Dr John Cooper Clarke
City Winery Philadelphia presents Dr John Cooper Clarke live on September 20th at 6pm
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. Watc
hing 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 produ
cer 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 antholog
ies 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 curri
culum
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 l
ong
-
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.
