John Otway, Wilko Johnson and The Hamsters at Club Riga

Review notes

A Flickr review credited to Colin Egleton recalls a sold-out Club Riga, with a queue outside and a first stop at The Cricketers before the show. The review describes Club Riga as a small, cosy room with a lively atmosphere, though the packed venue became very hot.

John Otway opened with his usual high-energy stage antics. The reviewer liked the opening and closing songs, “Cor Baby, That’s Really Free” and “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet”, while finding much of the set less compelling. Wilko Johnson was the main draw: the review praises his forceful performance and names “Dr Dupree”, “Don’t Let Your Daddy Know” and “Sneakin’ Suspicion” among the songs. Norman Watt-Roy was on bass.

The Hamsters closed the night. The reviewer’s highlight was a run through “Rocket in Your Pocket”, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “All Along the Watchtower” and “Sharp Dressed Man”; the band later brought Otway back for “Bunsen Burner”. The account ends on a warm note about the night and the company.

This is a concise summary, not a full reproduction. Follow the Flickr link below for Colin Egleton’s complete first-person review and its original wording.