IT WAS 25 years ago that legendary musician John Otway had a hit in the charts.

After reaching number 27 with Really Free his other 21 attempts to get back into the charts struck decidedly flat notes.

The veteran rock 'n' roller was in danger of becoming a one hit wonder.

Now, no one can call him a flopstar. For he has suddenly found Top Ten fame with a chance to knock those young heart throbs Will Young and Gareth Gates off the top spot.

It is thanks to the musical wizardry of Hampshire-based producer Barry Upton, pictured, who turned Steps into a household name.

The song writer/producer has found the right pop potion to put 50 year-old John into the top ten with a pulsating number Bunsen Burner.

Tonight millions of TV viewers will watch as the record makes its Top of the Pops debut. Barry will be on keyboards, as Otway gets the studio audience grooving with the infectious chant "bunsen burner, burn baby burn, let me be your naked flame."

The record, which has rocketed into the charts at number nine, took about four days to produce at Barry's Hedge End recording base.

Barry, who turned Steps into a household name, says Bunsen Burner has taken the music business by surprise.

He said: "I co-wrote the number with John. It started off as a poem. We borrowed a bit from the Seventies disco hit Disco Inferno and just used the line burn baby burn.

"It was a daft idea but the fans absolutely love it and they have got a John Travolta dance that goes with the burn baby burn."

Otway, who lives in London, may have been away from the charts for a quarter of a century but over the years he has built up a huge army of fans.

One of his ardent followers has been Barry, who said: "I was going along to his gigs and gradually got to know him.

"He reminded me of what entertainment was all about. He always puts a smile on your face no matter what he does."

But John has always hankered for that elusive second hit.

"He was always a little bit jealous of all my hits with Steps and the fact that he has had all these flops," quipped Barry.

John's latest hit is a 50th birthday wish come true.

Barry said: "Every year his fans buy him something for his birthday. For his 50th birthday they asked him if he would like something special."

John's reply was: "I would really like another hit to go with the one I have already got."

Fans then launched a campaign to get him a second hit as a birthday present.

Singles produced by various people were put to the vote which was supervised by the Electoral Reform Society at an Otway gig.

John says: "It is brilliant to be back in the charts and in the top ten."