The reasons I love Johnny and his work.

As I mentioned before, I was about 15  years old when I first came across Johnny. He was part of the english literature syllabus at GCSE level. I had already shown an interest in poetry and Johnny’s work just drew me in straight away. What I found most interesting was the way that Johnny articulates himself, his expression and the comedy he demonstrates with the words he has written. It offers a mix of comedy and truth. The truth of his writing adds to the comedy for me.He writes of everyday things allowing me to relate to it well. For me I found it strange that I  could use his words and put events or parts my life to it, even though this man was popular before I was even born.

I come from an old mining village that is classed as relatively deprived on the North East coast and everything he was saying I could find something common in it. This is what originally sounded my interest in Johnny and his work.

I saw Johnny on stage and this got me much more interested in him. From the second he came on to the stage he made me laugh ou loud. He has a certain type of charisma and style to his performances, and he is just a joy to watch. I am currently looking through some footage of him performing but I am struggling to find one with a good sound quality and picture quality because of the time frame of most of his performances. I may have to try and do it a different way. I’m thinking of finding a performer…what do you think, would anyone like to have a go at performing one of his poems? Please get in touch if you would.

“Johnny Clarke, the name behind the hairstyle”

Firstly I would like to say hello to all my fellow bloggers out there. I have chosen to blog about someone who I find interesting. I have followed him since I was about 15 years old and been glued to reading, and listening to him since. John Cooper Clarke.

John Cooper Clarke was born in Salford, Manchester, on January 25th 1949. More commonly Known as the ‘punk poet’, Johnny Clarke toured and opened for bands such as The Sex Pistols, New Order and Buzzcocks in the late 70’s.  Johnny performs his poems regularly and his lively and rapid-fire delivery of his poems give a comedic edge.  Famous for his quirky poems and , of course the hair adding to his comic image. This man not only looks funny due to the hair and the way he carries himself , as soon as he speaks he is funny too! Some of his more popular works are: I married a monster from outter space, Twat, Beasley Street and Evidently chickentown. To get the full effect form his work you must see John perform them, it is visual comedy.

Johnny Clarke was very popular during the late 70’s and lived the rock and roll life style. But after years of touring with huge rock stars, in the early 80’s Johnny had to face a huge battle with a heroin addiction which took him out of the spotlight for a while. As punk began to fade a little in the early 80’s, so did Johnny’s star. His troubles with heroin took over his life, until the early 90’s when he finally kicked the habit, and he came back better than ever.

When performing Johhny appears to be very confident, his personality shines through his poetry, his lyrics represent him. I beleive that with out actualy looking at him, or seeing him you can imagine visally what he looks like. His words are an insight into him, his personality is in the words.

John currently lives in Colchester with his family, still working on poems, producing the lyrics to his life.

There is more information out there about Johnny and his works, try visiting his website to find out more at: www.johncoperclarke.com

There is more to come!

Speak soon!