profound effect on the young Otway. After gazing into her crystal ball, she confirmed that Otway would indeed be a star and would have success with a blonde-haired musician. Otway took this prediction very seriously and teamed up with Wild Willy Barrett (the only musician he knew who fitted the fortune teller’s description). In 1972, the pair released their first single. Gypsy/Misty Mountain was a dedication to the fortune teller who had assured Otway that fame and stardom was just around the corner. The single would be the first of a string of flops, but it did capture the attention of The Who’s Pete Townshend who offered to produce a number of tracks for the duo.
Special guest comes from ‘The Ouse Valley Singles Club’ frontman Timmy Turnups
Influenced by the long forgotten sounds & traditions of 1950’s Skiffle (Google it) they combine this sound with the energy of Punk and the swing of Rock and Roll, whilst occasionally dropping some Reggae flavour into the mix. Then layering this with hilarious Folk-like story-telling, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be politically correct but keeping it very tongue in cheek. In doing this, they have created a truly original & highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.
Tickets priced £15 are on sale from Wednesday 6th December from Seetickets and available in person from Bar 85, H-Town Wax and Rags and Davids Music Letchworth.
Ticket link: https://www.seetickets.com/event/john-otway/club-85
Doors: 7:45pm,
16+ (bring ID)
Younger patrons can be signed in at the door and accompanied for the duration of the show by a responsible adult.
Earplugs are available upon request (50p).
Downstairs bar open until 1am.
Like all our gigs this show finishes well in time for the last trains North and South to Cambridge/Peterborough and London and we are just a 5 minute stroll from the station.
For full up to the minute listings please visit www.club-85.co.uk and consider signing up to our mailing list for information on existing and upcoming gigs straight to you!
And remember… Club 85 loves you!