Singer Iggy Pop and his wild onstage antics were often the focus of attention. The band had a shambling, energetic sound deliberately reminiscent of past garage rock groups. They sold very few records in their original incarnation and often performed to indifferent or hostile audiences. Nevertheless, the Stooges are often regarded as hugely influential both on then-nascent heavy metal movement and also on punk rock. As has been said about The Velvet Underground, the handful of people who did actually buy the Stooges' early records at the time ended up forming bands of their own and thus changed history. In fact, Velvet Underground member John Cale produced the original incarnation of their self-titled album. The 1969 album 'The Stooges' has received since its release critical acclaim from many reviewers over the years.
The Stooges drew their sound from a variety of influences. Examples include the often transgressive rock and roll artists The Doors, The MC5, The Rolling Stones, The Troggs, and The Who. As well, the band members enjoyed the work of jazz and soul artists such as Booker T and the MGs, James Brown, and Miles Davis (particularly 'Bitches Brew').
In 2003, Iggy, Scott, and Ron reformed The Stooges with Minutemen and fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt filling in. The 2000s lineup played festivals around the world, and in 2006 recorded a new album with Steve Albini.
Founding member and guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in Ann Arbor, MI on January 6, 2009. Iggy Pop posted a message on his website stating "I am in shock. He was my best friend."
On June 22, 2016, Williamson made an official statement for the band saying that the Stooges are no more.
"The Stooges is over. Basically, everybody's dead except Iggy and I. So it would be sort-of ludicrous to try and tour as Iggy and the Stooges when there's only one Stooge in the band and then you have side guys. That doesn't make any sense to me."
Website: www.iggyandthestoogesmusic.com
Kill City
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I live here in kill city, where the debris meets the sea
It's a playground to the rich but it's a loaded gun to me
Well, I'm sick of keeping quiet and I am the wild boy
I'm sick of keeping quiet and I am the wild boy
But if I have to die here, first I'm gonna make some noise
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Turn that boy loose
Yeah, the scene is fascination, man and everything's for free
The scene is fascination, man and everything's for free
Until you wind up in some bathroom, overdosed and on your knees
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up, turn the boy loose
Give it up
In "Kill City," Iggy Pop describes the struggles of living in a city where the wealthy treat the less fortunate as disposable. As the title implies, Kill City is a dangerous place littered with debris and trash that meets the sea. Iggy's "quiet" persona is revealed as a facade, as he declares himself the "wild boy" who will not go down without a fight. However, this fight is not one-sided as the scene is "a loaded gun" that could take him out at any moment. The area may seem like a playground for the wealthy, but it comes at a price for Iggy, and his life could end in a tragic fashion, symbolized by the image of overdosing in a dirty bathroom.
The repetition of "give it up, turn the boy loose" is a plea for those in power to recognize the worth of those who are being taken advantage of. Iggy speaks for those who have been left behind and offers a warning of the danger lurking within Kill City. In this way, "Kill City" serves as a commentary on the state of society's treatment of the impoverished and disenfranchised.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I live here in kill city, where the debris meets the sea
The singer resides in Kill City, an area where waste and garbage mix with the ocean.
It's a playground to the rich but it's a loaded gun to me
While the wealthy may enjoy living in Kill City, the singer considers it a dangerous and threatening place.
Well, I'm sick of keeping quiet and I am the wild boy
The singer is tired of remaining silent and embraces their untamed and rebellious nature.
But if I have to die here, first I'm gonna make some noise
The artist is prepared to make a scene and leave a lasting impression before they meet their demise in Kill City.
Yeah, the scene is fascination, man and everything's for free
Kill City may be alluring and attract attention, yet it comes at no cost.
Until you wind up in some bathroom, overdosed and on your knees
Despite the promise of an exciting lifestyle, ending up in a drug-induced stupor in a bathroom is a real possibility in Kill City.
Give it up, turn the boy loose
The singer urges someone to let loose and be free.
Turn that boy loose
The artist repeats their call to action, inviting someone to break free from their constraints.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES WILLIAMSON, JAMES NEWELL JR OSTERBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Voidette Null
It's such a good album definitely worth listening during hard times
Ralf Huwald
I like this album it's a jewel. Specially "I got nothing" and "night theme" are my favorit songs on it. Great work, I like it very much. I like Iggy and hear his sound since a very long time. This is a real Rock'n Roll album. 👍
NatoratorBiz
I absolutely love this! You know its vinyl when you hear all the little dynamics and pops😎Top #1 or #2 Iggy albums☠Thanks for posting this awesome green vinyl mix👽
Josh R.
I don't like using noise reduction, I'm a purist. Vinyl is vinyl and will have noise! glad you enjoyed :)
andrew westcott
I love the raw sound of 'Night theme'- definitely an album to revisit.
Vivian Stanshall
The best thing hes ever done
One of my favourite albums ever
MrSKINFLICK
Also one of my favourite albums ever !
Martin Blondel
Yes that’s true
CosmosNut
Amazing Album, made a huge impression when I first head it in the day, still love it
Josh R.
I really dig the original mix. The remix is nice, but I think the original vinyl captures the rawness of the music better. I can only imagine hearing this when it came out!!!!