John Cooper Clarke is the 'Godfather of Punk Poetry' and a true British cult hero whose influence spans poetry, music and fashion. Best known for his iconic poem I Wanna Be Yours which became a global hit through Arctic Monkeys and passed a billion streams, John continues to inspire generations with his sharp wit and unique voice.
He rose from Salford’s working men’s clubs in the 1970s to become a defining figure of the punk era. His early shows featured future legends like Joy Division and Duran Duran and he toured with the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash. His album Snap Crackle and Bop produced by Martin Hannett cemented his status and was followed by his best-selling collection Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt. His 2020 memoir I Wanna Be Yours became a bestseller and his 2018 collection The Luckiest Guy Alive featured 30 new poems. His latest book WHAT is full of sardonic wit and sharp social commentary and was released in paperback in February 2025.
In 2025 he became the first poet to headline Manchester’s Co-op Live arena. His live shows mix classic verse, new material, honest gags and quick-fire commentary proving John Cooper Clarke is still one of the most important and entertaining spoken word artists in the world.
Now he's bringing his unmistakable voice and razor-sharp verse to our stage – don't miss a true original live at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.
Find us
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Millbrook, Guildford