John Cooper Clarke (born 25 January 1949), also known as JCC and " The Bard of Salford ", is an English performance poet and comedian who was often referred to as a " punk poet" in the late 1970s.

Saturday 9th May 2026 Swansea Grand TheatreSunday 10th May 2026 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Mar 24, 2025 · John Cooper Clarke is about to become the first poet to headline a UK arena, and is responsible for the lyrics to one of the world's most streamed songs of recent years. But he has lost …

Described as a ‘people’s poet, his work first came to the attention of readers and listeners in the 1970s. He has performed on stage with, among others, Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, the Sex …

John Cooper Clarke remains a beloved figure in British culture, known for his distinctive style, sharp wit, and ability to connect with audiences of all generations. His work continues to inspire and entertain, …

His biting, satirical, political and very funny verse delivered in his rapid-fire performance style resonated with the punk movement that had begun to pick up speed in the late 70s.

John Cooper Clarke was born on 25 January 1949 in Salford, Greater Manchester, England, UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Control (2007), Rust and Bone (2012) and The Souvenir (2019).