John Otway Quotes

Powerful John Otway for Daily Growth

About John Otway

John Otway Quotes (1942-2011) was a British musician, comedian, and visual artist, born on August 5, 1942, in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, England. Raised in a strict Pentecostal family, Quotes' early years were marked by rebellion against the religious upbringing he received. He attended art school in Brighton, where he developed his unique style of performance art and music. In 1968, Quotes formed the John Otway Band, a musical group known for their outrageous live performances and blend of punk rock, glam, and comedy. Their most famous song, "Everyone's Gone to the Moon," became an underground hit in the UK during the late '70s. The band disbanded in 1982, but Quotes continued his solo career, releasing albums such as "Beware of the Cat" (1977), "Otway the Woodpecker" (1980), and "Carrying a Nation on My Back" (1995). Quotes' influences include early rock 'n' roll musicians like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley, as well as British Invasion bands such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. His performances were also heavily influenced by the avant-garde and performance art movements, with a touch of vaudeville and music hall humor. Quotes was known for his energetic live shows, which often included stage dives, wild dancing, and onstage mishaps. He was an icon in the UK punk scene and was credited with influencing musicians such as Billy Idol, Adam Ant, and Sid Vicious. Quotes passed away on March 28, 2011, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and performance art.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I am a singer and songwriter, not a superhero."

This quote highlights that John Otway identifies himself as an artist who creates music (a singer and songwriter) rather than a figure with extraordinary abilities or talents (a superhero). It suggests humility, acknowledging his role and limitations within the creative field, while also emphasizing that his artistry is his primary focus and identity.


"The worst thing about success is that it's no fun any more."

This quote by John Otway suggests that achieving success can have a downside, as the excitement and joy associated with reaching new heights may diminish over time. Success can bring changes such as increased responsibilities, expectations, and scrutiny, which can make the experience less enjoyable or fulfilling compared to the initial journey towards it. It's a reminder that it's essential not only to pursue goals but also to savor the process, cherishing the growth, learning, and personal satisfaction along the way.


"If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself."

This quote by John Otway expresses a common sentiment of regret for not taking proper care of one's health and wellbeing during the earlier years of life, given the knowledge that longevity might be achieved. It serves as a reminder to prioritize self-care and healthy habits from an early age, as we cannot predict the length or quality of our lives.


"Success is like a cupcake, you don't need to be greedy and grab the whole batch, just enjoy one now and then."

This quote suggests that success should not be pursued excessively or obsessively, but rather appreciated in moderation, much like enjoying a cupcake from time to time. It's a reminder to savor the moments of achievement and progress in life without feeling compelled to achieve constant success or accumulate everything at once, as it can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, we should find contentment and satisfaction in reaching small milestones and enjoying each taste of success along our journey.


"I've always been a bit of an oddball, but that's okay because everyone needs a little eccentricity in their lives."

This quote emphasizes the importance of individuality and embracing one's uniqueness. John Otway suggests that it's acceptable to be different or unconventional, as this 'eccentricity' adds flavor and variety to life. In other words, we all need a bit of oddness in our lives to maintain a balance between conformity and creativity, which enriches our experiences and makes the world a more interesting place.


(Bonus:) "The worst thing about being on top is that no one tells you when you're slipping off."

This quote suggests that success, power, or being at the top can be deceiving because it often occurs gradually and subtly, making it difficult for individuals to recognize when they are losing their edge or influence. The speaker implies that there is no warning system in place, so one must remain vigilant and proactive to maintain their position and avoid a fall from grace. It's a reminder that complacency can lead to downfall and the importance of staying aware and adaptable in any given situation.


There's no point in success if you don't let it go to your head. That's what it's for.

- John Otway

Success, Go, Head, No Point

I wanted to be a huge star and I have failed.

- John Otway

Star, Wanted, Huge, Huge Star

Well, it's been an interesting career. Since I last appeared on 'Top Of The Pops,' I've been doing about 150 live shows every year. The live shows have always been well received and they consistently worked, it's just the records that haven't been very good.

- John Otway

Career, Been, Very, Live Shows

I don't think they like the idea that the people who are buying the record get to choose what goes out, because it's their job. The fans even pre-ordered stock to make sure that I had some sort of presence.

- John Otway

Choose, Some, Idea, Presence

The fans have been great, they've stuck with me through a lot of hit-less years and I think they were as determined as I was that it was time to put an end to the lack of hits.

- John Otway

Think, Through, Been, Stuck

Enthusiasm and misplaced belief can take you a long way.

- John Otway

Enthusiasm, Take, Misplaced, Long Way

I was pretty ambitious as a child to want to be a star with the talent I had, but I want to finish what I started and bring the fans along with me.

- John Otway

Star, Want, Pretty, Finish

I think the music business is probably not happy with what we've done, because the people buying the record have actually got to pick what they want to buy, rather than being told what they should buy.

- John Otway

Business, Think, I Think, Buying

I went through a really low period about 13 years ago, when all aspects of my career and everything went completely wrong.

- John Otway

Career, Through, Period, Aspects

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