Quotes from John Cooper Clarke

I enjoy gigging in industrial towns. It seems to be where I go down the best. Somewhere where they have a history of manufacturing, they're my favourite places to play.

I've had a few jobs, but if you want to be a writer, you're better off getting a job that doesn't require that you do anything.

Somebody up there likes me. It ain't like I've followed a well trodden trajectory.

All the best musicians started out in church; Jesus invented rock 'n' roll.

The only casual item I own is a Levi's jacket.

I was too old to be a punk rocker. I was a mod, that's really the only youth tribe I ever belonged to - and even then, not for very long.

I went to what can only be described as a slum school in Salford - rough and full of trainee punks - but I was very lucky in that I had one inspiring teacher, John Malone, who gave the whole class an interest in romantic poetry.

I judge by appearances. People tell me I shouldn't.

I'm dead fussy about food: I don't eat junk.

I quite like cooking, but not to the extent that I look on a kitchen as a domain.

I never saw a painting that would not be improved by the addition of tropical fish.

To make the hips the focal point of a pair of trousers is, to me, a fashion mistake.

When you write poetry you are always addressing the world somehow.

Too many memoirs focus on childhoods and it's a bit turgid.

Being unapologetic means never having to say you're sorry.

It's miserable wearing black all the time, unless you're Johnny Cash.

I love the Arctic Monkeys!

I've got a speech impediment.

When I sit down to eat, the greatest spice of all is hunger.

My trouser needs are simple: a narrow leg in a dark colour, with jean detailing.

A much underrated garment, the jegging: they never need ironing and they hold their colour.

I love being on my bike, but I don't consider that a sport: it's too pleasant.

I don't think 'Citizen Kane' stands more than one watch. Power corrupts. Who didn't know that?

I ain't got a credit card, a mobile phone or a computer. Call me sentimental. I think that's a whole world of trouble I ain't got no business setting foot in. And you know what? It feels good.