James Newell Osterberg, Jr. (born April 21, 1947), better known by his stage name Iggy Pop, is an American rock singer, songwriter, and occasional actor. Although he has had only limited mainstream success, Iggy Pop is considered an innovator of punk rock, garage rock, and other related styles. He is sometimes referred to by the nicknames "the Godfather of Punk" and "the Rock Iguana", and is widely acknowledged as one of the most dynamic stage performers of all time. Pop began calling himself Iggy after his first band in high school, The Iguanas.
Iggy Pop was the lead singer of The Stooges, a late 1960s/early 1970s garage rock band who were influential in the development of the nascent heavy metal and punk rock genres. The Stooges became infamous for their live performances, during which it was not uncommon for Pop (who traditionally performs bare-chested) to consume narcotics, self-mutilate, verbally abuse the audience, expose himself and leap off the stage (thus being the first or among the first to "stage dive"). Countless subsequent performers have imitated Pop's antics.
Pop's popularity has ebbed and flowed throughout the course of his subsequent solo career. His best-known solo songs include "Lust for Life", "I'm Bored", "Real Wild Child", the Top 40 hit "Candy" (with vocalist Kate Pierson of The B-52's) and "The Passenger". A film about Iggy Pop's life and career titled The Passenger is currently in development.
Iggy Pop's album American Caesar is a classic of rock 'n' roll. Great music, great lyrics and probably the greatest version of Louie Louie going around. Do yourself a favour and add it to your collection.
Everyone should know Lust For Life but if you've never heard Beside You then have a listen. It is a great tune with terrific lyrics.
Check out a completely spaced out Iggy being interviewed on Australia's Countdown and his shameless lip synced version of I'm Bored below. Being of the generation that grew up with Countdown I remember seeing it when it was first broadcast. It hasn't improved with the passing of time!
Lust For Life
Beside You
Real Wild Child
Wild America
Iggy Pop interview and performing "I'm Bored" on Countdown
(Nothing Follows)
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