Glam Slam Guide

The Godfather of Punk – shirtless, fearless, and still bleeding on stage at 77.

Before there was glam, before there was punk, before there was shock rock as we know it, there was a skinny kid from Michigan crawling through broken glass, smearing peanut butter on his chest, and inventing a whole new way to destroy yourself in front of an audience.

The Essential Facts

• Born James Newell Osterberg Jr., April 21, 1947 – Muskegon, Michigan

• Frontman of The Stooges (1967–1974, reformed 2003)

• Solo from 1977 onward – forever known simply as Iggy

• Nicknamed “The Ig” by school friends → Iggy Pop

• Bowie’s wild protégé, Berlin flatmate, and lifelong co-conspirator

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The Must-Hear Albums (The Holy Trinity)

1. The Stooges – Fun House (1970)Raw, primitive, dangerous – the blueprint for punk. “Loose”, “T.V. Eye”, “1970”.

2. The Stooges – Raw Power (1973)Mixed by Bowie – chaotic, metallic, immortal. “Search and Destroy”, “Gimme Danger”.

3. Solo – The Idiot (1977)Bowie-produced Berlin masterpiece. “Nightclubbing”, “China Girl” (later a Bowie hit).

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Where to Start Listening Today (5 tracks)

1. I Wanna Be Your Dog – the ultimate three-chord threat

2. Search and Destroy – punk before punk existed

3. Lust for Life – the train-beat anthem that never dies

4. The Passenger – moody, hypnotic, eternal

5. Gimme Danger – slow-burn menace

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Quick Legacy

• Invented stage-diving, crowd-walking, and self-mutilation as performance art

• Survived heroin, bankruptcy, and being declared clinically dead (twice)

• Scored Trainspotting’s opening scene with “Lust for Life”

• Still tours shirtless, looking like a tanned leather whip

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Iggy Pop didn’t just live the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle – he was the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle.

Turn it up, bleed a little, and bow down to the Ig.

Deep Dive

Early Life and Career Beginnings:

Origins: Raised in a trailer park in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Iggy Pop started his musical journey as a drummer in high school bands, notably The Iguanas, from which he derived his stage name "Iggy."

Education: He briefly attended the University of Michigan but dropped out to pursue music, moving to Chicago to learn more about blues music.

The Stooges:

Formation: In 1967, Iggy formed The Stooges in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The original lineup included Ron Asheton on guitar, Dave Alexander on bass, and Scott Asheton on drums.

Style and Impact: Known for their raw, proto-punk sound and Iggy's wild stage antics, the band's performances were legendary for their intensity and chaos. Albums like "The Stooges" (1969) and "Fun House" (1970) were critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful at the time.

Disbandment and Reunions: The Stooges broke up several times due to drug issues and internal conflicts but reunited in 2003, releasing "The Weirdness" in 2007 and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Solo Career:

Post-Stooges: After the initial breakup of The Stooges, Iggy Pop embarked on a solo career. His collaboration with David Bowie was particularly significant. Bowie produced Iggy's albums like "The Idiot" (1977) and "Lust for Life" (1977), which were influential in punk and new wave music.

Commercial Success: Albums like "Blah-Blah-Blah" (1986) and "Brick by Brick" (1990) saw more commercial success, with hits like "Real Wild Child (Wild One)" and "Candy" (a duet with Kate Pierson of The B-52's).

Musical Style and Influence:

Versatility: Over the years, Iggy Pop's music has spanned punk, hard rock, jazz, and blues, showcasing his versatility as a musician and songwriter.

Stage Presence: Known for his energetic, often controversial performances involving self-mutilation, stage diving, and other provocative acts, Iggy Pop has maintained a significant cultural impact.

Later Career:

Continued Work: Iggy Pop has remained active, releasing albums like "Post Pop Depression" (2016) with Josh Homme and "Free" (2019), which leaned towards a quieter, jazz-influenced style. His latest work, "Every Loser" (2023), shows he's still relevant in the music scene.

Other Ventures: Besides music, Iggy has acted in films, voiced characters in animations, and hosted a BBC radio show.

Legacy:

Influence: Iggy Pop's influence extends beyond punk; he's inspired numerous musicians across genres, from punk rock to alternative and indie rock. His raw energy, lyrical content, and performance style have left an indelible mark on music culture.

Awards: He received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for his contributions to music.

Iggy Pop's career is a testament to resilience, innovation, and an unapologetic approach to rock music, making him one of the most enduring figures in the industry.