John Cooper Clarke celebrates six months of Co-op Live with ‘Proper Sound’ poem

Co-op Live has been open for six months now, and to celebrate its unique partnership with the venue and mark the occasion, the Co-op has enlisted John Cooper Clarke to create a special poem.

The Bard of Salford himself, a literal living legend and walking archive of rock ‘n’ roll history, has penned a poem titled ‘Proper Sound’.

It’s an ode to the Co-op and its namesake venue, and their special place in our city past and present.

JCC says that he ‘wanted to work in some historical perspective of the Co-op itself’ because it was an important part of his neighbourhood as a child.

And from those days of ‘outdoor bogs’, to the present day and beyond, that’s exactly what he’s done, weaving together personal nostalgia and civic pride, via pea soup and K-Pop.

Clarke has also recently announced a brand new UK tour for next year: In Celebration of World Poetry Day.

John will return to the stage for three shows, starting at The London Palladium on March 19th, before heading to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on March 21st and ending at Co-op Live on March 29th for a huge homecoming show.

The Salford born entertainer will become the first-ever poet to headline an arena in the UK.

Co-op Live

From classic numbers like Chickentown and Beasley Street to brand new material from the new collection ‘WHAT’, John will bring his unique perspective and incredible work to his biggest audiences yet.

He’ll also be joined by special guests on each night of the tour, with John Agard in London, Henry Normal in Nottingham and Linkton Kewesi Johnson in Manchester.

Tickets go on general sale on Friday October 18th at 10am.

Co-op members can get access to a special ticket pre-sale for the Manchester show on Wednesday October 16th at 10am, become a member HERE.