THE JOHN OTWAY BAND
- Date
- 10 January, 2026
- Start time:
- 19:00
- Venue Name
- Portland Arms
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.
Accessibility at The Portland Arms
The Portland Arms has been awarded Bronze on Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice, for its commitment to being accessible to Deaf and disabled music fans
Step-free access
The main entrance of the Portland Arms is not step free. There is one step up into the venue. However, there is a step free route available via the courtyard. There is signage to this entrance available from the front door. If you plan on arriving before the gig, please let us know where possible, so we can make sure the courtyard gates are open for your arrival.
Accessible toilets
The Portland Arms does not have a wheelchair accessible toilet at present, we do however have an agreement with the Student Castle complex next door so that customers can use their accessible toilet on request. They are situated around 30 meters from the main bar entrance. Please contact a member of staff on arrival so we can ensure Student Castle front desk know to expect you.
Moving around the venue
Given the age of the venue, some of our doorways and corridors are quite narrow. The main bar front doors have a small step and have an access width of 69cm. Our rear fire door to the corridor and bars is 85cm wide and the corridor has a minimum width of 90cm. Access to the venue space is through a large gate and double fire doors and ramp.