Ep 6. Iggy Pop
- October 29, 2016
Austin City Limits season 42 episode 6 features the legendary punk-rock artist Iggy Pop, in a performance that showcases his electrifying energy and unmatched stage presence. The episode is a thrilling mix of classic Iggy Pop songs as well as newer tracks from his most recent album, Post Pop Depression.
From the very first note, it is clear that this is a special show. Iggy Pop takes the stage in his trademark skinny jeans and bare chest, shouting out a greeting to the cheering crowd before launching into the raucous opening number, "I Wanna Be Your Dog." The audience is on their feet and the energy in the room is electric as Iggy roars through the song with all the ferocity and intensity of his youth.
The setlist for the episode is a mix of both old and new favorites, with plenty of surprises thrown in. Iggy's band is tight and powerful, providing a strong backbone for the singer's wild antics and raw vocals. The most well-known Iggy Pop tracks are all present and accounted for, including "Lust for Life," "Search and Destroy," and "The Passenger." These classics are given new life in the live setting, with Iggy prowling the stage and whipping the crowd into a frenzy with each piercing howl.
Perhaps the most surprising moment of the set comes when Iggy takes a moment to pay tribute to his late friend and collaborator, David Bowie. He launches into a heartfelt and emotional rendition of Bowie's "China Girl," accompanied by just a piano and some subtle percussion. The performance is a beautiful tribute to a musical icon, with Iggy's performance both honoring the original song and adding his own unique interpretation to the mix.
Throughout the show, Iggy Pop is a joy to watch. His enthusiasm for the music is infectious, and his stage presence is unmatched. He struts, dances, jumps, and contorts himself in all sorts of ways, never once losing sight of the music and the audience. At one point, he even invites a fan onstage, giving her a high-five and dancing with her as the band plays on.
One of the highlights of the show is a newer track from Iggy's Post Pop Depression album, "Gardenia." The song is a slow-burning rocker, with Iggy's rough vocals complementing the swampy groove of the music. The band's performance is tight and powerful, and the song's chorus ("Gardenia, where are you?") is instantly catchy and memorable.
The episode ends with a high-energy rendition of "Success," a song that perfectly encapsulates Iggy Pop's ethos. The lyrics are a celebration of doing things your own way and living life on your own terms, and Iggy delivers them with a fierce conviction that is impossible to resist. As the final chords ring out, Iggy bids the audience farewell with a heartfelt thank you and a few choice words of encouragement for anyone in the crowd who might be struggling with their own creative dreams.
Overall, Austin City Limits season 42 episode 6 is a must-watch for any Iggy Pop fan or lover of punk-rock music. The performance is a true masterclass in how to command a stage and connect with an audience, and Iggy's energy and enthusiasm are infectious. This is a show that will leave you feeling energized, inspired, and maybe just a little bit sweaty.
