He is about to become the first poet to headline a UK arena, but says he isn't ready for national treasure status.

Martin Robinson11 March 2025 John Cooper Clarke, the bard of Salford ... I'm the last normal guy alive,” he says, then remembers, “I was in a dope clinic 8 million decades ago.

John Cooper Clarke is nicknamed ... I came back but medical action was called for. I'm the luckiest guy alive. Somebody up there likes me." Clarke eventually got clean after meeting his wife ...

John Cooper Clarke, the bard of Salford ... “No, I kind of liked the idea of it, but I never felt I had any reason to, I mean, I'm the last normal guy alive,” he says, then remembers, “I was in a dope ...