Iggy Pop

By: Jon Rose | October 13, 2009 | Music

Being a fan of music is different than being a fan of Iggy Pop. He embodies everything that an entertainer should be — courageous, outspoken, fearless — and as a result, he has transcended music and become a figurehead for independent culture all over the world.

It was with The Iguana’s, his high school band, that James Osterberg was given his now legendary nickname “Iggy.” He then formed The Stooges in 1967 and released three albums titled The Stooges, Fun House and Raw Power. Pop’s heavy drug use at that time inspired an almost psychotic behavior on stage that included rolling around in broken glass, exposing himself and vomiting. Post-Stooges he formed an unlikely friendship with David Bowie, who helped him write and produce Lust For Life; an album that is considered his most substantial commercial achievement. But irrespective of his successes or shortcomings, one thing has always remained the same with Iggy Pop, he has a God-given ability to captivate an audience. A tried-and-true entertainer — uninhibited, charismatic and brilliant.

The Stooges debut album was release in the summer of 1969, the same week as the Woodstock Festival. But while Jimi, Janis and all the groovy love at Woodstock was taking the cultural world by storm, The Stooges kindled a gritty new genre from the murky shadows of working-class Ann Arbor, Mich. The incredible irony in this is clearly demonstrated through the band’s contrast in style, technique and culture. The album had no real commercial success, but within the underground rock’n roll world, it would help spawn a movement that would eventually be called punk rock.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with Iggy Pop about the new Stooges book, by Bob Matheu, set to come out this month. He was incredibly open, predictably charismatic and filled with gusto when he talked about his recently announced Stooges tour dates, which feature guitarist James Williamson (in for the late Ron Asheton, who died last January at the age of 60). The Stooges’ lineup will include Pop and Williamson, with drummer Scott Asheton, bassist Mike Watt and saxophonist Steve McKay. These legends are coming together for the band’s rendition of the album Raw Power at London’s All Tomorrow’s Parties festival March 2 and 3, 2010.

The thing I most enjoyed about talking to Pop was his openness to partake in a true conversation rather than a traditional Q&A interview. He genuinely appreciates the art of discussion, and as a result his wild sense of humor, his enduring intellect and his magnetic spirit are set free.

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