Rock and Roll's Greatest Failure: Otway the Movie

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.

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

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.

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 a marvellous documentary about a man who desperately wanted to be a star, but (only) just missed out. The fact that the movie was made at all shows the esteem that his fans have for him. John Otway had a dream and in many ways achieved it. He had a hit with Wild Willy Barrett, shot to fame thanks to the Old Grey Whistle Test and has had varying successes and failures over the past 40-odd years. The commentary throughout this film shows the affection of everyone for one of rock and roll's greatest failures. It will have you laughing and crying all at the same time. He is still living the dream and long may he do so. Not to be missed.