Dr John Cooper Clarke, widely recognised as the Godfather of Punk Poetry, has revealed plans for an extensive 20-date tour across the UK in autumn 2026, including on November 18th at Blackpool Opera House. The tour will showcase his newest material alongside classic performances that have entertained audiences for decades. His distinct style of performance poetry first gained traction in punk venues during the 1970s and has since built him a devoted following.
The tour will visit major venues throughout the country, including London’s Palladium, Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, and Manchester’s O2 Apollo. Alongside the tour announcement, Dr John Cooper Clarke has confirmed the release of a new book titled Have It, which will be published in autumn 2026. This follows his 2024 publication WHAT, which achieved instant bestseller status. Tickets for the tour go on sale on Friday, 5 December at 10am.
Key Takeaways
- Dr John Cooper Clarke will perform 20 shows across the UK in autumn 2026, featuring new work and classic material
- His new book Have It will be released in autumn 2026, following the success of his previous bestseller
- Tickets for the tour become available on 5 December 2025 at 10am through official vendors
Dr John Cooper Clarke’s 2026 UK Tour Dates Are:
The renowned punk poet will perform across 20 venues throughout October and November 2026. The tour kicks off on 7th October at Southend Palace Theatre and concludes on 27th November at Edinburgh Queens Hall.
October 2026 Performances:
- 7th – Southend Palace Theatre
- 10th – Poole Lighthouse
- 11th – Bristol Beacon
- 14th – Brighton Theatre Royal
- 15th – London Palladium
- 17th – Sheffield City Hall
- 20th – Glasgow Pavilion
- 21st – Carlisle Old Fire Station
- 23rd – Stoke-On-Trent Victoria Hall
- 24th – Birmingham Town Hall
- 28th – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
- 31st – Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
November 2026 Performances:
- 4th – Whitley Bay The Playhouse
- 6th – York Grand Opera House
- 12th – Dublin 3 Olympia
- 15th – Belfast Mandela Hall
- 18th – Blackpool Opera House
- 21st – Manchester O2 Apollo
- 25th – Leicester De Montfort Hall
- 27th – Edinburgh Queens Hall
The tour will visit major cities and historic venues across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Notable stops include the prestigious London Palladium on 15th October and the Manchester O2 Apollo on 21st November.
Clarke gained recognition after receiving honours at the Northern Music Awards. At that same event, he met artist Luvcat, who won breakthrough artist of the year. The two later collaborated on the track ‘He’s My Man (The Anniversary)’, where Clarke narrated the role of a gradually poisoned husband.
The poet is widely known for writing ‘I Want To Be Yours’, which appeared on his album ‘Zip Style Method’. Arctic Monkeys later recorded their own version for their 2013 album ‘AM’. In a 2013 interview, Clarke revealed he wrote the poem around 1983 or 1984. He noted that many people have told him they used the poem at their weddings or during marriage proposals.
Clarke compared the poem’s role in modern weddings to ‘Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life’ at humanist funerals. He mentioned that the piece has become particularly useful in the world of modern romance.
More recently, Clarke worked with Luvcat on ‘He’s My Man (The Anniversary)’, providing original poetry for the song. In the track, he performs in a deep voice, describing the experience of being poisoned. Luvcat stated that Clarke was honoured at the Northern Music Awards where they first met. She described him as the coolest man in the country and felt honoured to have him feature on the anniversary version of her song.
The 20-date tour spans venues of various sizes and styles, from intimate halls like Carlisle Old Fire Station to larger spaces such as Leicester De Montfort Hall. The tour schedule allows fans throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland to attend performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Dr John Cooper Clarke perform during his 2026 UK tour?
Dr John Cooper Clarke’s 2026 UK tour spans 20 dates across October and November. The tour begins on 7 October 2026 in Southend and visits major cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Notable venues on the schedule include London’s Palladium on 15 October, Manchester’s O2 Apollo, Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, Bristol Beacon, and Brighton’s Theatre Royal. Additional performances are planned for Sheffield, Dublin, and Carlisle.
Doors typically open at 18:45 with a curfew of 23:00 for most venues. The tour showcases both his established work and material from his forthcoming book Have It.
Will early access tickets be offered for the 2026 tour dates?
Information regarding pre-sale opportunities has not been widely published at this time. Pre-sales typically become available to certain groups before the general public sale begins.
Fans should monitor Dr John Cooper Clarke’s official website and social media channels for announcements. Mailing list subscribers often receive pre-sale codes and early access information.
Venue newsletters and ticketing platform accounts may also provide pre-sale access. Checking these sources regularly increases the likelihood of securing early booking opportunities.
Have any supporting acts been confirmed for the 2026 shows?
No special guests or supporting acts have been announced for Dr John Cooper Clarke’s 2026 UK tour. The focus remains on his solo performances featuring his poetry and spoken word artistry.
Tour announcements have centred on Clarke’s own material rather than additional performers. This may change as the tour dates approach and further details are released.
Updates regarding any additions to the bill would be communicated through official channels closer to the performance dates.
How long will each performance last?
Specific timings for individual performances have not been officially confirmed. Venue curfews are set at 23:00, with doors opening at 18:45 for most locations.
Dr John Cooper Clarke’s typical performances combine poetry readings with anecdotes and audience interaction. Based on previous tours, concerts generally last between 90 minutes and two hours.
The exact duration may vary depending on the venue and programme for each evening. Attendees should check with their specific venue for the most accurate timing information.
