Punk and poetry have a storied history, and while the divide between these art forms has widened a bit over the years, a few champions remain steadfast at the intersection of these two subcultures. One such artist is John Cooper Clarke, and many regard him as something of a founding father to the punk poetry movement as a whole. Combining the speed and visceral nature of punk music with his own razor sharp wit and wry sense of humor, Clarke cultivated an iconic aesthetic and performative style, influencing countless musicians and writers as far back as the late ’70s with his debut album Où est la maison de fromage? He has shared the stage with the likes of the Sex Pistols, the Buzzcocks, New Order, and many other musical heavyweights, introducing their larger audiences to the virtues of wordplay and intellectual gymnastics — and with much success. His career, largely developed in the UK, has been well-documented in the BBC documentary Evidently… John Cooper Clarke, which chronicles his rise to fame, battles with drugs, and inimitable poems and persona.
Now, Clarke is embarking on his first North American tour in 35 years, and he’ll be making a stop at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on May 7. If you have the chance, go see this counter culture legend perform. Otherwise, get acquainted with the engima below with this curated series of videos that spans some of his most volatile and memorable works and performances. The world can be a crippling, mean place, but Clarke’s fierce energy and humor are guaranteed to raise your spirits. So go on and press play — a smile is waiting for you.
