John Otway has enjoyed an extraordinary 2014 - Otway the Movie was shown at the Cannes Film Festival and at Cinemas across the UK, and he took to the stage for a gruelling live schedule.
And now he's in the running for Christmas No1...'Rock And Roll's Greatest Failure' doesn't quite ring true anymore. Total MK gives our view of the DVD by the Aylesbury wonder...and scroll down for the video for the Christmas single, OK Father Christmas.
Rewind to Aylesbury, 1978. John Otway and his band perform the song Beware of the Flowers.
Then, in the present time, John talks to students about the ups and downs of pop star life.
The obvious story we all know is the Old Grey Whistle Test performance of Really Free, with fellow Aylesbury player done good Wild Willy Barrett.
The crazy movements and his tumble from the amps gave him instant success, for a while. The idea was to keep going, and he did - from Beware of the Flowers and Cor Baby came Geneve, featuring orchestra.
It wasn't what the punky crowd expected - with his odd ideas and a voice that really shouldn't be allowed near a mic. His mum agreed he couldn't sing...
Otway continued to record though, thanks to Polydor Records in the main, and this DVD takes you along for the reminiscing ride in fine form.
Appearing on TV while travelling the country, Otway and Barrett built a reputation and fan following, while living in a tent for their overnight stops. These fellas kept it real.
The crazy antics continued, including Willy holding Otway and causing him to headbutt a microphone. Dangerous job, this rock n roll business.
The story goes on for 40 years, with all the ups and downs, quite a few downs, as it happens.
With contributions from band members, family and associates, this is a roller-coaster ride to the present day.
Appearing at The Albert Hall with the orchestra, at great expense, and also the Palladium, John maybe comes into his own on the theramin (you know, that noise thing The Beach Boys made famous), an electronic noise maker.
This film also advises how to market and produce your product - hopefully to its best potential. Pretty popsters take note.
It's a formula that has kept Otway where he is today. Er, have you seen John, anyone?
Actually, there's every chance you'll see 'rock n roll's greatest failure' sooner than you'll think - travelling with his trusty C5 he took to the chilly climes of Lapland to record the video for the Crimbo song, OK Father Christmas.
And guess what, it's in the running for this year's Christmas No1.
The video to the festive feature was released on Sunday. Click here for a gander: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTqY9izDIwk
The single itself, the first song on a four track EP also comprising Middle of Winter, Rockin' with the Reindeer and The Snowflake Effect, is available to download from Sunday.
If he does hit the top spot, maybe Otway will replace his C5 with the proceeds - his Sinclair was abandoned in the cold of the foreign land - it was too expensive to fly back, apparently.
Remember folks, a C5 is not just for Christmas...and Otway isn't just for reminiscing.
He's still really free himself.
Nick Jones
