Iggy Pop

Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal QC, August 8

Photo: Rick Clifford

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Aug 9, 2015

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Upon learning that Iggy Pop would be following their performance on the neighbouring stage, Fat Mike of NOFX acknowledged Pop's legend status before humorously remarking, "Man, that guy is skinny and old." The way the aging proto-punk star leapt around the stage while belting out opener "No Fun" would have surprised many who doubted the strength of his wiry, 68-year-old frame, which was able to withstand plenty of pelvic thrusts, hip gyrations and spastic arm movements that looked to be improvised.
 
"This means everything in the fucking world, because I'm almost dead and I need this," he exclaimed with an air of desperation. But after bringing out the big guns early on by playing "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "The Passenger" and "Lust for Life" consecutively, Pop's energy began to wane as the set went along. Saved by the fact that his voice was in good shape, his capable backing band was able to generate some energy with "1969" and "Real Wild Child" before traipsing through a relatively uninspired rendition of "Nightclubbing" and the drawn out "Mass Production."
 
This was of little concern to the devoted fans in the audience, who still hung on his every word, and sang along enthusiastically if they knew the lyrics.
 

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