Dr John Cooper Clarke
In celebration of World Poetry Day
Location
The Apex, 1 Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds IP33 3FD
Telephone
01284 758000- Next Event
- 13th March 8:00pm
- Event Finishes
- 13th March 10:00pm
About this event
Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero.
Known as the ‘Godfather of Punk Poetry' and the original people’s poet, John’s cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion.
Dr John Cooper Clarke shot to prominence in the 1970s. Captivating audiences with his unique poetry and delivery style, he clawed his way up from working men's clubs and cabaret venues in his native Salford and Manchester, to become one of the most prolific figures in punk.
John’s early live shows were renowned occasions, and headline gigs were supported by many soon-to-be superstars including Joy Division, New Order and Duran Duran, as well as playing as special guest on shows by the Sex Pistols, Buzzcocks and The Clash.
After the release of his seminal album on CBS Snap, Crackle and Bop where John’s poems were put to music by the legendary music producer Martin Hannett, he was firmly established as one of the most important artists of the Punk era. His recorded album was followed by the release of his first collection 10 Years in an Open Necked Shirt. The book is one of the best-selling poetry anthologies ever in the UK, Canada and Australia.
As relevant and vibrant as ever, John Cooper Clarke’s influence is just as visible in contemporary pop culture, with his trademark ‘look’ resonating with fashion-conscious individuals across all demographics and his poetry features in the UK national curriculum syllabus. Having had a groundbreaking effect on modern music, his influence can be heard within the social observations of the Arctic Monkeys, amongst many others.
John's 2018 poetry collection The Luckiest Guy Alive featured 30 new poems and his long-awaited 2020 autobiography I Wanna Be Yours is a groundbreaking piece of literature and a “riveting memoir”.
His sense of humour resounds throughout his career, and his latest live show is a mix of classic verse, new material, hilarious ponderings on modern life, good honest gags, riffs and chat.
Don't miss your chance to see one of the world’s most important and entertaining spoken word artists at his bold and brilliant best.
“One of Britain’s outstanding poets” - Sir Paul McCartney
Ages 14+
Starts: 8pm
Tickets: £27
About the Venue
The Apex is an award-winning venue, known for its acoustic excellence and home to a diverse programme of live music and events; from classical concerts to pop, rock, jazz, blues, world, country and folk, plus comedy and dance performances.
It also hosts a number of community and corporate events, offering the local community and wider environs a unique and exciting space from which visitors can see a great selection of artists, bands and events.
It has been very well publicised (and we never tire of hearing it!) that, as well as its architectural beauty, The Apex also has the very best acoustics, with many musicians who've played here describing it as the best acoustic in the UK, if not Europe:
"Best new venue in the UK. Absolutely superb" - Funeral For A Friend
"Best acoustic wee had in 40 years of touring" - Fairport Convention
"The best hall we have ever played in" - The Escher String Quartet