John Cooper Clarke

Being a poetry and language enthusiast, as well as a musician myself, John Cooper Clarke is an incredibly talented and original musician who I admire entirely. It’s very hard to come across these days performance poets, and his fresh punk poetry sound captivates me to this day. His collaborations with musicians to back his music have ranged from huge names such as Steve Hopkins, right through to Paul Burgess, and each time, he creates incredible and moving music.

I was lucky enough to see Cooper Clarke perform solo and also supporting Inspiral Carpets recently in Manchester. He opened his show with Grimmix!, the track that entered the UK top 40 back in ’79, and he even got everyone to join in with his lyrics. His voice is perfect for the recitals, and his poignant construction of verses and rhyme schemes alongside the music of his supporters is magical, and something that just doesn’t get done enough.

He was great at interacting with the audience, and got everyone chanting a rhythm, whilst he recited and almost punky rap over the top of the crowd. He’s incredibly talented, and I really do hope he keeps performing in years to come.

What a job these local promoters are doing! Tonight they brought 3 excellent poets to Shrewsbury, the legend that is Dr John Cooper Clark with support from Toria Garbett and Clare Ferguson Walker. Gritty, northern, pithy, provocative poetry delivered with grit and verve. Long live independent venues and promoters! Check out chairhousepresents!

Very good-John Cooper Clarke was on form and did some of his new poems as well as some old favourites. A screen projector showing him in close up would have helped a lot-for those of us in the gallery he was a bit of a speck in the distance. He really does look more and more like Max Wall as he gets older.