John Cooper Clarke to perform at ARC

John Cooper Clarke, the Bard of Salford, is to bring his unique style of rapid-fire punk poetry entertainment to Stockton’s ARC this June. Best known as the original punk poet, his frenetic live shows have been the stuff of legend since the 1970s.

During the punk era he collaborated with many huge names such as Buzzcocks, Joy Divison, The Fall and others like them, earning him the mantle of the ‘Punk poet’.

More recently he has been sited by many young bands as a massive influence on their own lyrics and style, including The Arctic Monkeys. His poem Out of Control Fairground was printed inside their single Fluorescent Adolescent, the video for which is a re-enactment of the poem.

Expect a mix of hilarious anecdotes of life up North with express delivery of some of his best poems. His biting, political and very funny verse is delivered in a rapid-fire performance style.

Still frenetic, still utterly unique, this rare live appearance at Stockton’s ARC is truly is unmissable.

'Clarke's rhymes are far funnier than the throwaway gags of almost any stand-up.' The Guardian

“His beguiling rapid fire punk poetry has now become the stuff of legend.” Time Out