Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop (born James Newell Osterberg, Jr. on April 21, 1947 in Muskegon, Michigan) is an American punk rock singer and occasional actor. Although he has had only limited commercial success, Pop is considered one of the most important innovators of punk rock and related styles.

History

Born in Muskegon, Michigan, he began his musical career as a drummer in different high school bands. One band was The Iguanas, where he acquired the name Iggy. After exploring local blues-style bands he eventually dropped out of the University of Michigan and moved to Chicago to learn more about blues. Inspired by Chicago blues, as well as bands like The Doors, he formed The Psychedelic Stooges and adapted his name to Iggy Stooge, then Iggy Pop. The band was composed of Pop on vocals, Ron Asheton on guitar, Asheton's brother Scott on drums, and Dave Alexander on bass. After almost two years they made their debut in Ann Arbor, Michigan (where Pop grew up).

Related Topics:
Muskegon, Michigan - Drummer - High school - Band - The Iguanas - Blues - University of Michigan - Chicago - Chicago blues - The Doors - Vocals - Ron Asheton - Guitar - Scott - Drum - Dave Alexander - Bass - Ann Arbor, Michigan

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One year after their debut, and now dubbed The Stooges, the band were signed to Elektra Records in 1968. The Stooges first two albums, The Stooges and Fun House, sold poorly, although they had a lasting influence on the burgeoning punk rock movement. Shortly after the new members joined the band broke up because of Pop's growing heroin addiction.

Related Topics:
Elektra Records - 1968 - The Stooges - Fun House - Heroin

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David Bowie salvaged Pop's career by producing an album with him in England. With James Williamson signed on as guitarist, the search began for a rhythm section. However, since neither Iggy nor Bowie were satisfied with any players to be found in England, eventually the decision was made to re-unite The Stooges. It would not be a true reunion, technically, in the sense that Dave Alexander would not play on the album. He had become a full-on alcoholic and would be unable to play on the record. He died in 1975. Also, Ron Asheton moved from guitar to bass to make way for Williamson to play guitar. The recording sessions produced the punk rock landmark Raw Power, in 1973. After the release of the album a new member was added to the band and Bowie continued his support, but Pop's drug problem persisted. The Stooges' last show ended in a fight between the band and a group of bikers, documented on the album Metallic KO. Drug abuse put his career on hold for a couple of years.

Related Topics:
David Bowie - England - Alcoholic - 1975 - Raw Power - 1973 - Drug problem

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Despite Pop's lingering drug problems, Bowie continued to support him. Bowie and Pop relocated to Berlin to wean themselves off their cocaine addiction; it should be noted at this time that Bowie himself was existing solely on milk and cocaine. Pop signed to RCA and Bowie helped write and produce The Idiot and Lust For Life, Pop's two most acclaimed albums as a solo artist. Among songs they wrote together were "China Girl" and "Tonight," both of which Bowie performed on his own albums. Bowie also played keyboards in Pop's live performances, some of which are featured on the album TV Eye, and helped Pop focus on his career. Another live album featuring Bowie on keyboards is 1977's Sister Midnight. Pop was signed to Arista Records and released more solo albums, such as New Values, Soldier, and Party. His drug habit varied in intensity, but remained, during this period.

Related Topics:
Berlin - Cocaine - RCA - The Idiot - Lust For Life - Keyboards - 1977 - Arista Records - New Values - Soldier - Party

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In 1983 Pop took a three year break, during which he overcame his heroin addiction and got married. He returned to music in 1986 with the new wave-influenced Blah Blah Blah, featuring the single "Real Wild Child."

Related Topics:
1983 - 1986 - New wave - Single

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In 1995 he remixed Raw Power to give it a rougher, more hard-edged sound; fans had complained for years that Bowie's production was too slick and generic. He co-produced 1999's Avenue B with Don Was, and produced 2001's Beat 'Em Up, with members of Guns n' Roses and The B-52's. Pop's latest album, 2003's Skull Ring, features collaborations with Sum 41 and Green Day, as well as the Asheton brothers. He also made a guest appearance in electroclash artist Peaches's song ""Kick It."

Related Topics:
1995 - Remix - 1999 - Don Was - 2001 - Beat 'Em Up - Guns n' Roses - The B-52's - 2003 - Skull Ring - Sum 41 - Green Day - Electroclash - Peaches

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In 2003, having enjoyed working with the Asheton brothers on Skull Ring, Iggy reformed the Stooges with former The Minutemen/fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt replacing the late Alexander, and Fun House saxophonist Steve MacKay rejoining the lineup.

Related Topics:
2003 - The Minutemen - FIREHOSE - Mike Watt - Fun House - Steve MacKay

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