John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett - The Final Straw Tour

News Desk
Authored by News Desk
Posted: Sunday, August 12, 2018 - 9:22pm

All good things must come to an end and Wild Willy has decided to call "Time gentleman please" on his sometimes tempestuous relationship with John Otway to concentrate on "experimental projects over his remaining years."

The dynamic duo have known each other from an early age, both hailing from the small town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

As is often the case when two such creative forces and strong personalities collide there is inevitable friction and fall out but when everything gels the result is pure musical magic.

This final tour celebrates over 40 years of "In yer face originality."

The contrast between Barrett's deadpan humour and Otway's amazing antics make every show a totally unique and hilarious experience.

John's lyrical genius combined with Willy's outstanding musicianship - he plays about every stringed instrument known to man along with a few hybrids of his own - guarantee an evening that will stir the soul, excite the senses and leave you clamouring for more... If not the door!

Their debut album "John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett" on their own Extracked record label was a collection of recordings made between 1971 & 1976, which began with a series of sessions at Pete Townshend's Eel Pie Studios, with the legendary Who guitarist contributing as arranger, producer and performer.

The third single from the album "Really Free" hit the Top 30 after the duo made a sensational appearance on the Old Grey Whistle Test in December 1977.

The unforgettable performance has achieved legendary status after Otway vaulted on to the PA tower which promptly overbalanced.

The Independent reported "He brought down the speaker stack but fractured no bones when he landed on the sharp corner of a bass cabinet as the impact was cushioned by his testicles!"

Age certainly hasn't dimmed his onstage energy and dynamism as his cartwheeling whilst still playing the guitar will testify!

For any Otway/Barrett virgins - expect the unexpected - be prepared for anything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as they jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another in an irreverent and memorable performance by two master entertainers.

Don't miss one of the last-ever shows from one of the best-loved ever pop/punk & folk acts the UK has ever produced!!!

Tickets from: www.wegottickets.com and Topsham Bookshop.

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Venue

Matthews Hall, Topsham

Event Date

Sunday, September 16, 2018 - 7:30pm