Adrian Mitchell

“Most people ignore most poetry because poetry ignores most people.”

“Stadium rock and commercial rock are the opposite of what poetry needs. An audience of around 200 is ideal for poetry.”

“I use rock and jazz and blues rhythms because I love that music. I hope my poetry has a relationship with good-time rock'n roll.”

“I know a lie when I hear one.”

“There have always been poets who performed. Blake sang his Songs of Innocence and Experience to parties of friends.”

“I don't like writing essays or theory.”

“I use the language I use to my friends. They wouldn't believe me if I used some high-flown literary language. I want them to believe me.”

“Written poetry is different. Best thing is to see it in performance first, then read it. Performance is more provocative.”

“I want to speak, to sing to total strangers. It's my way of talking to the world.”

“Most people ignore most poetry because most poetry ignores most people.”