Iggy Pop Talks About His Trailer Trash Childhood, Meeting David Bowie | Letterman

[@ishtiaksikder8011]

“If the beat’s right and its a good riff, nothing hurts” I love him so much for saying that.

[@loverovanimales1338]

Same. That’s how I FEEL music as a listener. If I don’t feel it, I don’t need it. When I connect to it so viscerally that I can cry, dance, escape, rage, or be removed from life to a transcendental place… it touches my spirit. I love that he said it, too. 🤘

[@Flodivision]

like a dervish frenzy

[@wpollock1]

"Till the next day"...very funny. Detroit loves Iggy!

[@leahflower9924]

The riff was largely Ron asheton

[@caitlynnriley3054]

I read this literally a fraction of a split second after I.P. was saying it in the video, giving what already had resonance to resonate exponentially.... Just thought I'd share that random bit of (what I found to be interesting) weirdness in honor of the indomitable force that is known as IGGY POP😎🤘💯🙈🙉🙊

[@christthisisdifficul]

Iggy seems so sincere and approachable. Charming smile and warm eyes.

[@lins_paula]

lol, until you see him bending backwards..

[@jingalls9142]

​@@lins_paulalmfao my thoughts exactly. Just watched Dead Men for the Nth time...Iggys scene with Billy Bob Thornton and Jared Harris, when he's talking about roasting Christians with herbs and garlic is hilarious. Him wearing a dress was just bonus.

[@ChristinaFromYoutube]

Warm eyes? You're in danger.

[@thedativecase9733]

Iggy proves that intelligent, talented, articulate people can come from any type of background. I'm glad he wasn't shamed of coming from a so-called "trailer trash" family. To me the phrase trailer trash is offensive, people are people. Iggy was and is a badass. I've loved his work since I was a teenager and I still love his show on BBC 6 Music now.

[@Telstar62a]

Yep. To hear people use phrases like "trailer trash" tells me more about them than the people they think they're describing.

[@dexter1706]

@@Telstar62a trailer trash is a term used for slobs that don’t want to better their life, nothing wrong with living in a trailer if you can take care of it and yourself

[@dawnsites4232]

On Laurel Canyon maybe. These ppl are all related and have fake backgrounds.

[@banana_junior_9000]

Try not to get offended. We, as individuals give words power...or not.

[@brickhouse7401]

@TheDaytiveCase I agree, totally an offensive term. Perjorative. 'Bridge and tunnel' too. As in, you're such a hick that you can't get to a major urban centre without going over bridges or through tunnels. We used to call girls with certain hairstyles 'bridge and tunnel', back in the day. I still feel bad about that 😕

[@005Amergin]

Iggy is very smart.. he almost looked like he was bracing himself for a series of stupid questions and even occasionally looking at the audience wondering at the randomness of their laughter. He was very creative and processes art in a very unique way. Definitely ahead of his time definitely ahead of his time.. It's no wonder him and David Bowie got along so well!

[@brrtbrrtbrrt]

"Iggy is very smart.. he almost looked like he was bracing himself for a series of stupid questions and even occasionally looking at the audience wondering at the randomness of their laughter." 10:58 and he genuinely thanks Letterman, almost in shock of what just happened

[@tostare]

Yeah, Iggy was and still is super smart, and at the same time kind of a goofy cartoon character. I never worked out if it was partly a persona or if it was all 100% genuine.

[@brockit79]

I’m also puzzled by the random laughter. I guess they didn’t have amazing characters like Iggy Pop grace them with his or her presence all that often.

[@005Amergin]

@@brrtbrrtbrrt ..He was probably bored to tears here too.🙄

[@genohskn440]

​@@005Amergin Of course, he was bored to tears! Kuz he's the chairman of the...!...! ... BORED!!!!! Haw! Haw!

[@markmadonna4099]

@8:00 “Oh, it wasn’t fun anymore.“ God bless Iggy’s poise, self-awareness, and dedication to his artistic vision.

[@swogjanheaven587]

That remark hit me hard. I am 61 and loved him since the 70s. I was too young to know how brilliant he is but I felt something spectacular when Iggy Pop performed or spoke.

[@oliviaparton8613]

Yes, I agree!!

[@DTBaker-gq4fd]

Yes, noted. Great comment

[@BreathWilliams]

In that eye makeup?

[@glengamble526]

Iggy has always looked cool and transcended trends. Like, he could wear this outfit today and STILL look cool and relevant. What a true rock and roller.

[@ordinarypete]

I was just thinking the same thing. And, he’s still in great shape!

[@zoezzzarko1117]

And that is literally my fav color hair. He was 40 years ahead of his time 😲😎💙🖤💙

[@JW-or5xj]

if only he had any talent.

[@aswinsa7281]

@@JW-or5xj for playing golf?

[@chevy4x466]

Like not brushing teeth.

[@lowe-quay-shush]

He's articulate because he had supportive parents. Dad was a High School English Teacher. Parents moved out of the Master Bedroom because it was the only place big enough to practice his Drum Set.

[@Bella-fz9fy]

Why were they in a trailer if his father earned quite well?

[@nathanclark8187]

@@Bella-fz9fy prostitutes aren't cheap.

[@DanJanTube]

What in the world makes you think a teacher "earned quite well" in the 1950s and 60s?

[@Bella-fz9fy]

@@DanJanTube Well enough not to live in a trailer,that’s all!

[@lowe-quay-shush]

There's this place called a Library. You'd be surprised on who they have Biography's about.

[@missmoneypennie65]

Iggy & Bowie - Absolute Legends. Genuine, down to earth, inspirational people, on and off stage.

[@michellenorman7798]

Iggy you're my favorite . Thanks for the heart you put into your work. I've seen hundreds of live shows and you by far are the best. Love.

