Performance poet John Hegley was born in 1953 in Newington Green, Islington. He grew up in Luton and was educated at Bradford University, where he studied Literature and Sociology. He has worked as a bus conductor in Bristol, and in children's theatre in London.

His collections include Glad to Wear Glasses (1990), Can I Come Down Now Dad (1991) and Dog (2000). Recently, he published a volume of verse for children, My Dog is a Carrot (2002). His latest collections are The Sound of Paint Drying (2003) and Uncut Confetti (2006)

John Hegley has also released his own CD of songs and poetry, 'Saint and Blurry', and collaborated with Robyn Hitchcock as John Hegley and The Popticians.

In 2000 he received an honorary Arts Doctorate from Luton University.