I Wanna Be Yours Paperback – 16 Sept. 2021

This is an absolutely tremendous read - a candid memoir of the times with brilliant gossip about some of the personalities. It's brilliantly written too but above all it is absolutely hilarious. Highly recommended.

John Cooper Clarke has lived a full and extraordinary life, and this account of it is hugely entertaining. Written in his unique and inimitable style, he is self-deprecating and witty. The cast of extras is incredible - he's met and worked with a vast array of fascinating characters and delights in them all.He is frank about his addiction and the time and effort expended in any given situation to make sure he was sorted - that always came first to ensure he could function. You can't help wondering how much more he might have achieved if he had put the same effort into his writing. But less is often more and perhaps we wouldn't revere him so if his output had been more consistent.I Wanna Be Yours is the life story of a national treasure who has been instrumental in making poetry accessible to everyone. Highly recommended.

Finally got round to reading this Ebook bought several months ago and it did not disappoint. I first saw JCC live in 1970’s and was impressed with his erudite, motormouthed take on people and society, with a devil may care attitude to the use of expletives. I knew nothing about his drug dependency and how lucky he is now to be clean and to have survived; he died 3 times and was resuscitated. Throughout there are long lists of places and people, actors, musicians, bands, poets, writers, music hall acts from bygone days and pharmaceuticals. This does not detract from the charm of this memoir. The pace slows somewhat towards the end, following the removal of the illicit substances, perhaps no surprise also given he is now 74. Well worthy of consideration!I frequently found myself wallowing in the many performances available on UTube.

I discovered the work of JCC by accident many years ago, I'm not sure exactly where I first heard Beasley Street but it left a lasting impression on me. Then on an unexpected visit to Warrington I went into the local Woolworths and there was the album (vinyl of course!), Snap Crackle & Bop reduced to 99p! It came home with me and has been an important part of my music collection until I bought the greatest hits on CD a few years ago.Given that background, plus a personal recommendation from a friend, I bought the book, and it doesn't disappoint. It's in a similar vein to his music but in book form, his written prose is as good as his poetry and it's a joy to read. He paints interesting portraits of many of the odd characters he's met during his life, in a witty yet incisive way.If you've enjoyed any of the the work of JCC, the 'Bard of Salford' you'll enjoy this book, if you've never heard his poetry buy this book then listen to his poetry! This is a great read.

With so many books, I've yet to complete this one seems achievable due to its relaxed style and humour. There's a feeling of warmth and intelligence to Johns writing. It may appeal to people of a certain age due to some 50s 60s references, but so far - a quarter of the way through- it's hitting the right spot.Johns insights are very clever and it shows it's not all about his excellent poetry - his writing is also good.If you're a fan, it's certainly going to be in your collection- I would wholeheartedly recommend.

I laughed every time I read it. It was like it was a chat, finding humour in all minutae of life. Honestly the most enjoyable book I've ever read.

It was the best of times it was the worst of times - a Tale of Two Jonnies might have been a better title.I've already complained about the obsessive listing of stuff and details that I'm not sure that at his advanced age without the judicious help of Drs Google and Wikipedia he could remember.I'm not too far away from my 70's myself and what I can remember is seeing JCC at Bristol Colston Hall supporting Siouxsie And The Banshees - a tour of which he never mentions and which according to Dr Google I saw on July 31st 1981. This gig was fantastic, JCC was great - we'd bought the albums and he was at the top of his game. Siouxsie And The Banshees were also fantastic... I'd been turned onto them by the punks in my next door flat playing their albums LOUD - so thanks guys. Fast forward many many years JCC was performing at the Plough Arts Centre in Great Torrington North Devon. A group of us had booked to celebrate a mates birthday there. It was a disaster. JCC couldn't remember his lines, he could barely remember his name - what an embarrassment and a huge let down for us fans. Even Dr Google couldn't put a date on this one.So a Tale of Two Johns in real life as in this book.To be fair I preferred the book from around the middle when he seems to have given up on the lists and name dropping although it does continue but I continued to read to the very end. I am glad that he got his life together, found love, a family and got straight - because I really did enjoy his early work - and props to him for fulfilling his dream of being a working professional poet.