[@zack6701]

Lou Reed as well. Innovative and geniuses

[@missmoneypennie65]

@@zack6701 Hell yeah! Lou was brilliant. I also listened to Velvet Underground a lot. Anytime I hear any of those guys it makes me smile.

[@gregb8565]

Love iggy - down to earth yes yes yes - a punk rocker for the people with no pretentiousness. Also love Bowie and Lou reed but I don’t think the latter two would be considered down to earth ;)

[@missmoneypennie65]

@@gregb8565 From interviews I've heard and articles I've read, I think that Bowie was more down to earth than any artists of his era. Iggy said he was a guiding light for him. Always the same, smiling and happy. He would always raise Iggy up when he was down. Peter Frampton's father, Owen was Bowie's art teacher. He descibed him as unpredictable and misunderstood by other teachers. Owen recognised his artistic ability and his need to express himself. Bowie also encouraged Peter to get into the music business. Peter said, he was always just Davie to us. I guess he meant fame never changed him. I went to a Bowie concert in Australia 1983. He was consummate dresser and performer. It was truely an incredible performance. I can still picture him in his apricot suit, looking as sharp as anyone on a Parisian catwalk. Sorry, I got on a bit of a soap box. Awesome era of music. Thanks for sharing.

[@BillLowenburg]

I’ve watched every interview I can find with Iggy and he’s the nicest, most forthright and decent person when it comes to trying to fulfill an interviewer’s questions.

[@trsdarrin]

For a guy with absolutely no artistic talent other than running his mouth letterman is very condescending.

[@FNMike]

Iggy made the mistake of asking people to write to him in one of his album's liner notes. He answered every letter with a hand written response. He later swore he would never do it again. BUT he followed through on his word the first time. Not many people have that amount of personal integrity.

[@jostewart554]

But backstage before he came through he had a minder come in and say " nobody talk to him, look at him or anything. Don't approach him. "

[@wulf67]

@@jostewart554Yes, because human beings have the inexhaustible physical, mental and emotional energy to be fully accessible as everyone’s dancing monkey 24/7. It’s wild how some people have to be reminded to treat working entertainers with the same level of courtesy that everyone over the age of 6 knows to show a service dog.

[@RiddimKingdom]

Well he called two of his fans fat and ugly. He’s not nice, he’s charming and there’s a huge difference

[@Muggel65]

Did you notice in the beginning so many laughed in the wrong spots because they were making fun of him. A few sentences later he cought the audience and he got them to the right spot! Great guy!

[@jabah126]

Noticed that too. Laughing at him, not with him.

[@gracelewis6071]

I noticed that too. I wonder if that was more normal at the time - to judge people who were out of the ordinary. Extraordinary! It seems so. It speaks to his character even more so that he was calm and willing to be fully himself in a time like that.

[@davidcopson5800]

I 'spotted' that.

[@stimso]

I noticed that too. I think at the beginning the audience didn't know what to make of him, because he looked a bit freaky yet was so well spoken. Like when he quipped "crossing the proscenium, as it were" to refer to stage-diving. Hehe. That's not in your typical person's vocabulary, and he just spits it out naturally, no pretension. Love it. By the end they are not laughing nervously and confusedly, but at his wit and charm. Great guy.

[@wulf67]

A lot of Letterman’s audience was old and out of touch. 80% of them had never even heard of Iggy Pop, and half of the studio audience probably thought this was a comedy skit. A third of them thought Letterman was a wild n’ crazy long-haired pacifist pinko commie sympathizer. This wasn’t exactly the age of enlightenment…like we’re living in now 😂🙄

[@sergiolobato1798]

I love Iggys boyish charm. He comes across as rather shy and humble.

[@evanwright9016]

Taurus

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

Watch him on Australia's "Countdown" TV show when "I'm Bored" came out! He was bouncing off the walls, totally hyperactive!

[@austinnightingale5134]

He seems like he’s a good guy, like you could hangout with him and have a beer

[@billmcginley]

Henry Rollins once told a story on his radio show about Iggy's charm. Iggy was in between songs and he spots a couple of cute, young ladies in the audience. He's rapping with them, and saying things like "Ooh, what a cute little pair you gals are" and he's just pouring on the Osterberg charm as these two girls are having the best Iggy experience ever. Then he stops and says "you know what? YOUR PRETTY FACES ARE GOIN' TA HELL!" And the band began to play Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell...

[@Dave-Rough-Diamond-Dunn]

Very shy and humble! 😄 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i37XeWhugph7jqM kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep_GnnhuiruSmtk

[@randyperdew2460]

Saw Iggy back in 2017. He was 70 years old, shirtless and still tossed himself into the crowd below.

[@dawnbaker1970]

Hopefully no osteoporosis.

[@martinbeaubien440]

@@dawnbaker1970…😂

[@brickhouse7401]

@@dawnbaker1970 hehehe hopefully he has maintained his bone health

[@brickhouse7401]

@RandyPerdew Ew. I wouldn't mind Harry Styles landing on me, but a 70 year old man? Shirtless? I don't know about that.

[@hotrox2112]

@@brickhouse7401 that there comment just outed you now...

[@JasonNation72]

He refused novocaine when he got his new tooth earlier in the day because he wouldn't be able to enunciate for Dave's interview! I gotta say for all his quirks, Iggy is a consummate professional!

[@eleanorsendeavors29]

"enunciate"

[@JasonNation72]

@@eleanorsendeavors29 That too, lol. Thanks

[@X85283]

I suspect he might have not wanted to use novocaine at the dentist as he was likely sober at this point and at the time (and it may have been true to an extent) some people thought novocaine would trigger cravings for cocaine (which was his thing). It has some effect on dopamine and serotonin in the brain, like cocaine - although obviously a lot less. In modern times it has been replaced by lidocaine which doesn't have any of those effects. A lot of people in recovery would rather have some tooth pain that risk relapsing.

