The Stooges

Live In Detroit DVD (2004)

Bill

"I'M FUCKING IGGY FUCKING POP!" - Iggy Pop

If you know anything about the history of rock and roll, you should be well versed with the Stooges. I won't bore you with a history lesson, but suffice to say they are one of the most important bands of all time. While troves of bootleg audio have surfaced since 1974, video of the band has remained scarce. Thankfully, Creem changed all that.

In August 2003, The Stooges returned to Detroit for the first time since reuniting. The sensation of this performance is almost unspeakable. They start off with a blazing Loose and do not let up for 67 minutes. Watt plunks his bass so hard, it's a wonder he didn't pull off the strings. He's obviously having the time of his life playing with some of his heroes. The Asheton brothers do what they do best, which is rock your fucking ass. And Iggy, oh that Iggy. I could write an entire doctoral dissertation on how amazing his performance is. Outside of the obvious (do you really want to see We Will Fall performed?), the band roared through their entire first two albums.

I can almost pinpoint the moment when this show transcends being a really good one into an amazing one. About midway through Real Cool Time a man bearing a strong resemblance to Mick Foley gets himself on stage. The security attempts to get the man offstage, but Iggy commands them to let him dance. This opens the floodgates, and next thing you know the stage is filled as Iggy wails for No Fun. Words cannot describe the sheer joy that came over me as I watched this number. The site of the Stooges on stage with hundreds of fans dancing, 31 years (not including the James Williamson years) after dissolving will put a chill down anyone's back. And I'll be dammed if the band didn't keep the momentum going! They brought out saxophonist Steve McKay (from the Funhouse session) and did hellacious run throughs of 1970, Funhouse, and Not Right amongst others. I've never heard a saxophone sound so bitchin'. The second, and set closing, version of I Wanna Be Your Dog proves my point beyond any shadow of a doubt.

The quality of the recording is excellent. The audio was recorded perfectly from the sound board. The video was shot by multiple cameras and has a grainy feel that only enhances the performance. The extras on the DVD are actually worth your time as well. You get a Mike Watt reading from his always entertaining journals, "Sing-a-Long with Iggy," and a complete performance from an in store appearance around the time of Iggy's solo album. This stripped down performance doesn't have Watt, and has Scott Asheton playing on suitcases instead of real drums. Definitely worth a watch, as Iggy and Ron talk candidly about how the songs came together, and share stories from the old days.

I can't recommend this release enough. If you know the slightest thing about rock and roll, this DVD belongs in your collection. In fact, it demands that you to buy it. If not, you deserve a punch in the face.