Otway and Barrett

Otway and Barrett have regrouped, fallen out, and split more times than a curdled sauce. One tour was even titled ‘The Incompatible Otway And Barrett‘. ‘I think he’s genuinely fascinated by what I do’ said Otway of Wild Willy ‘but totally horrified at the damage it does to his reputation as a musician’. Willy countered ‘I do rather find that performing alongside his imbecilic antics distracts from the music I’m playing. I’m a little bit more tolerant of him now but it used to really cut to the quick in the early days’. Yet here they are, celebrating over 50 years of attempted escapes and still loved for their in-yer-face originality. 

Older but wiser, the contrast between the deadpan humour of Barrett and mad onstage antics of Otway are hilarious to watch. John’s lyrical genius and Willy’s outstanding musicianship continue to entertain. Let’s hope they don’t fall out again. On second thought let’s hope they do, it’s far more fun! 

Audiences should be prepared for everything from bare-chested theremin playing to wah wah wheelie bin as the duo jump from one hit and 40 near misses to another .An amazing and irreverent performance by two master entertainers.