[@divinetime999]

Jason 🤘😎 TOTES

[@timesupgr.8471]

The best thing about Iggy is that he is so authentic. If you met him at a bar in Detroit & didn’t know who he was you’d think he was just joking an old skinny punk, he’d treat you like a friend.

[@KavaKavana]

Iggy is such a Michigander. The golf, the trailer, the rock and roll. Humble guy yet intelligent and always kind to others.Just a cool nice dude.

[@AtlantaHospiceRN]

I had no idea he was from Michigan! That’s cool. He is engaging.

[@austins.2495]

Michigan is underrated

[@SY-ok2dq]

​@@austins.2495 Is that where his accent is from? Do they pronounce their short "a" more like "air"? As in "faih-shion" (fashion)? I'm trying to recall where else I've heard his way of speaking...

[@angel_existential]

I adore him. He's so statuesque. Brilliant, weird, funny... a true artist.

[@VadimLyutiy]

hes so attractive and beautiful man, real brilliant )

[@homeyginomolly]

​@@VadimLyutiy how many punk idols have museums begging them to Model?

[@jostewart554]

I thought he was pretty short.

[@angel_existential]

​@@jostewart554well I am 5'2" so he's got five inches on me. It's more about the way he holds himself. He's got a grand presence. Specifically on stage.

[@jeanjacqueslundi3502]

I realized finally in 2024 why I think women are weird. They describe people as "statuesque" and always like they are some unreal thing.

[@SaintMartins]

Reed, Pop & Bowie are the 3 wisemen or godfathers of Underground / Alternative & Punk Rock music. Every band of these genres that came after them owes their career to these pioneers.

[@edwindegoeij3997]

and Neil Young

[@kelvinkloud]

actually is was jim morrison.... iggy saw the doors in '67 & his vision was sealed. his first label was the doors label. he met and talked to morrison during that time in '70.... obviously he shaped the sound of punk & deserves major credit. but morrison & his aggressive posturing & engagement w/ crowds, along w/ subject material was the spark.

[@carolecksit2947]

Roky Erickson, Arthur Lee, Sky Saxon, Question Mark…

[@chikkipop]

@@carolecksit2947 Wow! You know your stuff.

[@solemndrifter2220]

Motor City 5, also from Detroit

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

More intelligence than the average modern music star and a lot more groundbreaking and original. He’s always been cool as hell.

[@swordfish52]

I Concur Hawsrule ....

[@teelee6752]

nice!

[@bowieaddict3178]

Exactly! 🎯💯

[@user-oy7gz5bf2h]

Also has plenty of time to express himself here.

[@moodfm5673]

plants are more intelligent than the average modern music star...

[@lorigetz4489]

This man’s a legend. He was so influential to many of the bands I grew up listening to. I saw him live back in the early 90s and I was blown away.

[@thefamily2707]

No man that wears makeup is a “legend” snowflake ❄️

[@kikijess0826]

@@thefamily2707I don't see the relevance of deeming a legend vs. non-legend based on the use of or lack thereof-makeup. Look at the date....1982. Bowie was wearing tons of makeup, Lou Reed didn't leave the house without black eyeliner. Are they disqualified from legend status? This is such an ignorant statement. It was a sign of the debaucherous times to wear makeup, a type of early anti-establishmentism. It was fashion, style....much like it's fashionable for movie stars to carry $50,000 + Hermes bags. Which is more ridiculous in their statement making? I'll take a man in $3 eyeshadow over a ludicrous snot and her bag-the- cost-of-a-nice-car any day from a fashion standpoint. I would say, rather, that men who WEREN'T wearing makeup in 1982 likely couldn't fit into legend category.

[@NewarkBay357]

@@thefamily2707 How are you doing Mr. Bunker?

[@paulolister3611]

Blown away was ya ?? I'll pass

[@lorigetz4489]

@@paulolister3611 don’t be stupid

[@westernstateswaterreplenis4612]

He is a very well-spoken person. I love it when an interviewer asks a question and then stays quiet while the person speaks. Thank you.

[@steveeddy9686]

Iggy's the real deal. That's how to live. Without fear, being yourself 100% at all times. Plus he's a hell of a performer.

[@THX-vp9fz]

"That's how to live" no offense but thats wishful thinking

[@steveeddy9686]

@@THX-vp9fz Explain

[@THX-vp9fz]

@@steveeddy9686 Not everyone can do so, like he does or like you wish everyone should do so. Because Some - or even a lot - ppl are too limited by mental things, cant open up to life like they maybe want. Iggy can and still does, thats one point what makes him iconic, but dont expect everyone can.

[@steveeddy9686]

@@THX-vp9fz Oh, I see, so you know me and what I wish for, do you? And I'm sorry to hear about your limits.

[@THX-vp9fz]

@@steveeddy9686 What u wish you wrote in ur entry post, so no magic there. And tell me about my limits, i dont know of any

[@jamesgiordano6772]

Met Iggy back in ‘83; great guy. Erudite, funny as hell; charming, amiable, and of course, an icon of the music and culture scene of the day - and still, to date.

[@kmdn1]

Would you be willing to share any memorable conversations or stories you had with iggy? I'm just endlessly fascinated by the person behind making the music- it was so groundbreaking

[@sresentertainmentsciences3340]

SRES ENTERTAINMENT SCIENCES hung out with Iggy in ‘82 in NYC - what a trip!

[@k.a.n.2778]

@@kmdn1 I'm not him but I wrote him a letter 3 years ago and he answered in a week. With a handwritten one. Cool guy.

