On a balmy Saturday night, the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester became a pulsating shrine to punk rock’s enduring godfather, Iggy Pop. After a 36-year absence from the city’s stages, the 78-year-old legend returned with a ferocity that defied time, delivering a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. Fans of all ages packed the industrial venue, buzzing with anticipation for a night that promised—and delivered—raw, unfiltered chaos.
From the moment Iggy strode onto the stage, shirtless and radiating untamed charisma, the crowd was his. The set kicked off with the snarling “T.V. Eye,” a Stooges classic that set the tone for a night heavy on the band’s proto-punk catalog. Backed by a tight ensemble, including a surprising yet brilliant horn section, Iggy tore through a setlist that felt like a masterclass in punk’s origins. Tracks like “Raw Power,” “Gimme Danger,” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog” were delivered with visceral intensity, each chord and scream a reminder of why Iggy is credited with inventing the genre’s ethos. The horn section added a fresh, funky edge to songs like “Down on the Street” and “1970,” blending syncopated grooves with the relentless energy of the Stooges’ sound.
The performance was a spectacle of Iggy’s signature stage antics—contorting, prowling, and commanding the cavernous space with a swagger that belied his age. His voice, raw and commanding, carried the weight of five decades of rebellion, yet felt as vital as ever. The setlist was a relentless journey, with solo hits like “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life” igniting singalongs, while deeper cuts like “Death Trip” and “Loose” left long-time fans in awe. As one review noted, this was a setlist with “no filler,” each song a testament to Iggy’s singular songwriting genius.
The O2 Victoria Warehouse, with its industrial charm and stellar acoustics, was the perfect backdrop for Iggy’s sonic assault. The venue’s 3,500-capacity felt intimate yet explosive, amplifying the communal frenzy. Support act Bob Vylan added a modern punk edge, warming up the crowd for the main event, though Iggy’s presence overshadowed all else.
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a pilgrimage. Iggy Pop, the cockroach who survives the apocalypse with a smile, proved he’s still the untouchable pioneer of punk. For those who witnessed it, this was a night of near perfection, a reminder that Iggy Pop remains a force of nature, untamed and unforgettable.
Photo Copyright © Stephen Farrell
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