Salford-born poet John Cooper Clarke is to receive the 2025 Northern Music Award in recognition of his influence in the world of music and poetry.
The awards, which celebrates musical talent from the north of England, will see the punk poet receive the award during a nice full of northern artists.
Clarke, 76, also known as the “Bard of Salford”, was delighted to receive recognition, as he said: “I am knocked out to receive this award.”
The Salford icon has credited his upbringing, as he continued: “The North is where it all started for me, and I’m honoured to be recognised in this way.
“I look forward to celebrating with the incredibly talented winners at the Northern Music Awards.”
The Northern Music Awards 2025 will be hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins, and will take place at the Liverpool Olympia on Thursday March 27.
The awards will celebrate the Salford-born artist, who already is looking forward to an exciting year in the world of music and poetry – as Clarke will be the first poet to headline an arena in the UK.
The 75-year-old poet will be performing close to his hometown at Manchester’s Co-Op Live on March 29, 2025.
Two days before the arena show, Clarke will join a line-up of artists at the awards night which will include the indie rock bands Blossoms, Lightning Seeds and The Zutons.
And awards will be announced including artist of the year and DJ of the year, where an accomplished radio DJ from the north will be crowned.
The inaugural awards ceremony took place last year and saw Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm awarded the special recognition award, with One Direction star Louis Tomlinson winning artist of the year.
And money raised from the Northern Music Awards will go towards expanding music therapy provision in the north of England for charity Nordoff and Robbins.
Sandra Schembri, chief executive, Nordoff and Robbins, said: “We’re so excited to be honouring Dr John Cooper Clarke at this year’s Northern Music Awards.
“With his distinctive style, sharp wit, social commentary and an inimitable delivery, he has become a household name, bringing poetry to new audiences and inspiring generations of musicians, artists and fans alike.
“His work continues to be celebrated around the world, while his influence remains a constant in both literary and music circles, so this award is testament to his outstanding career and the ongoing relevance of his work within the cultural tapestry of the North.”
She added: “Every contribution ensures we can reach more individuals in need, using music to create meaningful change.”
More information about the awards and for tickets to the evening can be found here.
Recent Comments