[@lp9194]

Spider on adderall fking EPIC

[@DanFernandesBenficaSaint]

Erudite? The man can barely speak 😂 don’t use words you don’t understand.

[@mojopin70]

"Once I hit junior high in Ann Arbor, I began going to school with the son of the president of Ford Motor Company, with kids of wealth and distinction. But I had a wealth that beat them all. I had the tremendous investment my parents made in me. I got a lot of care. They helped me explore anything I was interested in. This culminated in their evacuation from the master bedroom in the trailer, because that was the only room big enough for my drum kit. They gave me their bedroom " - Iggy Pop

[@supergoobergirlable]

Like Billie Eiliish

[@Aurabora54321]

How practical and unkind he can be. Iggys abuse seems to be the most interesting to old Dave😅

[@larsbambi1575]

Wow, I didn't expect him to be so articulate, he kept great eye contact, his vocabulary was impeccable. Very impressive

[@uadimwit]

Yeah. David Letterman was pretty good. The guy he was interviewing though, is a LEGEND.

[@DCB728]

Iggy is a very smart, well read man.

[@reubenkinsey2947]

I met Iggy, and bought him a beer at the American legion in Valdosta ga, his uncle was with him also and Iggy was the most nicest dude I had ever met, we talked for about an hour 🎛️🎛️🎛️🎛️🎸🎸🎸

[@jeffclement2468]

"I crossed the proscenium"

[@hundenstihl]

Dude was incredibly smart. Involved in HS government and attended the university of Michigan.

[@RK_peace]

The way he finishes his story and admiration for Bowie 👌🏽

[@js-pb2kf]

Undeterred!

[@stimso]

Not so fast, Dave!

[@fazmananarju8779]

Así se habla amigo❤

[@carvaoazul]

Bowie and Iggy, two man ahead their time. He was addressing interesting issues and the audience was laughing, not getting a single grasp of what he was saying :( And how amazing of Bowie to have had the vision and humanity to help so many people and bands!

[@garyolshan4177]

One of the best performers in rock history. Iggy also recorded a bunch of solid, intelligent rock albums over the last 2 decades. UNDERAPPRECIATED!

[@Superfreq69]

the "Creator of Punk Rock" I still listen to Funhouse when ever I need a jolt of juice!

[@deckofcards87]

There's nothing like Funhouse and Raw Power to get you pumpin

[@paulmichaud7565]

Saw him several years ago. I figured he was in his mid-60's and throwing himself around the stage like a teenager. He opened for the Pretenders, and when they came on, Chryssie Hind made a point of kissing the stage that Iggy had walked on. He has lived on the edge, sure, but he is a great American artist with a very sharp mind.

[@robinbolton6064]

@@Superfreq69 just about the best Rock n Roll album ever made Sir.

[@Superfreq69]

@@robinbolton6064 ha hahaa! Yea, some albums I used to play until the grooves wore out. This was one of those

[@velvetbees]

Iggy. A free spirit who knows he is and who is perfectly happy feasting on life.

[@curtisrodriguez938]

His "Lust for Life" continues.

[@scotttrent4721]

You might say he’s got a…Lust for Life???!?!?? HAH?????? I’ll see myself out.

[@ronm7114]

he is uncomfortable af here. relying on his image. But its crumbling down since larry isnt buying much of it. Fake laughther. There is nothing to laugh at.

[@5DNRG]

I knew him in the mid 70s as he was my boyfriend's customer and he came over to party with us regularly...and your comment is exactly who he is. He lives on adrenalin.

[@deerheart87]

Yes I love him

[@victorialehman2195]

"...across the proscenium, for god's sake..." Hilarious, bright guy. And still with us, which is something in itself!

[@getsome4806]

"...to cross the proscenium, as it were..." I mean, if you're gonna quote...

[@karelvanderwalt3625]

@@getsome4806 that is a gem for the journal man

[@themisskgreene]

@@getsome4806 I mean, really. @victoria Lehman apparently missed the intention behind that one. It doesn’t even make sense the way she wrote it. How can you be so enthralled by a “quote” that doesn’t even mean anything?

[@raewynurwin4256]

@@themisskgreene because if you don't understand something it means it's a joke, life can be a bloody joke because more is misunderstood than not. I mean when do we ever get a literal understanding, especially via government officials. What they mean and what they say crosses that great divide of that has to be a joke.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

@@raewynurwin4256 you are 12 and that is very deep

[@CayleBrekka]

He's so unique and thoughtful and just a free spirit. It's like he's freed himself and he brings everyone else along for the ride. And he happens to be one of the best singers of all time.

[@journalsofathirddensitytra3498]

Wow.. he is very well put together. I like how genuine he is.❤

[@seagullshame]

Iggy is a well spoken, engaged conversationalist

[@canoeman1961]

Had the exact same thought.

[@samanthab1923]

I remember seeing this back then. Was only remotely aware of him. Bowie I think. Anyway after this I came away with good vibes. Always liked when Dave had him on.

[@katm6]

He always is. This was James Osterberg, not his Iggy persona. His wife has said she's never met Iggy Pop.

[@swagelok1954]

Iggy great, audience so sycophantic though.

[@andrewdavy9921]

@@swagelok1954 the audience laughing are annoying, bad manners actually

[@catyear75]

I loved when Letterman took the time to have an actual conversation with his guests .

[@shaunsteele8244]

this was before he became a grumpy old man

[@louiseevans2263]

Interesting, he seems a bit dismissive… perhaps just an act to help give Iggy a platform with the ‘squares’. The likelihood Dave never heard the term ‘trailer trash’ even in 1982, had to be staged unless he’s just that much a city ‘doesn’t get out much’ kinda guy. Iggy played it well- had fun with the whole thing. ;)

[@Piyesis71]

I find Letterman to be condescending but this interview isn't so. I like it he allows Iggy to talk.

