John Cooper Clarke

John Cooper Clarke began his performance career in folk clubs in Manchester, later collaborating with Rick Goldstraw and the band The Ferrets. His initial recordings were released on the independent label Rabid, starting with the EP “Innocents” in October 1977. Rabid also released his debut LP, “Où est la maison de fromage?”, which comprised live recordings, demos, and rehearsals. In 1978, he toured with Bill Nelson’s band Be-Bop Deluxe and subsequently signed with Epic Records. This led to the release of the studio album “Disguise in Love” in the same year, produced by Martin Hannett. Clarke’s early success has been partially attributed to the influence of English poet Pam Ayres, whose mainstream appeal inspired him to pursue poetry as a profession.

Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Clarke became known as a “punk poet.” In 1979, he achieved his only UK top 40 hit with “Gimmix! (Play Loud).” He toured with Linton Kwesi Johnson and performed alongside notable bands including the Sex Pistols, The Fall, Joy Division, Buzzcocks, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Elvis Costello, Rockpile, and New Order. His performances are characterized by energetic, rapid-fire recitations of his poems, often delivered a cappella. He appeared in the 1982 music documentary “Urgh! A Music War,” performing “Health Fanatic,” and in the film “John Cooper Clarke – Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt,” produced for the Arts Council of Great Britain and Channel 4. This film featured interviews and performances by Clarke and Linton Kwesi Johnson.

After releasing “Zip Style Method” in 1982, Clarke performed less frequently in the 1980s. He resumed live performances in the 1990s, including appearances with Suns of Arqa. In the early 2000s, he re-established contact with Rick Goldstraw, and they toured with The Mescaleros and supported The Fall. His poem “Evidently Chickentown” gained renewed attention after being featured in the closing scene of The Sopranos episode “Stage 5” in 2007, and a live performance appeared in the film “Control.” In 2012, he was the subject of a BBC Four documentary, “Evidently… John Cooper Clarke.” The University of Salford awarded him an honorary doctorate of arts in July 2013, recognizing his career in bringing poetry to diverse audiences and influencing musicians and comedians. His poem “I Wanna Be Yours” was adapted by the Arctic Monkeys for their 2013 album “AM,” significantly increasing his reach to a new generation.