Alex Staniforth
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Roger McGough CBE
Published February 23, 2026The Godfather of Modern Poetry, Roger McGough CBE
Merseybeat poet Roger McGough on life as a poet, number one hits with sixties comedy band The Scaffold, hanging out with musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Keith Moon, growing up during the second world war in Liverpool and being part of the cultural movement.
Roger reads from his new book – The Collected Poems: 1959-2024 – which he featured recently in his tour Alive and Gigging, and says it’s a myth that poetry is difficult. It’s for everyone and good for our mental health.
Roger presents Poetry Please on Radio 4; is President of the Poetry Society, and Ambassador for A Poet in Every Port – a new national project by the Southbank Centre involving a mobile library visiting 11 coastal towns across the UK and inspiring youngsters.
