John Cooper Clarke

John Cooper Clarke, born in Salford, Lancashire, on January 25, 1949, has established a significant career as a performance poet and comedian, recognized for his distinctive ‘punk poet’ style. After establishing his distinctive ‘punk poet’ style in Manchester’s folk clubs, John Cooper Clarke launched his recording career with the EP ‘Innocents’ in October 1977 on the independent label Rabid, following collaborations with Rick Goldstraw and The Ferrets. Rabid also released his debut LP, ‘Où est la maison de fromage?’. In 1978, Clarke toured with Bill Nelson’s band Be-Bop Deluxe before signing with Epic Records, resulting in the 1978 studio album ‘Disguise in Love,’ produced by Martin Hannett.

A Music War,’ performing ‘Health Fanatic,’ and starring in the Arts Council of Great Britain and Channel 4 film ‘John Cooper Clarke – Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt.’ After releasing ‘Zip Style Method’ in 1982, Clarke resumed live performances, including with Suns of Arqa and in Sugar Puffs adverts. The early 2000s marked a resurgence with tours alongside The Mescaleros and supporting The Fall. His poem ‘Evidently Chickentown’ gained significant renewed attention in 2007, featured prominently in The Sopranos episode ‘Stage 5’ and the film ‘Control.’ He was the subject of the 2012 BBC Four documentary, ‘Evidently… John Cooper Clarke,’ and appeared in rapper Plan B’s film ‘Ill Manors’ that same year.

Honored as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Salford in 2023, Clarke is slated to headline the Co-op Live arena in Manchester in March 2025, the same month he is set to receive the 2025 Northern Music Award.