Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt

John Cooper Clarke is a British poet and performer known for his sharp wit, rapid-fire delivery, and punk rock influences. His most notable works include "Evidently Chickentown" and "I Wanna Be Yours." Clarke's poetry is characterized by its gritty realism, dark humor, and social commentary. He rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the punk and new wave music scenes, performing alongside bands like The Sex Pistols and Joy Division. Clarke's influence on the punk poetry movement has been significant, inspiring a new generation of poets and spoken word artists. His most famous work, "I Wanna Be Yours," has been covered by Arctic Monkeys and remains a staple of his live performances. Clarke's unique blend of poetry and performance continues to captivate audiences around the world.