Iggy & The Stooges

Sonisphere’s artist pages are written by real fans for real fans. Thanks to Nick Holmes for this one…

Few, if any, bands can claim to have influenced such a wide range of rock subcultures (from punk to alternative to metal) to such a degree as the legendary Stooges.

Suprisingly, success was to elude the band during their original heyday and a reputation for high energy, car-crash live shows and the invention of stage diving were the only real marks they left at the time, despite recording two of what are now regarded as the most pioneering albums of all time in 1970’s Fun House and 1973’s David Bowie-produced Raw Power.

It was only when frontman Iggy Pop (born James Newell Osterberg Junior), on forging a close personal and collaborative relationship with Bowie, overcame his demons, kicked his addictions into touch and went solo that mainstream recognition finally found him. An illustrious solo career throughout the late seventies and eighties served to highlight how remarkable and overlooked The Stooges had been in their time and, in 2003, Pop initiated the band’s second coming which saw them finally performing to the adoring capacity crowds s they were always destined to do. Sadly, guitarist Ron Asheton died, aged 60, in January 2009. Despite this, Pop and the remaining Stooges were determined to continue.

At Sonisphere you will get a taste of why they are held in such high regard by artists ranging from Nirvana and Sonic Youth to Gogol Bordello and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  Age has not tamed Pop, now  62, who has a reputation for inviting crowd members on-stage at festivals, and rarely leaves the stage without at least one performance-induced injury! You have been warned.

Band members:
Iggy Pop (vocals)
James Williamson (guitar)
Mike Watt (bass)
Steve Mackay (saxophone)
Scott Asheton (drums)

Must-Have-Album: Raw Power

Watch this!
Iggy Pop ‘Lust for Life’ Live

Official site:
Iggy Pop and the Stooges