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Iggy and The Stooges at Hammersmith Apollo
Review by Mark Taylor
Photos by Moonshayde Saunders
When original Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton sadly passed away too soon in 2008, many felt that the reunion of Iggy Pop & The Stooges was a joyful, short-lived time that would be laid to rest and Iggy would go back to performing as a solo artist.
In 1973, James Williamson replaced Asheton on guitar, demoting him to bass duties to play on the “Raw Power” LP. When the Stooges imploded, Williamson stayed loyal to Iggy, playing on a few solo records before retiring from the music scene altogether.
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When the band re-formed in 2003 (without Williamson), Ron Asheton refused to play any of the “Raw Power” material. It is rather ironic that James Williamson, after years of exile, has been asked to replace Asheton a second time and, with his sad passing, frees Iggy & The Stooges
Performing the album in random order, opening up with the title track followed by the explosive lyrics to “Search And Destroy,” Hammersmith was rocking. Iggy Pop was soon stripped down to the waist. Growing old disgracefully at 63 years of age, Pop was stage-diving into the crowd at any given opportunity.
Three songs in and Pop’s trousers are hanging around his midriff with his backside clearly on display, strutting around the stage as if he’s desperately making a dash for the loo.
The band is on fire. Ron Asheton’s brother Scott keeping hold at the back on the drums, Williamson keeping his head down, not watching the shenanigans of his frontman, and some mind-blowing sax to the max from Steve Mackay who brought some new life to these Raw Power tracks.
Iggy invited a stage invasion for “Shake Appeal” and many duly obliged, with Iggy out front being hugged by the lucky ones on stage. I would’ve gotten up there myself but I didn’t want to spill my pint. Iggy followed this by yet another stage dive.
After the album had been played in full, we were treated to other songs from around the time. “Cock In My Pocket” may explain how Iggy was holding his trousers up; “I Wanna Be Your Dog” set the energy levels to a high; and a knock-out metallic version of “Open Up And Bleed” ended the main set with Iggy Pop throwing his microphone into the crowd saying, ‘’I'm gonna give you the mic. Make some noise with it!'’ We didn’t need a microphone to do that.
Whilst watching this gig, I soon realised where The Sex Pistols, The Clash and even Hanoi Rocks all stole their trade. I don’t know exactly what category you would file Iggy Pop & The Stooges under, but this was Rock’n'Roll. Hammersmith was turned into one big fun house tonight. Contender for Gig of the Year.
Set list: Raw Power / Search & Destroy / Gimme Danger / Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell / Shake Appeal / I Need Somebody / Penetration / Death Trip /Cock In My Pocket / I Got A Right / I Wanna Be Your Dog / 1970 / L.A Blues / Night Theme / Beyond The Law / Open Up And Bleed .. encores .. Fun House / Kill City / Joanna
Don’t miss Moonshayde’s great shots from the concert. Click here for BFMN Exclusive Pics in the BareFoot FotoBlog!
This entry was posted by wakitu and is filed under BFMN Exclusive, Moonshayde Photography, Bands, Review, Featured Artist. Tags: iggy pop, james williamson, mark taylor, moonshayde photography, raw power, scott asheton, steve mackay 3 comments
I have seen the living miracle that is called Iggy Pop many times, since he first came to the UK as a solo artist in March 1977. He is a great,great performer,and I am not alone in thinking that The Stooges’ legendary performance at Hammersmith Apollo in August 2005 was the best gig I have witnessed. It was also my birthday and easily the finest gift I have ever had.
So when I went to see Ig and The Stooges at the same venue, it was simply to witness the return of James Williamson playing with the band since 1974. Back then,The Stooges were the most hated band in America, and the group were facing ultra hostile audiences who baited them verbally and physically.
How times have changed since than. The Stooges are now one of the most influential groups of the last forty years, and since their reformation in 2003 they have gained a massive fan base of several generations,and all walks of life.
I thought it would be a good concert, but it would never match the 2005 joyfest….
I was wrong. The Stooges easily matched that night. They destroyed London with an ease that defied belief.
Williamson was utterly astonishing, playing with a fury which made a mockery of today’s guitar heroes. No wonder Johnny Marr rates him so highly.
You had to be there. Gig Of The Year easily.
Catch them whilst you still can, you won’t see their likes again. Raw power indeed…..
Iggy Pop & The Stooges have been a favorite band of mine since, well I really don’t count that high when it comes to years… Let just say I have had plenty of time with “More Fun",since around “1969″.
And now, low and behold, guess what I say to myself. That’s is a dear friend of mine who has been playing base for Iggy for a few years now. Mike Watt is the shit. He is so darn talented that I look forward to every time he and I play together. You go Watt. You do Iggy very proud, which is exactly how we all feel for you in San Pedro, CA as well.
Regards
Shane
Nice blog mate! Quality Content that just inspires you !Keep it up !
Regards,
Chester
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