He may not have appeared on stage in person for more than 20 years, but few singer-songwriters can claim such public affection as Robert Wyatt, writes Tim Metcalfe.

His poetic and often painfully honest songs, performed in his distinctive, almost plaintive, style have wormed their way into the subconscious of the nation.

From his early days with Soft Machine, through Matching Mole and his solo career, Wyatt's has been a name to drop in the best 'rock snob' conversations.

Wyatt has recently collaborated with trombone player Annie Whitehead to produce Soupsongs an evening of Wyatt's songs interpreted by a group of suberb musicians. The show comes to the Oxford Playhouse on Sunday, and, yes, to use the age-old clich, you can expect an evening of musical fireworks performed by Julie Tippetts (formerly Julie Driscoll) and Ian Maidman.