Still remember Iggy Pop’s wildest gigs? He’s just had another one—at 78!
By
Maan
- Replies 13
Some performers never fail to captivate the crowd, no matter their age or experience.
One iconic artist recently delivered a memorable show that had fans talking long after the final note.
Behind the energy and charisma lies a story that reveals much more than just the performance itself.
Iggy Pop once again proved why he remains a magnetic force on stage as he performed shirtless at The O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on 1 June. The 78-year-old rock legend, known for his raw energy and fearless antics, showed no signs of slowing down during his latest UK gig.
Clad simply in black trousers, a matching belt and shoes, Iggy commanded the stage with his trademark vigour. His lean frame was fully on display as he moved animatedly, backed by a lively band that amplified the intensity of his performance.
This was far from a subdued show—it was pure, unfiltered rock.
Source: Youtube/@FameLoop-r9r
Fans might recall that Iggy’s unpredictable stage presence has been a defining part of his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of The Stooges, cementing his status as a true pioneer of the genre.
Yet, his journey hasn’t always been smooth. Just last year, at the Venoge Festival in Penthaz, Switzerland, he sparked controversy by flipping off the crowd—an incident that reminded everyone of his rebellious spirit.
Source: Youtube/Nico-Stooges
Despite such moments, Iggy appeared in good spirits in Manchester, embracing the crowd with energy rather than confrontation. His career longevity is remarkable, and in 2020, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
However, his path to accepting this recognition was anything but straightforward.
In an interview with Classic Rock, Iggy admitted his initial reluctance to engage with the Recording Academy. ‘The Grammys kept wanting to talk to me on the phone,’ he explained. ‘I kept telling my manager, “I don't want to talk to them. I hate those people. They want me to be an exhibit in their museum or something.”’
It was only after a conversation with a Grammy representative that he reconsidered. ‘Then when I finally spoke to the lady from the Grammys a couple of months later she said: “We're giving you the Lifetime Achievement. Without you, there's no Lil Nas X and there's no Billie Eilish.”
According to her: “You're a direct link to the artists that are at the top of our awards list this year.” So that's what one person had to say, and I'll take that for what it's worth.’
Although Iggy had already achieved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status with The Stooges, he described the Grammy recognition as ‘a tougher can of tuna to pry open.’
He reflected on how his relationship with the Academy evolved: ‘I suppose I kind of feel as if the Academy and I met halfway, something like that. It’s sort of like a problem has been eliminated, put it that way…these things have been happening in my career for the last 10 years or so. At first it was almost grim.’
He went on: ‘Like, “Okay, I got there, I got that. It doesn’t make Raw Power any better or any worse.” But after a while I came to appreciate that every person has a point of view. It took me a long time to appreciate that a lot of people have points of view that are nothing like mine whatsoever, but I need to respect them. Whereas when I was 25, it was like, “Agree with me or death.”’
Iggy Pop’s enduring legacy is a testament to his refusal to conform and his dedication to authentic self-expression.
His Manchester performance was yet another chapter in a career defined by unrelenting passion and defiance—qualities that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
If you missed the electrifying moment in person, you can still witness the energy that had the crowd buzzing.
Watch the full performance here and feel the roar for yourself.
Source: Youtube/Nico-Stooges
From Grammy grudges to shirtless chaos, Iggy Pop continues to stir conversation—do you think he's mellowed with age or just gotten smarter about it? Drop your thoughts below.
One iconic artist recently delivered a memorable show that had fans talking long after the final note.
Behind the energy and charisma lies a story that reveals much more than just the performance itself.
Iggy Pop once again proved why he remains a magnetic force on stage as he performed shirtless at The O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on 1 June. The 78-year-old rock legend, known for his raw energy and fearless antics, showed no signs of slowing down during his latest UK gig.
Clad simply in black trousers, a matching belt and shoes, Iggy commanded the stage with his trademark vigour. His lean frame was fully on display as he moved animatedly, backed by a lively band that amplified the intensity of his performance.
This was far from a subdued show—it was pure, unfiltered rock.
Source: Youtube/@FameLoop-r9r
Fans might recall that Iggy’s unpredictable stage presence has been a defining part of his career. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of The Stooges, cementing his status as a true pioneer of the genre.
Yet, his journey hasn’t always been smooth. Just last year, at the Venoge Festival in Penthaz, Switzerland, he sparked controversy by flipping off the crowd—an incident that reminded everyone of his rebellious spirit.
Source: Youtube/Nico-Stooges
Despite such moments, Iggy appeared in good spirits in Manchester, embracing the crowd with energy rather than confrontation. His career longevity is remarkable, and in 2020, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys.
However, his path to accepting this recognition was anything but straightforward.
In an interview with Classic Rock, Iggy admitted his initial reluctance to engage with the Recording Academy. ‘The Grammys kept wanting to talk to me on the phone,’ he explained. ‘I kept telling my manager, “I don't want to talk to them. I hate those people. They want me to be an exhibit in their museum or something.”’
It was only after a conversation with a Grammy representative that he reconsidered. ‘Then when I finally spoke to the lady from the Grammys a couple of months later she said: “We're giving you the Lifetime Achievement. Without you, there's no Lil Nas X and there's no Billie Eilish.”
According to her: “You're a direct link to the artists that are at the top of our awards list this year.” So that's what one person had to say, and I'll take that for what it's worth.’
Although Iggy had already achieved Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status with The Stooges, he described the Grammy recognition as ‘a tougher can of tuna to pry open.’
He reflected on how his relationship with the Academy evolved: ‘I suppose I kind of feel as if the Academy and I met halfway, something like that. It’s sort of like a problem has been eliminated, put it that way…these things have been happening in my career for the last 10 years or so. At first it was almost grim.’
He went on: ‘Like, “Okay, I got there, I got that. It doesn’t make Raw Power any better or any worse.” But after a while I came to appreciate that every person has a point of view. It took me a long time to appreciate that a lot of people have points of view that are nothing like mine whatsoever, but I need to respect them. Whereas when I was 25, it was like, “Agree with me or death.”’
Iggy Pop’s enduring legacy is a testament to his refusal to conform and his dedication to authentic self-expression.
His Manchester performance was yet another chapter in a career defined by unrelenting passion and defiance—qualities that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
If you missed the electrifying moment in person, you can still witness the energy that had the crowd buzzing.
Watch the full performance here and feel the roar for yourself.
Source: Youtube/Nico-Stooges
Key Takeaways
- Iggy Pop performed shirtless at The O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on 1 June, delivering a high-energy show.
- His performance highlighted his enduring stage presence and rebellious spirit, which has defined his decades-long career.
- He previously caused controversy at a 2023 festival but appeared in good spirits during the Manchester gig.
- Iggy reluctantly accepted a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2020, reflecting on his evolving views about the Recording Academy.