Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure: Otway the Movie

I've seen John Otway several times throughout the years after being introduced to his presence through viz comic in the 80s.

I often wondered if the manic, egotistical but musically limited man I saw perform both with his band and with wild willy Barrett was a front to a normal man who found a niche for himself in rock and roll with a unique act. But have no fear, he really is as mad and bonkers as his stage persona.

I saw this film while channel hopping recently, having no idea of its existence. However it is absolutely fantastic and one of the best music documentaries I have seen. In fact it is almost like watching a real life spinal tap type film, except this isn't him hamming it up, this the genuine article.

The film covers his career from when he first made a name for himself famously falling of a Marshall amp whilst performing on the BBC's legendary rock show 'The Old Grey whistle test' in the late 1970s through to right up to the films London premiere in the summer of 2013. For a man who saw himself as the next Bowie but fell very short it's amazing he's somehow managed to scrape a living with a very loyal fan base and lots of goodwill from people in the industry.

Otway is a genuine one-off. The anecdotes from his previous producers and band members are at times hilarious, with Otway both sometimes genuine and sometimes playing to the camera. Yet the film is never disrespectful to him or his fan base. It may acknowledge his shortfalls but his manic style is there for all to see. He has also been clever enough to surround himself with some genuinely talented musicians who are completely at odds with his bumbling amateur style. Plus it features one of the funniest takes on his song 'head butts' I've seen.

For a man who somehow has defied logic and scraped a living for forty years on the stage and with a couple of hit singles behind him, this film explains why he has appeal despite not being particularly talented (although occasionally he will surprise you like his ability to play the theremin). So just sit back and enjoy the show.

I won't spoil the movie by alluding to different parts, it is just an autobiographical and pleasant history of the seventies up to the present day, telling the story of one man and showing how he has touched lives all through the build-up of his career as a 'Rock Star'. It shows the lifestyle, warts and all, with several interviews from those closest to the subject.

I could not fault it, with sensitive direction and careful editing, it has become a chronology of a single life as a microcosm of all of our lives - it has something for everyone.

The John Otway fan base is huge and this will please both them and everyone wanting to see how being a star is not always what is cracked-up to be!

John Otway is a genuine man and a dreamer and I respect that. A lot of his songs are terrible and yet a lot of them are superb.

This movie is well worth seeing. It is hilarious, endearing, a little emotional and confirms that John is actually an inspiration.

I discovered Otway about 13 years ago on a copy of the 'Old Grey Whistle Test' DVD - He was performing 'Really Free'. I'd never actually seen the famous footage until this movie, where it is used like a running gag.

Anyway, if you're a fan of rock 'n' roll, success, failure or hair brained schemes - you should go see this movie.

If you have not yet experienced John Otway - you should go see this movie and then buy a ticket to one of his gigs next time he's in your town. I guarantee it will be the first of many you attend.

PS: David Crabtree as Deadly - The Roadie. The best bit is where he runs over all the glass and cuts his feet, oh wait! That was Die Hard.

Funny how all the low votes come from the USA where it has never been seen , and at the time of writing is not even available on torrent. This movie is genuinely funny and totally incredulous and also true. Make up your own mind only after you have watched it.

This movie was made to expand the exploits of John Otway into the public domain. It is the story of a young boy bullied at school who took on all the bullies and rather than try to only gain acceptance set was determined to become their hero.

There is no backing from TV talent shows here only blind ambition.It's the story of over 40 odd years of constant touring and and fan base that identify with that.

The movie is totally unique in the way that Otway is unique.

If you have not seen the movie please don't vote

This film was so much more than I expected. It not only charts John's career in the music business, but it gives a great insight into the man himself and what drives him. It also gives those who surround him a chance to share their opinions about the UK's favourite Micro-star. By turns this movie is funny, informative, thought provoking and even moving. I laughed out loud at some parts and very nearly cried at others. On top of the emotional roller-coaster, the story of John's exploits was for me, a trip down memory lane as I recognized events I had been to, as well as others I'd only heard about. Apparently, the original rough-cut was seven and a half hours long, and I can well believe it. Somehow, this was edited down into the final product, to create a fast-paced film which leaves you instantly eager to get your hands on the DVD, to see the bits they didn't use. I can't wait! All-in-all this is a fantastic film. Watch it - you won't be disappointed!