POET, rock star, writer, social commentator – Dr John Cooper Clarke doesn’t get bogged down with labels.

In the 1970s his biting, political yet humourous verse, delivered in a unique rapid-fire performance style, resonated with the punk movement. He toured with all the seminal bands and artists, from The Sex Pistols and The Clash to Buzzcocks and Elvis Costello. Soon, he began to draw large crowds in his own right. Joy Division were proud to frequently support JCC and New Order later opened for him on their first Australian tour.

His influence needs only to be heard in the satirical and keen social observations of the songs of the Arctic Monkeys. Alex Turner cites JCC as a huge inspiration and his work appears on the sleeve of one of their singles. Turner also boasts a tattoo of JCC.

UK rapper and filmmaker Plan B asked the poet to appear in his directorial film debut Ill Manors. Their duet Pity The Poor Fellow appears in the movie and on the soundtrack. JCC’s recording of Evidently Chickentown was used in the closing scenes of The Sopranos. JCC was also the subject of a documentary on BBC 4 Evidently… John Cooper Clarke. He regularly features on the BBC on both TV and radio, as a presenter, performer and a socio-cultural commentator.

He was awarded an honorary doctorate in July 2013 from the University of Salford. He is studied by college and university students throughout the world and still tours in his spare time.

Dr John Cooper Clarke will perform at the Arts Centre on Thursday, February 11 at 8pm. Tickets cost between £20.50 and £25.50. To book call 01793 524481or visit swindontheatres.co.uk.