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.
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 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 2024 John will be celebrating his 75th birthday with a new live tour of the UK’s major cities including a show at the London Palladium as well as at the Lowry Theatre in his native Salford.
This a chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best…in Bridport, West Dorset.
SUPPORT – Luke Wright
After a quarter of a century on stages across the world Luke Wright is a poet and raconteur at the top of his game.
Both brazen and elegiac, Wright’s poems pull on the tidy hem of responsible existence to unravel the frustrations of the family, politics and masculinity in 21st century Britain.
He marries his inventive writing with breath-taking performance skills to take audiences on an incredible emotional journey. He’s the regular tour support for John Cooper Clarke and often MCs shows for The Libertines. He’s a regular on Radio 4 and has won a Fringe First for writing , a Stage Award for performance, and four Saboteur Awards.
Luke was a founder member of poetry collective Aisle16, who in the 00’s shook up the spoken word scene, helping to kick start a British renaissance of the form. Since 2006 he’s worked primarily on his own, making 13 spoken word shows and three verse plays.
The animated short films he wrote for director Jon Dunleavy were voiced by Robert Lindsay and David Soul. He’s written poetry for two documentaries on Channel 4. The Seven Ages of Love (dir. Zara Hayes) was shortlisted for a Grierson Award.
He’s written four poetry collections and his plays have been published as epic poems by Penned in the Margins. His latest pamphlet, After Engine Trouble (Rough Trade Books), won the Saboteur Award for best pamphlet in 2019. To celebrate 20 years of gigging Nymphs & Thugs put out the double album TWENTY on LP and download.
Website: johncooperclarke.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/johncooperclarke
Twitter: @offical_jcc
Instagram: @johncooperclarke
“One of Britain’s outstanding poets”
Sir Paul McCartney
“Fantastically entertaining. As a writer of comic prose Clarke is the match of anyone alive, and his turns of phrase are as sharp as his suits”
The Times
“Riveting”
The Observer