John Cooper Clarke With Special Guest Mike Garry
Schedule
Wed Oct 30 2024 at 07:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
Huntingdon Hall | Worcester, EN
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. It’s a chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best.
Reviews
“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
“An immensely entertaining memoir that fizzes with wit...It’s impossible not to hear him read every word aloud in your head with that unforgettable Manc drawl” - NME
“Riveting” - The Observer