Iggy Pop Comes Home to Berlin
Iggy Pop at Zitadelle Spandau Berlin - All Photos ©dickslaughter.com
This wasn’t just another concert for the nearly 10,000 Berliners who packed into the historic Citadel in Spandau, Berlin, or for the man they had come to see, their adopted hometown son—Iggy Pop. His time in Berlin in the 70’s, and the music that emerged from it, left a lasting imprint both on rock and roll and even on the city itself. I don’t think there is any real need to go down the Idiot/Lust for Life memory lane, but I will say that all the Iggy/Bowie residences and watering holes are pointed out on most of the tourist van tours in Berlin.
The venue was Zitadelle Spandau, a 15th-century fortress and one of the best-preserved Renaissance military structures in Europe. Built atop a medieval fort on an island, it’s exactly what comes to mind when you picture a European castle—moat, drawbridge, and all.
That was the best coffee I have ever had at a show - All photos ©dickslaughter.com
It’s now a combination museum and concert venue: Iggy’s performance was part of the 20th anniversary of their outdoor festivals, and let me tell you, they’ve done a great job with it. The event was well organized, with an impressive selection of food and drink vendors. You could grab a Frankfurter and a beer, or opt for wine and crêpes if that was more your speed. The staff were friendly and helpful, but there was also a clear sense that nonsense wouldn’t be tolerated. Security seemed to have eyes in the back of their heads.
The opening act was a Berlin punk/post-punk band called Die Verlierer—which translates to “The Losers.” I was told they’re something of a new supergroup, made up of members from a few well-known German bands whose names start with “Die.” They’re clearly a local favorite, and I can see why. Even though I couldn’t understand a word of the set, it was great—these guys tore up the stage, and the crowd in front loved every second of it.
Below are the only two Germans who actually wanted their photo taken—plus a bunch who really didn’t. - All Photos ©dickslaughter
The crowd in the back, however, made it clear they were there for one reason only: to see everyone's favorite 78-year-old, shirtless rock and roll icon and living legend.
This guy’s cat tattoos are awesome - All Photos ©dickslaughter.com
They didn’t have to wait long—the set change between bands was surprisingly quick. Iggy’s band launched straight into the Stooges’ “TV Eye,” and Iggy came charging in from stage right running at full speed, grabbed the mic stand, and jumped in right on cue. Dressed in black suit trousers and a matching vest, his look was oddly formal. I couldn’t help but think, now there’s something you don’t see every day—the Igg wearing a shirt. But the vest didn’t last long.
Within seconds, he ripped it off and threw it to the ground—right where it belongs.
Iggy and his band tore through a set that seamlessly blended Stooges staples with Berlin-era favorites with a refined, contemporary edge. Every beat hit with precision, the musicians locking in around Iggy’s unrelenting presence. With a full horn section, an incredible rhythm section, and two searing guitarists, the sound was explosive— more like a punk-infused orchestra than a traditional rock band. It was raw, commanding, and unexpectedly elegant all at once.
Iggy kicking out the jams in Berlin - All Photos ©dickslaughter.com
They kicked off the set with “TV Eye” and didn’t let up. “Raw Power,” “I Got a Right,” and “Gimme Danger” followed in a blur—some of the most influential songs of all time, delivered with force. “I Wanna Be Your Dog” and “Search and Destroy” landed like punches. You could feel how much the band loved playing this material, and Iggy fed off their energy, matching their enthusiasm every step of the way. “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life” turned into massive, beer-soaked sing-alongs that echoed across the giant medieval courtyard of the Zitadelle. Between songs, Iggy would pause to thank the crowd or toss out lines like, “I wrote this in…” followed by the name of a Berlin neighborhood, which always cracked up the locals.
This incarnation of the Iggy Pop show was one of the smoothest and most professional I’ve seen—and I’ve seen a lot. This makes Iggy show number 43 for me, and I’ve never been disappointed. Back when I was chasing Iggy around on the Post Pop Depression tour for OC Weekly, my editor, Old Man Jackson (now at the LA Times and author of the OC PUNKBOOK), asked, “Aren’t you getting bored with seeing Iggy every night?” I answered without hesitation:
“Hell no! The motherfucker gets better every time.”
And that remains true. How the hell he does it is beyond me. This isn’t the same Iggy we saw in the ’60s, the ’80s, or even just a few years ago. Iggy is the definition of a rock and roll frontman—someone who keeps evolving while holding onto what made him great in the first place. He still has the ability to channel that power, that demon, or whatever it is—out of himself, through the band, and straight into the crowd. The louder it is and the closer you get, the better it works. You can often find people on the rail in a full rock and roll trance at an Iggy Pop show. I’ve been there. It’s great. And I suggest you try it.
Iggy Pop at Zitadelle Spandau Berlin - All Photos ©dickslaughter.com
And you still have the chance—Iggy is on tour and crisscrossing the globe, with stops in Europe, South America, and the U.S. Is this the last tour? I really don’t know. I sure hope not. If you’ve seen Iggy, then you know. If you haven’t, then go.
In the coming weeks, he’ll hit Colours of Ostrava in Czechia (July 17), RockLand Art Fest in Spain (July 19) with the Sex Pistols, and Project Pabst Fest in Portland, Oregon (July 26), where he’ll be joined by Devo. He’s also playing Marymoor Park in Washington State (July 28) and making festival appearances in Belgium (Aug 4th), Sweden (Aug 7th), and Denmark (Aug 9th).
Then it’s off to South America in September—São Paulo on (Sept. 7th) at The Town Festival, then Buenos Aires on (Sept. 12th)—before heading back to the U.S. for shows in Boston (Sept. 25), the CBGB Fest in Brooklyn (Sept. 27), and Washington, DC (Sept. 29).
Whether it’s a local gig, a quick weekend getaway, or a trip to another country, find a date and go. You won’t regret it.
iggypop.com
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