Dr John Cooper Clarke joins the Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt

Dr John Cooper Clarke joins the Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt

Author: Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt May 3, 2026 Duration: 1:03:55

This week performance poet John Cooper Clarke joins Gary and Guy to talk about his career, from his discovery of the powers of poetry at school to his status today as something of a national treasure. Always a fan of music, and galvanised by the Beatles and The Stones, he tried his hand playing bass in a band, but soon found he wanted to work with words, and began writing and performing his own poetry. In this episode he discusses Dylan, Ronnie Wood as a style icon and how being covered by the Arctic Monkeys has brought his work to the attention of billions. 

John is touring the UK in October and November 2026 - find out more at linktr.ee/johncooperclarke


Instagram @rockonteurs @guyprattofficial @garyjkemp @johncooperclarke @gimmesugarproductions 

 

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Produced for WMG UK by Ben Jones at Gimme Sugar Productions


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Tune into Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt for a backstage pass to music history, hosted by two genuine insiders who lived it. Gary Kemp, the Spandau Ballet songwriter behind anthems like ‘True’ and ‘Gold’, teams up with legendary session bassist Guy Pratt, whose playing underpinned tracks for Pink Floyd and Madonna. Together, they bypass the usual fan questions and press tour anecdotes to dig into the real stories behind real music. This podcast thrives on conversations with the artists, producers, and engineers who were actually in the room, pulling back the curtain on what really happened during those iconic recording sessions, chaotic tours, and career-defining moments. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of the creative clashes, the spontaneous genius, and the sheer hard graft that shaped classic rock and pop. The tone is more like a chat between old friends who happen to have incredible rolodexes, full of laughter, surprising revelations, and a deep, authentic respect for the craft. Each episode feels like you’re eavesdropping on a fascinating, insider conversation you won’t get anywhere else, all grounded in the hosts’ own vast experiences on stage and in the studio. It’s essential listening for anyone who loves the stories behind the songs.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt
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