Cor Baby That's Really Me!

[My Friend Jack]

I first read this about 10 years ago. Although it's an autobiography, John Otway has written the whole thing as a third person narrative because he found it easier to decribe how he had failed at everything in that way. The whole thing is written very tongue-in-cheek, and it's a very easy, undemanding read.

Most people in their late 40s or beyond will recognise the name of John Otway, and their usual response includes one of the following questions:-

(i) Isn't he the bloke who fell off the speaker on the Old Grey Whistle Test?
(ii) Isn't he the bloke who was with Wild Willy Barrett?
(iii) My God, is he still around?

Well, the answer to all 3 is "yes!" The really great thing is that, in recent years, he has managed to get himself a Top 10 hit, loads of publicity and the recognition that he has craved all his life.

If you can track down a copy of this book, it's well worth a read. As I said, undemanding - but hugely entertaining.

[Alfred E Neuman]

Like yourself, I read this book about 10 years ago. I used to love his stuff and went to see him perform a couple of times in the 80's. Obviously he's a very funny man with an unusual singing voice that adds to a talent for great musical comedy. If I remember correctly, though, when I read the book I was surprised to discover Otway's opinion that many of his songs were intended as a straight rock music (see section on his moving yet ridiculous ballad "Genieve") and were thereby unintentionally comic. Given his wild stage performance, he must have "cottoned on" to the comic angle somewhere along the line...

[My Friend Jack]

Alf - yes, I suppose that, like all comics, John has his serious side, just as all jokers have to have a straight man, and every funny situation has a victim. "Geneve" is definitely my favourite Otway song - you're right, it's moving and (particulalrly when you read the story behind the song) it's got its ridiculous side as well.