Review IGGY POP “Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival”

It’s always something special to play a show at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival. It is widely known that the festival’s lineup is broader than just jazz music, and it is the godfather of punk rock, Iggy Pop, who played there on July 6, 2023, which was his third show at the famous event.

Iggy Pop and his seven-piece band performed an 18-song set that took fans back in time. The iconic singer included songs from The Stooges as well as highlights from his solo career.

The show kicked off with a cover, as a reinterpretation of “Rune” by Noveller was the first song performed that night. The track is only part of the Blu-ray and the download, which means we move on and arrive in 1979. “Five Foot One” is taken from Pop’s “New Values” release and represents the early days of his solo career before we can enjoy the first The Stooges song. A wild and furious version of “T.V. Eyes” bursts from the speakers. Enriched by a horn section, the song still keeps its anarchic vibe, which is actually true for the entire set.

No doubt, an Iggy Pop show has to include big hits like the timeless “The Passenger” with its famous “Lalalala” sing-along part and a vibrant version of “Lust for Life”. “The Endless Sea” is another Iggy Pop song before we return musically to The Stooges. “Death Trip” is the title of the punk rock legend before “I’m Sick of You” spreads its very special vibe.

We continue with an extra long version of “Seek and Destroy”, another highlight in the career of Iggy Pop. All in all, the live show and the subsequent live album is like a retrospective of decades of Iggy Pop. These songs connect the phase with The Stooges with the most recent work of Iggy Pop, represented by songs like the closer “Frenzy”, which comes from the latest studio album “Every Loser”.

Age doesn’t seem to be an issue for Iggy Pop and his music. Fueled by an anarchic vibe, the grandeur of old and new songs is captivating. This live release is a showcase of the musical achievements of one of the world’s most influential musicians. Iggy Pop is as relevant to rock and punk in 2025 as he was in the 70s. It is his authenticity and dedication to music that make his music so special. Iggy Pop – a punk rock icon with an anarchic soul.