Celebrated punk poet John Cooper Clarke, known for his hit “Gimmix! Play Loud” and the iconic poem “Evidently Chickentown,” which featured on The Sopranos, has returned to the limelight with his latest poetry collection, Have It. With a UK tour running until 27 November, Clarke reflects on a life marked by artistic ambition and overcoming past struggles.
Silver-Spurred Beginnings
Born in Salford in 1949, Clarke’s fascination with cowboys was clear from a young age, as evidenced by a childhood photograph of him dressed in a cowboy outfit, taken by his uncle in their Salford apartment. His early years were marred by a tuberculosis diagnosis, yet this illness sparked a passionate engagement with reading during his recovery.
Back at school, Clarke was inspired by Mr Malone, a teacher who instilled in his students, including Clarke, an appreciation for the phonetic nature of poetry. Despite a disdain for school itself, these classes planted the seeds of his future career.
Punk Aspirations and Fashions
Clarke’s teenage years as a mod were marked by a desire to break into poetry as a profession—an ambition met with skepticism from his career advisors and father alike. However, his determination to carve out a niche in the entertainment industry was unwavering. Drawing style inspiration from Ronnie Wood after seeing the Birds in 1965, Clarke developed a personal brand that has lasted a lifetime.
His first paid performance, thanks to comedian Bernard Manning, was in a Manchester club, but the indifference of the audience was a tough initiation. It wasn’t until Clarke connected with Howard Devoto of the Buzzcocks that he found his true audience within the punk scene. Clarke thrived in this environment, performing alongside legendary acts like Joy Division and the Sex Pistols, which became pivotal to his career success.
Decades of Change
The glam excesses of the 1980s left Clarke creatively dissatisfied, leading him into a period of self-admitted wilderness years, battling heroin addiction—a decision he now regards with regret. The 1990s offered a turning point when meeting his future wife, Evie, prompted Clarke to seek rehab, marking the beginning of a new chapter enriched by the birth of his daughter, Stella.
The popularity of “Evidently Chickentown” on The Sopranos, alongside the Arctic Monkeys’ adaptation of “I Wanna Be Yours,” rejuvenated his career, opening doors to an American audience once more.
A Modern-Day Poet
Reflecting on his life, Clarke admits that aging is a mixed blessing, emphasising that he remains true to his style and principles. Despite avowing a lack of technological savvy, his distinctive sartorial presence and commitment to artistic expression remain unyielded.
Today, Clarke enjoys performing in large venues and indulges in leisurely television programmes, chronicling travel adventures from the comfort of his home. Looking back, Clarke sees his life’s work as successfully achieving “remunerative idleness,” achieving prosperity through his creative pursuits.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.