John Cooper Clarke’s live show is a mix of classic verse, extraordinary new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat - a chance to witness a living legend at the top of his game.

John shot to prominence in the 1970s as the original ‘people’s poet’. His unique poetry writing and rapidfire delivery style was recorded and put to music by lengederary producer Martin Hannett and a band of Mancunian superstars, such as Buzzcocks Pete Shelley and The Durutti Columns Vinnie Reilly.

His poetry collection 10 Years in An Open Necked Shirt came out in the early 1980s and is one of the biggest selling poetry books in the UK.

John is as relevant and vibrant as ever and his influence just as visible on today’s pop culture. Aside from his trademark ‘look’ continuing to resonate with fashionistas young and old, and his poetry included on national curriculum syllabus, his effect on modern music is huge. 

His influence can be heard within the keen social observations of the Arctic Monkeys and Plan B amongst many others. John has collaborated with both to acclaimed and best-selling effect. 

John continues to feature on British TV, with appearances on 8 Out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News for You being particularly well received as are his frequent BBC 6 Music shows.