The band is composed of legendary leader Iggy Pop (vocals), James Williamson (guitar), Scott Asheton (drums), Mike Watt (bass) and Steve Mackay (saxophone). The performance stunned the audience with favorites such as "Raw Power," "Search and Destroy," "Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell," "Penetration," "I Wanna Be Your Dog," and more. Iggy's comment just about says it all, "This sh*t really sizzles and we are so obviously a crack band in a class of our own."
What makes this DVD amazing is that most, if not all, of the selected Iggy fans were born well past the release of "Raw Power" in 1973. At a time when rock was at a crossroads, arenas were hosting colossal shows by larger-than-life transatlantic groups who carried on where the 60's drug-induced party left off. At this time, pop radio relentlessly played out hits by Chicago, Elton John and the Carpenters. But still at the turn of the decade, Iggy Pop and the Stooges were performing cult concerts showcasing Iggy's dance gyrations including eccentricities such as rubbing himself with peanut butter and cutting his flesh with glass.
The Stooges were strictly underground, and had been around for two albums before "Raw Power," an album that initially received little or no attention. But, as the 70's evolved, a thing called "punk" became something for rock magazine fodder, and bands like The Sex Pistols and the Ramones were labeling "Raw Power" their main influence and the new genre. This album became the breakthrough voice of a lost generation, and all eight tracks plus eight additional pre-"Raw Power" album tracks are featured in this performance by The Stooges, evidencing that the band is obviously not past their prime despite their age.
Iggy Pop performs his signature stage contortions complete with expletives, shouting, an impromptu "f**k everything" and audience-interaction body surfing. The concert allows fans to body surf to the foot of the stage (only to be politely escorted off-stage), and to dance, sing and "spaz" with the band and its leader. This entire production boasted of audience participation and the fans loved it. Age has not dulled this group's skill, talent or energy.
Iggy and the Stooges: Raw Power Live: In the Hands of the Fans bonus features include an Exclusive Interview with Iggy, James and Scott; Contest Submission Videos; Liner Notes by Mike Watt and more. Contestant winners were able to ask selected questions of the band members about their history and influence annd you'll view the original video submissions by the winning contestants.
Today, after more than 40 years, "Raw Power" still stands as an artifact of American punk rock. If you want to learn about Iggy Pop, the performer and the man, Iggy and the Stooges: Raw Power Live: In the Hands of the Fans is the DVD to demonstrate the unique madness that labeled Iggy Pop as the premiere artist of the punk era.
