John Cooper Clarke

Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero. Known as the
‘Godfather of Punk Poetry” and the original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence
spans literature, music and fashion. From creating some of the most iconic poetry of
the modern era, including the world’s most popular wedding poem “I Wanna Be
Yours” ( recently celebrating over a billion streams in its incarnation as a hit record
by the Arctic Monkeys) to sharing his life story through his 120k selling memoir of
the same name and the recent release of his new best-selling poetry collection
“WHAT” which is full of John’s much-loved sardonic wit and hilarious ponderings on
modern life.

John is referenced as a major influence not just by the Arctic Monkeys but also by
artists across the globe… As well as musicians like Alex Turner, The Sleaford Mods
and Plan B, his legendary number “Evidently Chickentown” plays out the penultimate
episode of The Sopranos. Watching John Cooper Clarke perform is an opportunity
to see a living legend at the top of his game.
Doctor John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s. Captivating audiences
with his unique poetry and delivery style, he clawed his way up from working mens
clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of
the most prolific figures in punk.
John’s early live shows were renowned occasions, and headline gigs were supported
by many soon-to-be superstars including Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran,
as well as playing as special guest on shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The
Clash.
After the release of his seminal album on CBS “Snap, Crackle and Bop” where John’s
poems were put to music by the legendary music producer Martin Hannett, he was

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firmly established as one of the most important artists of the Punk era. His recorded
album was followed by the release of his first collection 10 Years in an Open Necked
Shirt. The book is one of the best-selling poetry anthologies ever in the UK, Canada
and Australia.
As relevant and vibrant as ever, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is just as visible in
contemporary pop culture, with his trademark ‘look’ resonating with
fashion-conscious individuals across all demographics and his poetry features in
the UK national curriculum syllabus. Having had a groundbreaking effect on modern
music, his influence can be heard within the social observations of the Arctic
Monkeys, amongst many others.
John’s 2018 poetry collection The Luckiest Guy Alive featured 30 new poems and
his long-awaited 2020 autobiography I Wanna Be Yours is a groundbreaking piece
of literature and a “riveting memoir”.
His sense of humor resounds throughout his career, and his latest live show is a mix
of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest
gags, riffs and chat.
In 2025 John will be performing a tour of major cities in Celebration of World Poetry
Day, including a show at the London Palladium and gig at Co-op Live in Manchester
– making John the first poet to headline an arena. Kicking off in March 2025, it’s a
chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word
artists at his bold and brilliant best. John’s best selling poetry collection, WHAT, will
also be released in paperback on February 13th.