Description

John Otway is an English singer-songwriter who has built a sizeable cult audience through extensive touring, a surreal sense of humour and a self-deprecating underdog persona.

From the age of 9, Otway knew he wanted to be a pop star. But even at that young age, having listened to his sister's Beatles and Stones records, he knew he would never be able to do what they do. However, when his sister got the latest Bob Dylan album, he knew there was a place for him and he set about learning how to play guitar.

Otway had to wait until 1977 and the rise of punk before his dream of fame and fortune would finally become a reality. Having caught the eye of the producers of the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test, Otway's performance on that show would grab the attention of the watching audience. Otway, ever the showman, decided to jump on to the amplifier of his colleague during a performance of Bob Lind's Cheryl's Going Home. (Un)fortunately for Otway, he misjudged his leap and sent Wild Willy Barrett?s amplifier tumbling as he crashed down straddling the box under the amp.

The full force of the impact was absorbed by the most tender body parts, but in doing this one simple act of recklessness and his wanton disregard for his own safety, Otway was the talk of everyone who watched that evening's programme.

The Hit

Not only did he see a surge in his audiences, sales of Otway's sixth single, the half-spoken love song Really Free increased dramatically and reached number 27 in the UK Singles Chart. An appearance on the BBC's flagship music programme Top of the Pops, where Otway & Barrett were introduced by Elton John later, Otway was finally a star. It would however, be his greatest success for some time.

Despite numerous attempts to get back into the charts, Otway would have to wait 25 years for his next taste of chart success. In the intervening years, Otway would become an actor; write an autobiography (Cor Baby That?s Really Me: Rock and Roll?s Greatest Failure); perform sold out shows at London?s Astoria and Royal Albert Hall; make regular appearances at both Glastonbury and Edinburgh Festivals; and write the nation?s seventh favourite lyric of all-time (beating Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the process).

A Second Hit

In 2002, Otway achieved what he desired the most ? a second hit. A concerted publicity campaign saw Otway reach number 9 with the disco pastiche Bunsen Burner and a second appearance on Top of the Pops. Despite this success, a planned world tour collapsed, but Otway continued to gig extensively around the UK either with his band, as a duo with Wild Willy Barrett or solo. A follow-up autobiography was penned in 2010 and titled I Did It Otway: Regrets I?ve Had a Few.

Description

The Continental was Camra West Lancashire Pub of the Year 2010 & 2011, with a range of six changing ales, including a house beer especially brewed for us by Marble Beers, artisan ciders, speciality European and US beers both on tap and in bottle, award-winning wines from Byrne’s of Clitheroe, a great range of soft drinks and the best beer garden in town.

Our regional, seasonal kitchen serves up restaurant quality fresh food with daily specials and favourites, and we’re the indie culture venue of choice in Preston with cinema, theatre, music and more on weekly in our arts space.

Situated on the banks of the Ribble, just a brief walk away from the city centre and adjacent to picturesque park land, The Continental is an oasis of fine food, drinks and atmosphere. We hope to see you sometime soon.

South Meadow Lane,

Preston,

Lancashire,

England,

PR1 8JP.

01772 499 425