Veteran singer-songwriter John Otway is set to headline a festive event in Reading.
The 'Christmas Knees Up' will be held at the Face Bar on Thursday, December 2, starting at 7.30pm.
Otway, known for his self-deprecating humour and chaotic physical comedy, has built a cult following over the years, despite branding himself as 'Rock 'n' Roll's Greatest Failure'.
Born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, the musician first burst onto the scene with his punk-infused, half-spoken love song 'Really Free,' which reached number 27 on the UK Singles Chart.
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His erratic and gymnastic leap onto an amplifier during a performance on BBC’s The Old Grey Whistle Test became a spectacular television blunder watched by millions, propelling his popularity.
Despite a 25-year chart drought following his debut success, Otway leaned into his 'failure,' executing eccentric promotional stunts that kept his dedicated fan base returning for more.
His fans have routinely supported his bizarre calls to action, from fully selling out London's Royal Albert Hall to celebrate his 46th birthday to pushing his disco-pastiche song 'Bunsen Burner' to number nine on the UK Singles Chart for his 50th birthday.
In recent years, Otway has continued to perform across the UK and internationally, whether solo, with his Big Band, or reuniting with his long-time musical partner, Wild Willy Barrett.
In April 2022, he celebrated performing his 5,000th gig at the Shepherd's Bush Empire and received an Honorary Doctorate from Oxford Brookes University shortly before turning 70.
Now in his 70s, Otway shows no signs of slowing down.
He will be joined at the Reading event by local singer-songwriter Damien A Passmore and the Rat Boys Magic Show.
Passmore, who writes about topics such as mail order brides, Canadian skiers, and hillbilly weddings, is expected to bring his unique style to the evening.
The Rat Boys Magic Show, led by a magician tutored by Paul Daniels, promises to add an extra layer of entertainment to the night.
Presented by Future Transmissions, tickets are available online at wegottickets.com.
The Christmas Knees Up promises to be a memorable evening for fans and newcomers alike, with a blend of music, magic, and festive cheer.
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