[@NewarkBay357]

@@Piyesis71 That's Letterman's shtick. He does it frequently. He even did it with the great actor, Anthony Quinn when he was about 80 years old.

[@Piyesis71]

@@NewarkBay357 Yes, that's why he's not my favorite talk show host. I never liked his style. But this interview was good in spite of that. But thanks for mentioning Anthony Quinn. He's one of my favorite actors. I'll have to find that one.

[@stevebeckerlcsw3409]

What an affecting guy. Glad Letterman showed him some respect. Didn’t take long to see he’s a thoughtful, engaging, authentic dude. That was a surprisingly good interview.

[@MartynCollins]

Saw Iggy at Fenders in Long Beach, CA. I was nearly crushed, couldn’t breathe. Crowd out of their mind

[@SpiderHacksaw]

Iggy came from a world that he represented his entire life. He was never anything but real, honest and true, to who he was. This is difficult to find in the world, let alone the entertainment world, as everyone tends to conform to what what makes them money and/or to obey what the world demands them to be. Thank you, Iggy Pop. For always being real.

[@hollowheresy]

This is one of the greatest interviews Letterman has ever done. Just ask and let Iggy talk. What a genius.

[@thomass5169]

I disagree..., Letterman kept trying to kill the interview, but only his Daves experience and Iggy's fortitude, let it continue. Dave got lucky.

[@chriscunningham8703]

@@thomass5169 I thought Letterman was kinda rude & dismissive of Mr Pop....

[@thomass5169]

@@chriscunningham8703 I agree.

[@kikijess0826]

@@thomass5169 I agree with all 3 comments thus far. David Letterman is a lefty wacko with an enormous ego. I'm super liberal but this dude is over the top, to put it nicely and diplomatically. If he doesn't get the vast majority of the attention and applause, he acts like a 4 year old brat. See above interview and....well, all Dave interviews of the 21st century, for evidence. He requires a ginormous amount of attention, even for a celebrity.

[@haroldland4620]

Thought he came across as a patronising prat ...any likely hood of asking the man about his music ? and who the hell was David Booey

[@deftlefthand9964]

I met Iggy several times back in the day. He struck me as a decent and articulate guy. Very bright.

[@cb90222]

As he was... Exactly as he struck you 😉😉

[@kmdn1]

I would love to hear about any memorable conversations you had with Iggy or any stories if you'd be willing to share. Iggy pop's music and David Bowie's music was groundbreaking and I'm endlessly fascinated with learning about the personalities and the minds that made the music

[@beautyking6161]

Watch some of his concerts from the early 70’s on You Tube. I was fascinated watching him perform.

[@cb90222]

@@kmdn1 glad to hear that you are so fascinated ☺ only problem is I'm writing a book about my groupie dayz and if I wrote anything here it would be a disaster for when my book came out bc people would have already seen many things I could write here and then most likely not buy the book, but there is a song written by a band from the 70's named SilverHead and they wrote a song about for me about me when I met them in Chicago where I still live to this day ☺ 😉 the songs titled "Rock Out Claudette Rock Out" and idk if you were around in the early 70's of glam rock or not but it may be a little hard to understand the word's bc back then a lot of band's screaming their lyrics to the songs, but I'll give you a hint.. 🎶 🎤 "met you in Chicago, you were blowing bubbles 🎶 looking for some troubles 🎶 🎤.. Let me know if you don't understand certain parts and I will get back to you ☺ 😇 🙏

[@patriciamoran9143]

@@cb90222 good luck with your book. I hope I see it in print some day!

[@sarzbeth]

In the 90s I waited for iggy un front of a radio station in my home town. I was 12. His security tried to make my 2 friends (both 12 year old girls) and I leave because IP didnt want to meet any fans. When Iggy realized how young we were...he was out to meet us right away. He thought we were pretty adorable and was pretty surprised to meet us! I got grounded for a week for taking the wrong bus home on purpose to meet Iggy. IP was really nice to us and I always wonder if he remembers that meeting. I still have the pictures!

[@wldwon]

Great story ....saw him 3 times in the 80s instinct and American Caesar

[@manoftheworld1000]

Got grounded? - Guess it was worth it😊.

[@caesarforlife1663]

Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking he would remember because children are so memorable especially if you're adorable. 👍

[@gfersurvived6622]

I wish I could've said I had been grounded for something so worthwhile.

[@Windsurfingaddict]

Total respect for this man as he is himself and does not try and worry about what people think and surprising articulate and clever conversationalist.

[@chuggingtonn8923]

Iggy's honesty - he is so authentic and unassuming....refreshing.

[@MrJones-ge5sl]

Yes... very well spoken and funny. The interview of he and David with Dinah Shore is another classic. She was such a warm, engaging, non-judgmental woman.

[@katm6]

My favorite TV appearance of Iggy's with Dinah calling him Jimmy. And Rosemary Clooney also engaged.

[@luigi_garcia]

Mr. Jones, if it wasn't for your comment I would have missed this amazing, honest interview (and I would have also missed the image of David Bowie playing keyboards for Iggy!). Those ladies had that judgmental, conservative look that made me think - ironically, through prejudices - 'what do they know about the underground scene?' And they turned out to be fantastic hosts, open, spontaneous and genuinely interested in Iggy and David's art. With Letterman and with Conan, I've always get a vibe of rudeness, apathy or patronizing when interviewing anyone avant-garde, or they recurr to interruptions when they feel they haven't been the center of attention for a while, and it makes me feel uncomfortable (and you see it in the person being interviewed as well). Thanks man, wonderful interview!

