Dr John Cooper Clarke: HAVE IT

One of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best. 

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 iconic modern verse like the world's most popular wedding poem I Wanna Be Yours (recently celebrating over a billion streams via the Arctic Monkeys) to his 120k-selling memoir and best-selling collection WHAT, his work is packed with sardonic wit and hilarious ponderings on modern life.

Shot to prominence in the 1970s, he clawed his way up from Manchester working men's clubs to headline alongside Joy Division, Sex Pistols, and The Clash. Referenced as a major influence by Alex Turner, Sleaford Mods, and Plan B, with his legendary track Evidently Chickentown featuring in The Sopranos, John remains as relevant as ever. Fresh from becoming the first poet to headline Manchester's Co-op Live arena, his show blends classic verse, new material, good honest gags, riffs and chat.