Boomtown: John Cooper Clarke

British punk poet and living legend

Kate Moss once let slip that "John Cooper Clarke uses words the way Chuck Barry uses Chuck Berry guitar riffs." We heard his poem "I Wanna Be Yours" on Arctic Monkey's album 'AM'. His performances were joined by such superstars as Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran. He made guest appearances at concerts by Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash, ... 

Needless to say, the British punk poet is a living legend. He made a name for himself in the 1970s with his unique poetry and charismatic readings. In his hometown of Salford and Manchester, he quickly became one of punk's most prolific figures. His work was eagerly picked up and set to music by legendary producer Martin Hannett and a collection of Mancunian icons such as Buzzcocks' Peter Shelley and The Durutti Column's Vini Reilly. Key songs like "Beasley St." and "Evidently Chickentown" from his waltz album "Snap, Crackle and Bop" made John one of the most important artists of the punk era.

In 2024, Clarke will celebrate his 75th birthday with a tour, including a stop in Ghent! A unique opportunity to see one of the world's most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his daring and brilliant best.

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