[@KClouisville]

@@luigi_garcia Dave could be that way occasionally in relation to any guest....not just an "outsider" type artist....but he also had a lot of interesting people on his show in the time period of this Iggy spot. I remember him having Captain Beefheart on and he was really cool with him....they showed a painting of his and you could kind of tell the audience might not have taken it seriously, but Letterman did very much so.

[@luigi_garcia]

@KClouisville thank you, I didn’t know that. Yes, I think it depends on the energy of the moment between guest and host. I like both Letterman and O’Brien, but sometimes I feel they are not truly interested in the person in front of them, or even informed about what they do. Truth is, also, that interviews have become shorter, and they have to rush, and that’s a mood killer for any interesting conversation.

[@esquibelle]

"Crossing the proscenium as it were..." People don't realize how erudite is the junior James Osterberg. I once saw him recite the soliloquy from Hamlet in it's entirely backed by the Stooges playing wild & wooly @Hollywood Bowl circa late 70's. Later saw him sprawled in snakeskin pants & tank top in antique carved settee in quiet side hall off main lobby 'o' Beverly Hills Hotel politely awaiting a drug dealer. Pure genius.

[@ChubbyUnicorn]

Fully developed personality, as it were, eh?

[@jenniferholden9397]

What an absolute love, he’s so funny and sweet. I’d forgotten how handsome he was.

[@PK-ct1bm]

"At least it helped being different" made my day. What an intelligent, nice and temperate person. A true artist.

[@dannordenbrock483]

I know and have passed his trailer park many times. I always acknowledge this groundbreaking and amazing musician and entertainer.

[@perfumeaddict1204]

Love Iggy - always so intelligent, articulate and charming.

[@tammyedwards4635]

Iggy is a National treasure! Has the greatest smile in the business!

[@no1nestandsalone387]

Cuz it’s fake! 😂

[@tammyedwards4635]

@@no1nestandsalone387 can’t fake a beautiful smile! Teeth ya but smile no.

[@cristinaguerreiro3165]

I adore Bowie and I also love Iggy Pop. Very creative artists.

[@atroxity]

One can understand how he and Bowie became friends. Different characters indeed but they have that same interesting mindset and curious minds. Intelligent, well spolen, reflected.

[@stimso]

Bowie was also tight with Eno and Lou Reed. Very cool that Bowie used his cachet toi help out those innovators and spread the wealth as it were.

[@tnelson4593]

Born in Muskegon Mi. He grew up in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area. His father taught at Fordson High in Dearborn Mi and also was the baseball coach.

[@pattycifra2602]

Sheer delight to hear Iggy speak in interviews.

[@NewarkBay357]

Iggy is a well-spoken nice guy. Nowhere near his wild-ass stage persona. If you never saw Iggy Pop, he's the guy who unintentionally founded Punk Rock, and puts on possibly the wildest no holds barred stage shows you'll ever see. Not for the faint of heart or close-minded. He's written some very good songs. He is one fearless/craziest dudes who had infinite stamina. He is also a contortionist whose dancing is one of a kind. I saw him scramble up the stage scaffolding at the Academy of Music like a spider on Adderall. When he reached the top, approximately a hundred feet above the stage, he ran to the middle of the scaffolding and above center stage. Iggy Pop then hung by his knees upside down during his song "I WANT TO BE YOUR DOG, an excellent song that rocks heavy. The venue was at the old Academy of Music in New York City during the tour promoting his album "THE IDIOT.' He toured with David Bowie playing keyboards and the two sons of the comedian, Soupy Sales, playing guitars. Iggy Pop can make you laugh so hard, you're crying with his pratfalls and cursing his ass off with this angst and pseudo anger, which causes him to possess possibly the most filthy mouth on the planet, and it's hilarious. He can make laugh so hard you that you lose your breath, crying. I don't know if there has ever been a crazier act in Rock 'n Roll that's worth seeing.

[@garyking2622]

Hunt and Tony Sales played Drums and Bass, also played with Tin Machine. I was always into Iggy Pop and David Bowie.

[@colonialstraits1069]

Correction: he intentionally founded punk.

[@gregb8565]

Absolutely I saw the exact same tour in Milwaukee at the riverside theater. I believe he was backed up an up-and-coming new band called Blondie.

[@BerniceWonderdog]

Saw Iggy in NY @ the Roxy - unforgettable. Raw Power is still one of my favourite albums. What a humble guy. He influenced so many people with his music. Pure magic.

[@tomread8748]

I love how Iggy takes over the interviewer role at about 09:00 minutes in, as he can see the cultural value in finishing answering the question about his involvement with Bowie fully, rather than having is squashed by some inane anecdote about golf. Letternan is a shrewd TV man who wants his audience entertained, and fair enough, but Iggy shows he has deeper appreciation of more subtle content.

[@stimso]

Yes, Dave's rush to the golf question was his only real misstep, but he is gracious when Iggy doesn't move on but finishes what he needs to say about his relationship with Bowie.

[@madelainepetrin1430]

There's something quite vulnerable about him, very real. And charm galore!

[@stuartmcdonald5172]

Never knew he lived in a trailer. It explains a lot about him and I definitely respect him more for making something of himself. A bright and creative guy for sure.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Felt kinda bad that people laughed at him for living in a trailer

[@kingofallwhites]

@@lastnamefirst4035 Trump types

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@kingofallwhites yeah even trump himself made fun of everyone about anything. Looks to me Iggy's mom and dad were good people

[@ramblerdave1339]

He wasn't really underprivileged, his dad was a schoolteacher, who didn't care about owning a house.

[@voz805]

Yes, a guileless sweet person. And because of that it was annoying to see Letterman mostly ask questions meant to embarrass or put his guest on the defensive. I never watched Letterman because I found him totally unappealing and as awkward as many of the idiots in the audience.

