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The Stooges

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The Stooges were a seminal American rock band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Stooges - Cashbox ad 1969
The Stooges - Cashbox ad 1969

They are widely regarded as a proto-punk act. This term describes music that helped shape the punk rock genre. The band was famous for a raw and primitive style of rock and roll. Their performances were often confrontational and highly unpredictable. This energy helped create a unique, trance-like, or orchestral drone sound. This sound was considered totally unique and impressive by those who heard it.

The band's formation began in 1967. Singer Iggy Pop, born James Newell Osterberg, was the driving force. He had previously played drums in local bands like the Iguanas and the Prime Movers. Osterberg was inspired to form the group after meeting blues drummer Sam Lay in Chicago. He wanted to create a new form of blues music. He did not want it to be derivative of historical precedents. Instead, he drew influence from garage rock bands like The Sonics and The Kinks.

Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (27)
Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (27)

The original lineup included Ron Asheton on guitar and Scott Asheton on drums. Dave Alexander played the bass guitar. Osterberg chose the name "Iggy Pop" after seeing an MC5 concert. He was also motivated by seeing the band The Doors perform. Another influence was an all-girls rock band from New Jersey called Untouchable. The group's first official debut occurred on Halloween night in 1967. They played early shows at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit. During one performance of "I Wanna Be Your Dog," Asheton's guitar neck actually separated from the body.

As the band progressed, their music and lineup changed significantly. They released their self-titled debut album in 1969. This was followed by the 1970 album, Fun House. This second album featured the addition of saxophonist Steve Mackay. However, the band faced internal struggles and drug use. Dave Alexander was dismissed in August 1970 after appearing too drunk to play. The band eventually disbanded in July 1971.

Iggy-Pop 1977
Iggy-Pop 1977

Later, they reformed to record the influential album Raw Power in 1973. This version of the group included James Williamson on guitar.

Iggy Pop became legendary for his wild and outrageous stage presence. He is sometimes credited with the invention or popularization of stage diving. During live shows, he would leap into the crowd to be hoisted up by fans. He often smeared peanut butter or hamburger meat on his bare chest. In one recorded instance at the Cincinnati Pop Festival, a fan named Stiv Bators provided the peanut butter. Pop also engaged in acts of self-mutilation, such as cutting himself with shards of glass. These intense actions made their live shows very famous and controversial.

The band experienced several reunions and final chapters. They reunited in 2003 with a lineup including Mike Watt on bass. Ron Asheton returned to guitar for these performances. The group continued to play shows until 2013. They released their final album, Ready to Die, that same year.

The Stooges formally announced their breakup in 2016. This decision followed the deaths of drummer Scott Asheton and saxophonist Steve Mackay.

Despite early commercial struggles, the band's legacy is massive. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked them 78th on their list of the 100 greatest artists of all time. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. They also received the Mojo Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.

Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (6)
Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (6)

Their influence can be seen in the development of the punk rock movement. Many musicians look back at their raw sound as a foundation for new music styles.

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🖼️ Images & Media (5)
File:The Stooges - Cashbox ad 1969.jpg
The Stooges - Cashbox ad 1969.jpg
File:Iggy-Pop 1977.jpg
Iggy-Pop 1977.jpg
File:Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (27).jpg
Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál,...
File:Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál, 2006.08.15 (6).jpg
Iggy and the Stooges - Sziget Fesztivál,...
File:The Stooges & Iggy Pop, Poland, Katowice Off Festval 2012-08-04.JPG
The Stooges & Iggy Pop, Poland, Katowice...
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