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.

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 men’s clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of the most prolific figures in punk.

His sense of humour 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.