[@chandracarol232]

Great interview Iggy was so real. Talked about the making of RAW POWER & how David Bowie was so critical in making that album happen . Raw Power is Such an important album... When Chrisy Hind Went to London raw power was 1 of the few things she brought with her it's what bonded her 2 her band mates & they formed the band THE PRETENDERS

[@jkane2015]

That is very cool! Where did you learn about that? Such an interesting musical era in the 70’s, snd then turning over into the 80’s. It just seems like such a personal thing for artists and fans back then. You really had to go find music if you wanted to hear it. Anyways….that’s really interesting, I’m fascinated by that kind of stuff.

[@kendallsmith1458]

The Ramones came together because they were the only ones who listened to The Stooges Back around 87-88 I saw Iggy open for the Pretenders at Cobo Hall (Detroit). Chrissie knelt down and kissed the stage - "Iggy Pop played here!"

[@guitarmatricide4834]

One of my idols for years now. I’ve listened to all three albums by The Stooges and his first two solo albums just as much as any other albums from any other artist.

[@guitarmatricide4834]

@@kassetter333 “What a stupid written.” I’m just going to let that response of yours lay there in all its hypocritical idiocy.

[@demonicsweaters]

I met Iggy at the bar Churchill's in the late 90s in Miami. He walked in, everyone was quietly freaking out. He sat down at the bar alone and got a water. I just sat down right next to him and struck up conversation. He was friendly, we talked for a moment about the bands playing that night. He was super cool he stuck around an watched the bands.

[@QueenLightbeam]

LOVE IT!!! ... " They were so ignorant of the Value of what WE were doing" Great Interview.

[@thespiritworldband]

Iggy is way too cool for mainstream media

[@tinajeppesen5948]

The audience laughter in this is sooo annoying. WHAT exactly is so funny. I hate people. Well 75% of them lol.

[@thespiritworldband]

@@tinajeppesen5948 I'm at 90%. ha,

[@reedbender1179]

Iggy-too cool for shul ! 👌

[@kennethhymes9734]

Gimme Danger is worth watching. More important to the development of "sound as music" than widely recognized.The sneering classist laughter from the audience unintentionally illustrates the culture's need for Iggy.

[@sugarbear1965]

I hated the audience! They Wanted him to be nothing!!! But he proved everyone differently!! Class act

[@Ellis_B]

Peasants

[@spencerglover1]

A legend , such a unique guy love him & Bowie

[@paulsimpson869]

How refreshing to see an interview where you get an insight into someone and they are not just plugging their latest 'book', fragrance etc and the ego of the interviewer does not intrude as in so many of our British chatshow hosts.

[@christofpertl1]

yesterday, 40 years later, I still saw him live on stage posing and jumping like a 20 year old :)

[@justinmix143]

I’m like feeling complete relief at how respectful Dave is in this interview. Was worried about that.

[@booklover3959]

That funny because it seems his questions are completely shallow and insulting.

[@Bruin_ffs]

Radio Clash how so? Self destruction/mutilation during live concerts are pretty valid things to ask questions about

[@McMillanScottish]

Dave is smart enough to know when he’s matched.

[@CarlyonProduction]

@@McMillanScottish yeah I think that’s it. He often feels people out and sees if they can handle themselves. He would have a hard time making a fool of iggy.

[@dawnbaker1970]

Considering how rude Dave usually is, he was gentle with Iggy. Letterman is a douche. His sarcasm and superiority are not funny. Mostly retired, he spends the bulk of his time growing a beard.

[@cszmax]

"to cross the precenium as it were" classic

[@SuperWilliamholmes]

What an amazing and honest interview. He doesn't give a shit what other people think. He's going to be his genuine self.

[@noirhorse1368]

This is one of the best conversations I’ve ever seen. I think I’m in love with Iggy.

[@lynetteowens946]

Me 2nd

[@Christie_Love]

The red shoes and blue eyeshadow combo!!! Gotta love Iggy!!! 😍😍😍

[@eivindgjengstjohansen9625]

Blues ears too

[@hdrake1000]

I don't know if any of you noticed but Dave tried to bring up his heroin addiction and Iggy just kind of skipped past that. He was in bad shape when Bowie met him. David went and visited him in rehab. The song Tonight is an Iggy song about using heroin.

[@callen9623]

Yes and no- he said something along the lines of ‘it wasn’t fun anymore’. Song ‘no fun’ was probably about that. I had the sense he just didn’t really want to get into that convo and can’t really fault him for wanting to skip quickly by that subject 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sugarbear1965]

Letterman is awful

[@callen9623]

0 seconds ago @Amy naw Dave is awesome and was fine here. He recognized iggy didn’t want to talk about it and moved on. He didn’t press him on it. Dave was only ‘awful’ to people that truly deserved it. Also if iggy had felt that was Dave’s angle he would have called him out on it. Mutual respect between them.

[@gailsmith6156]

I'm sure Letterman realizes now how important this interview is to have on his history of shows. Awesome

[@dawnsstar5918]

Letterman had some interesting peeps on his show, and he was always proper, even with that crazy dry humor. I absolutely loved when he had Richard Simmons on.

[@brickhouse7401]

@@dawnsstar5918 Funny! Richard Simmons was inherently humorous. I loved Father John Misty singing 'Only Son of the Ladies' Man' on that show. The camera almost started burning up. I still tune in once a week to watch him sway his bony hips

[@haroldland4620]

hope he regrets how shallow he was

[@gailsmith6156]

@@haroldland4620 If you've followed his career you'd know the answer to that is yes. There are many instances of it. Apologized for Bill Hicks, made a statement after his stalker passed about her illness....

