Ahead of his 50 years in showbiz celebration at The Helix, the Irish Mirror chatted to punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke about kebab-inspired poetic tweaks, Chuck Berry and the hidden smells of the Haçienda
Poet, performer and punk icon, Dr John Cooper Clarke has spent five decades weaving wit and grit into verse and as he prepares to celebrate 50 years in showbiz, he's still as sharp, irreverent and relevant as ever.
READ MORE: 'Combination of vulnerability, strength and passion': The The's Matt Johnson reflects on recording with Sinead O'Connor “If you read Chuck Berry's lyrics, you're singing the song, there's no other way to go. He writes them that way. You can take away all the music and recite it as poetry, and it will still sound like a song. Check it out with any Chuck Berry song.
Dr Clarke says that poetry should be heard, recommending that for the “greater enjoyment of poetry”, always read it out loud - especially if you are alone. “It doesn't have any pejorative value as a curse word. So I thought, I better change it to the international curse word, fucking. Then I realised, it should have always been fucking, it fit with the hard consonants. It's more percussive, bloody gets sort of lost somehow, but fucking that's always gonna be a propulsive word.
A stalwart of 1980s counter-culture, the punk poet shared how one aspect of the era remains elusive to modern media: its odour.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ciaran Clarke on injury, sickness and representing Drogheda ahead of London boutClarke's hometown has produced numerous sporting greats over the years
Read more »
Conor Murray and Joanna Cooper enjoy lavish 5* babymoon ahead of welcoming childThe rugby star and model are due to become first time parents this November and have made the most of their summer off with some well needed rest and relaxation
Read more »
John O'Shea delivers key fitness update on Evan Ferguson ahead of England clashThe Brighton striker has yet to play this season but is in the Ireland squad for Saturday's clash at Aviva Stadium
Read more »
Chef Derry Clarke insists restaurant business in Dublin no longer sustainableHis comments come in the wake of Dylan McGrath announcing the closure of two of his restaurants in the capital with immediate effect
Read more »
Scotland heartbreak as Poland snatch win, Northern Ireland see off LuxembourgSteve Clarke’s battling side now have to face Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday.
Read more »
Decorated Galway hurler Iggy Clarke the star turn at mental health eventFour-time All-Star hurler grappled with adversity of injury, ordained a priest before leaving religious life and subsequently became a psychologist and therapist
Read more »