NEIL Earl waited 26 years to see his favourite composer perform live, but a wrong turn from a bus driver left him listening to apologies instead.

More than 850 people packed into Cadogan Hall in London to see a rare performance by Academy Award winning musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.

But despite buying his ticket six months in advance, Mr Earl missed out on the sold-out show because his Oxford Bus Company driver went the wrong way after being diverted off the A40 because of traffic.

Mr Earl said he was among 25 passengers who arrived about one hour and 10 minutes late at London Victoria because the driver got lost in North London.

The 41-year-old boarded the Oxford Bus Company’s X90 service at Thornhill park-and-ride at 5.02pm.

He should have arrived in London by 6.40pm but instead pulled into Victoria at 7.55pm — too late to attend the London concert of Mr Sakamoto’s first UK tour in 15 years.

Mr Earl has been a fan since the Sakamoto-scored film Merry Chri-stmas Mr Lawrence was released in 1983.

Mr Earl, of Kellys Road, Wheatley, said the driver stopped twice to ask passers-by for directions Mr Earl, said: “It was a complete farce. I was so angry, it was completely ridiculous.

“A lot of us missed our concert and theatre performances because of this, and I missed a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Ryuichi live.

“The driver even got out of the coach and asked members of the public where he should be going.

“I thought it was strange they didn’t have sat nav so drivers could find their way if they didn’t know where they were going.”

The concert in Sloane Square started at 7pm – but after allowing for a 20-minute walk to the venue Mr Earl estimated he would not arrive until 8.15pm so took the next bus home instead.

He wants compensation from the company for his £13 return bus fare and the £34 concert ticket.

Oxford Bus Company spokesman Phil Ashworth said: “On Sunday there were major problems on all the western approaches to London.

“We are sorry that the driver made that mistake and we would like to apologise to the passengers who were delayed. We would be happy to talk to them if they contact us directly.

“There can be few motorists who have not taken a wrong turning at some time or other.

“Unfortunately it is a lot more public and embarrassing if you are driving a coach because you can’t just turn around anywhere and retrace your route.”

Cadogan Hall general manager Adam McGinlay said: “Mr Sakamoto takes particular care and attention of his audience so I’m sure he’d be saddened to hear of this man’s plight.”

cwalker@oxfordmail.co.uk