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.

A genuinely funny film featuring Aylesbury's Two-hit Twit and First Man of Failure, John Otway, conducting a masterclass for bemused schoolchildren, to show them How Not to Be a Success. A case of "Mothers, tell your children not to do what I have done", to quote the B-side of a certain Top Ten hit. This film quells any doubts that Otway might be in danger of becoming more sensible as he ages and is probably the only movie in history where nobody attending the premiere could predict the ending, which was still in production. This was a brilliant twist and a big gamble; full credit should go to the editors for pulling it off.

Otway the Movie should win awards. I can't wait for the DVD!

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.

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!

This is not just a film just for fans of Otway anybody with a sense of humour will like this.

It's a warm and witty documentary about one of Britain's great eccentrics and his true life story about making a go of it in the world of rock and roll. Comparisons will be made to Spinal Tap but I think this film is funnier and at times more unbelievable even though its fact!

Who else would think of hiring a private jet and getting his fans to join him in a world tour. Did it work? Well I wont spoil the surprise.

It's one of the few films recently that's made me laugh out loud you need to see it to believe it.