[@Mighty_Memer]

You can tell there's a nervous genius talking to Dave no matter if the audience gets him or not Dave does.

[@sierrachoco5271]

I don't know about that, Letterman made a face and did the eyebrow lift at one point in the interview. If you can't respect your guest than don't invite - just the way I see things. Best wishes from upstate NY!!!

[@ianpadraig5263]

He gave Dave a subtle (deft) baring of fangs "..to cross the proscenium, as it were..." for his backhand bringing up the trailer thing.

[@timesupgr.8471]

This is how an interview should be done. An actual unscripted conversation. We learned so much about Iggy. Letterman’s handling of Iggy’s drug abuse was masterful and kind. How could they have gone with Leno?

[@elizabethedwards1297]

I got to see him from the sidewalk in Portland a few years ago, he had such a strong presence it was an amazing experience.

[@this-is-slammin-549]

He’s got an awesome sense of humor.

[@lilyflow5807]

Such a cool dude, honestly, I love him even more.

[@stephensylvester1398]

Being from Detroit I was lucky enough to see the Stooges in about every venue imaginable, literally dozens of times. Also saw the very last show at the Michigan Palace where I dodged objects in the orchestra pit. Always great. With the Stooges, and solo Iggy always rocks. Saw the reunion at DTE, where we had the first show canceled due to the power grid going down on the Eastern Seaboard. When he opened with Loose I thought my head would explode, and I wept with happiness to see the hardest working band in the business sounding like they hadn’t missed a day of playing together.

[@planetdisco4821]

F*CK YEAH! ❤👍👍

[@jdmbeats]

I've never heard of this guy Iggy, but it was in my recommended, so I clicked.. I was surprised at all of the comments, looks like I will have to check out some of his music 👍

[@joegideon8461]

"To cross the proscenium, as it were..."

[@brucegelman5582]

Poster child for not judging a song by its artist.This is one articulate artistic man.

[@brianryman9445]

I remember seeing this when it was first aired. The image of him being awed by his father entering a shaking trailer is how I always think of Iggy.

[@kathyflorcruz552]

"Gods home." 😂

[@janedoe-dy3rr]

I grew up in a trailer. As soon as he said that, I had a flash back lol. He described that perfectly.

[@JohnBock-nq9lr]

First concert: iggy at the Michigan theater in ann arbor 10-30-82....6 weeks before this....Nash the Slash opened....AWESOME first

[@christinacampbell5952]

I love when he said "at least it made me different " about his childhood. haha good point. I'd like to steal that line. puts a nice positive spin on struggle

[@ericscott5224]

Got to see Iggy Pop's show with David Bowie playing keyboards at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia about 1977. (I was only 16 and a big David Bowie fan and got to see Bowie play live for the first time at the Radio City Music Hall in NYC in 1974. I was only 13 at the time. Orchestra pit seats, got the inside info on the afterparty at the Sherry Netherland Hotel but couldn't go because mom and dad were picking me up after the show.) The opening act to Iggy Pop was a group we never heard of - they were called Blondie (!!!!). There she was, Debra Harry; this hugely charismatic, beautiful blond woman out in front. She blew me away. I clearly remember her on stage dancing in skin tight, black toreador pants and high kicking her cheeta print, spiked pumps into the audience. Sorry, but watching this interview triggered a lot of good memories. Growing up as a teenager in the 1970's going to concerts was what we did. The Who Rolling Stones Blue Oyster Cult Queen on their first US tour when they were still sporting big hair and one piece stretchy jump suits. Grateful Dead multiple times Kansas when they recorded their live album. There's more...

[@sammyb1001]

Wow seriously I had same musical experiences!!! Also I have a great picture of Iggy.

[@sammyb1001]

@@jill7182 I'm there!

[@brownleatherboot277]

Seems like a fascinating young man well ahead of his time. I hoped he felt loved and appreciated

[@StanLeeCubeBrick]

Saw him when he came to Birmingham Al early 2000s at the 5 points music hall. My brother who was lifelong fan got on stage with him. Today, kids think they're outrageous and pushing the envelope because they dye their hair, dress adrogenously, etc. Its all been done before by iggy pop 45 years ago. And he slam danced naked with razor blades tied to him. Beat that

[@JamesMorgan_LifeandText]

I love this interview. Iggy is so down to earth and honest!

[@alvingrimes7053]

Saw Iggy several times in Detroit during the late 60's and 70's. Punk rock began in Detroit.

[@edcunion]

Jay Zeus, this interview is 40 years old. "I wanna be your dog" featured prominently in the routine of one lady figure skater who won a medal at the Beijing Olympics a couple weeks back. Another good interview is the Ig and Bowie together on the Dinah Shore show during this era, their playful banter was fun to watch. Iggy's always been about unbridled youthful energy and fun. He was good on the Bourdain show too a few years back, it's a pity Anthony, an Iggy super fan, isn't around now to check this out.

[@dag681]

One more example of the incredible musical talent from Michigan.

[@pauld205]

2 of Dave's favorite things. Rock music and a fascinating interview

[@deannawitt9376]

Excellent interview by Dave. Iggy looks so good here , very handsome

[@taniaMoonCat]

Iggy Pop is so humorous and comfortable.

[@lshoe42]

"To cross the proscenium, as it were..." A+ for Iggy!

[@kurtashton4155]

Iggy has literally done it all!! A TRUE LEGEND!!!!

[@slide_drexler]

1:53 when a legend gives props to another legend.

[@carolgayfagerhaugh1969]

‘Four mounds’ of breakfast 🥞 because I was really hungry’ ~ Iggy Pop I love this guy I feel like I’ve just met him! Where have you been all my life . . . Iggy ! XO

[@aquariusrizing]

I carried a photo of him with me for years. Great guy. Sweetheart.