All that Iggy needs is killing me, and you. It’s the need for life. It’s the need for life. It’s slowly killing us, because death is the final answer. Iggy Pop, with tragic hand gestures, and clear vocals bellowed on stage, offering,”death is the pill that’s hard to swallow.” I was overly excited before the show. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was eager to see my idol perform. I believe Iggy is one of those seldom mentioned idols who pushed art punk or avant punk into more popular consciousness. Below is one of my favorite Pop interviews . The utter honesty of his answers, and his humble and candid credo, are the reasons why. Within he conveys ideas about the art of the event, and living it, in his performance:
I listened to Post Pop Depression before the concert for free, because it was stream-able, and available, like most of this man’s music. Iggy Pop knows how to stick it to the big guys (Big record labels belonging to networkcorporations). I enjoyed every single track on the Post Pop Depression very much, it’s terrific. The songs aren’t cluttered. There is an understanding of the importance of leaving space in songs. Such space allows the band to be themselves, and to shine. Iggy came out with an elegant black blazer on, adding a gentleman’s touch to his untamed nature.
- Photo By Lady Bedouin
He still looks naked, or half naked. His pants fit pretty well, seemingly mature and calm. I felt worried at first when I noticed his limp. Is his hip or leg alright?
I got great access to this idol of mine. I rotated between the first balcony, left and right, getting a closer glimpse of Iggy’s rapid movements. He crowd surfed. I was no longer worried about his limp. He walked through the crowd and sang in front of the audience in the last rows. He pushed himself through the crowd with no fear and with trust. Iggy Pop is a truly humbly talented performer. He sang some of his classics, like “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life”. His vocals were crystal clear. We heard every single word through the gigantic speakers of the decrepit-ly ornate Orpheum. He rested on the ground, and on the speakers stage during guitar solos. When he performed “American Valhalla” his hand gestures, and facial expressions perfectly stressed certain lyrics. Especially when he sang,
“Where is American valhalla?
Death is the pill that’s tough to swallow,
Is anybody in there?
Who do I have to kill?”
Iggy is questioning death, but also facing it fearlessly. One can tell through his presentation, that he’s not acting. He seemed utterly sincere as he sang dramatically, merging the tragic with satirical truth, telling it like it is. He freakishly says in the end, that he has nothing but his name, humble James Newell Osterberg, Jr.
For the Post Pop Depression encore, “Gardenia” was played. The crowd roared, and who can blame them? It’s such a good tune. That’s when I had my moment with Iggy. I was standing in the front row of the left balcony (having moved from the right balcony for the encore) leaning towards the stage. I was dancing; feeling like the “black Goddess in a shabby raincoat” he singing about. Iggy noticed me and came closer. I, like a maniac, started screaming, “Yeah, give it to me dog, whoof whoof!” Yes, I literally barked at him. Iggy Pop wiggled his butt while looking straight at me. He then rubbed his butt cheeks on the speakers, acting like a real dog. He was absolutely loving the attention. The people in the balcony were cheering, and they kept saying how awesome it was that he heard me, and responded! I never felt joy like I did in that moment. I think I was laughing ecstatically. I’m grateful for the security and ushers at the Orpheum, because they are chill. I think when Iggy shoved that big bouncer angrily during the concert he was making it clear that he wanted a chill, free vibe. I know that this might sound cliche to say, but of all the rockers that have existed the past four decades, Iggy is the one that I needed to see live. It was worth every penny, moment, and effort. I feel like I’m his student, having gained knowledge about art, performance, punk music, rock and roll, and poetry, through his existence. May you live on, true rock music hero, I look forward to seeing you perform again. I salute you sir. You have more than just your name.
