I Wanna Be Yours

I Wanna Be Yours by John Cooper Clarke is a vivid memoir that paints an extraordinary picture of an unconventional life. This candid and compelling autobiography takes readers on a journey through Clarke's remarkable career and personal experiences, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of Britain's most iconic poets. The memoir is a rich tapestry of humour, melancholy, and everything in between, capturing the essence of Clarke's life from his early days in Salford to the heights of his fame as the Poet Laureate of Punk.

John Cooper Clarke is a phenomenon: poet, rock star, fashion icon, television and radio presenter, and social and cultural commentator. His unmistakable style, comprising dark suits, sunglasses, and untamed hair, has made him instantly recognisable. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches, with a 32-inch chest and 27-inch waist, Clarke's physical appearance is as distinctive as his writing voice, characterised by his unique sense of slightly sick humour that never strays far from the surface.

In I Wanna Be Yours, Clarke recounts encounters with a dazzling array of personalities, ranging from legends such as Nico, Chuck Berry, Bernard Manning, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Elvis Costello, Gregory Corso, Gil Scott Heron, Mark E. Smith, and Joe Strummer, to more recent admirers and collaborators like Alex Turner, Plan B, and Guy Garvey. The memoir goes beyond mere anecdote, delving deeply into Clarke's encyclopaedic knowledge of popular culture that spans centuries. Readers are treated to his reflections on figures like Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe, as well as his insights into Pop Art, pop music, cinema, fashion, football, and the wider sphere of showbusiness.

This rich narrative is interspersed with stories from Clarke's rock and roll and performance career, providing an insider's view of the highs and lows of fame. Yet, despite the vivid recounting of a life lived at full throttle, Clarke’s trademark wit ensures that the book remains as engaging and entertaining as his live performances. The memoir promises to be a joy for lifelong fans and a revelation for a whole new generation discovering Clarke’s work for the first time.

Described by Sir Paul McCartney as "one of Britain's outstanding poets" and by the Observer as "riveting," I Wanna Be Yours is more than just a memoir. It's an exuberant account of a remarkable life, capturing the imagination and attention of both critics and readers alike. The New Statesman hails it as "an exuberant account of a remarkable life," suggesting that the memoir not only recounts the events of Clarke's life but also immerses the reader in the vibrant world he navigates.

Whether you're a longtime aficionado of John Cooper Clarke or a newcomer curious about the man behind the myth, I Wanna Be Yours offers a captivating and richly detailed portrait of a true British cultural icon.