Biography

Born in Salford, Lancashire, John Cooper Clarke is a multi-faceted writer, musician, artist, and performer. a well-known and much-loved voice on stage, television, radio and at Festivals.  He has toured the UK and internationally. Described as a ‘people’s poet, his work first came to the attention of readers and listeners in the 1970s. He has performed on stage with, among others, Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks and The Clash.  He owns a film company. His life and work was featured in the BBC documentary, ‘Evidently…John Cooper Clarke. (2012) and he appeared on the BBC’s ‘Desert Island Discs’.  

Cooper Clarke has had a memorable influence on contemporary culture.  He was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Arts by Salford University (2013).   

His output includes albums, compilations, singles, EPs, videos, DVDs and compilation performances.  Cooper produced an autobiography ‘I wanna be yours’ (2020). 

Poems by John Cooper Clarke

The Day My Pad Went Mad - John Cooper Clarke
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