While this film may look rough and raw to 21st Century eyes, it is also the best representation of Iggy live during an otherwise pitifully undocumented era of his career. Fronting a crack band featuring Blondie drummer Clem Burke and future David Bowie guitarist Carlos Alomar, Pop is as unpredictable and dominant as ever (no small feat since he is sporting a mini skirt, garters and stockings for most of the show). Filmed on November 25 1981 near the end of their tour supporting his 1981 album Party, Iggy and co. are raw and ready for business. Iggy Pop Live 1981 provides a snapshot of a hungry artist at the top of his game in front of an adoring crowd.
Acting
Iggy's unpredictable physicality—part snake, part prophet.
Sound
Clem Burke's drums anchor the glorious mess.
Costume
Garters, miniskirt, complete disregard for gender norms.
Director
Joe Rees
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This captures Iggy between his Bowie-produced comeback and commercial obscurity—a hungry artist proving he still mattered.
Carlos Alomar had just finished recording Bowie's 'Let's Dance' before this tour; the glam-punk lineage runs direct.
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