A CULT singer who waited more than 25 years to record his first UK top 10 single will be dropping by Hertford. John Otway first entered the charts with single Really Free, which reached number 27 in 1977. Then, after a quarter of a century in the wildern

A CULT singer who waited more than 25 years to record his first UK top 10 single will be dropping by Hertford.

John Otway first entered the charts with single Really Free, which reached number 27 in 1977.

Then, after a quarter of a century in the wilderness, Otway made a surprise return to the charts with Bunsen Burner, which made number nine in October 2002.

The song, which samples 70s dance classic Disco Inferno, includes lyrics such as "check out what's in the test tube baby" and "you're going to turn bright red when I do my litmus test on you".

Otway, who hails from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, has built a cult following over the years, thanks in part to his surreal sense of humour and passion for touring.

John Otway will be at Hertford Corn Exchange on Friday, May 1.

Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost �12, available from the venue, Hertford tourist information centre or from www.seetickets.com