Iggy went down to Montreux in 2023, or something, anyway.
It’s like this. Iggy Pop will be 78 in April, but when he was a mere stripling of 76, he appeared in Switzerland and delivered a show that was frenzied, raw, and utterly compelling.
From the opening blast of “Five Foot One,” complete with a blazing horn section, it was clear this would be an intense experience. Energy levels remained high through “TV Eye,” setting the tone for a night of relentless punk spirit. Iggy, never one to censor himself, peppered the set with his trademark expletives, but more importantly, he showcased his still-formidable (raw) power.
Tracks from his latest album slotted seamlessly into the setlist, with “Modern Day Rip-Off” proving its worth among the classics. Iggy isn’t one to hoard his biggest hits for the finale either—”Raw Power” came early, a bold move yes, but one that only amplified the excitement.
“Gimme Danger” saw him channel his inner Jim Morrison, exuding a brooding charisma that captivated the crowd. But if it’s the big songs people came for, they weren’t disappointed. “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life” landed back-to-back, a thrilling one-two punch that felt almost rebellious in its placement. The young audience member who helped drive the chorus on “Lust for Life” certainly seemed to enjoy the moment.
“The Endless Sea” offered a psychedelic detour, while “Death Trip” was a visceral explosion of punk energy. With a mischievous grin, Iggy introduced “I’m Sick of You”—a menacing, eerie seven-minute journey that oozed attitude. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” followed, dripping with sneering menace, daring anyone to challenge his enduring intensity.
A career as storied as Iggy’s means he has an arsenal of great songs at his disposal, and he deployed them masterfully. “Search and Destroy” is a riot, and “Mass Production” opened the encore with a nightmarish, almost industrial energy. Given the jazz festival setting, perhaps it was fitting that “Nightclubbing” took on an extra noirish feel.
As Iggy himself proclaimed, “We’re going to pick it up little by little,” and pick it up they did. “Down on the Street” kept the momentum soaring, “Loose” playfully nodded to Deep Purple, and the night concluded with the only fitting closer—”Frenzy.” Predictable? Maybe. Thrilling? Absolutely.
Iggy Pop at Montreux was a reminder that punk energy doesn’t fade—it evolves. And as long as he’s still performing, there kicking out the jams, the world is a wilder, better place for it.
Rating 8/10
