Iggy Pop praises underground rock legends in unearthed interview

Iggy Pop is undoubtedly one of the coolest figures in the music industry. Known for his influential role in shaping punk music while leading The Stooges in the ’60s and pioneering post-punk with his solo debut album, The Idiot, in 1977, Iggy’s impact on the rock scene is undeniable. His versatile nature is further highlighted by his collaborations with various artists and his role as a radio host on BBC Radio 6’s Iggy Confidential.

In a recently unearthed interview clip shared by Instagram user @120revisted, Iggy Pop showcased his admiration for other artists. The clip, from a 1990 episode of the iconic MTV program 120 Minutes, saw Iggy sharing his top three albums of the day with host Dave Kendall. Among them was Stay Sick by The Cramps, a band that Iggy praised for its vibrant sound. He specifically highlighted guitarist Poison Ivy’s exceptional guitar playing and the quality of the album’s lyrics, describing The Cramps’ music as “real down music” with an authentic rock and roll edge.

It is worth noting that The Cramps drew inspiration from guitar legend Link Wray, especially his groundbreaking instrumental track “Rumble,” released in 1958. Iggy acknowledged the significant influence that Wray had on The Cramps, crediting him for shaping their style and sound. According to Iggy, Link Wray’s impact on music history is substantial, suggesting that many subsequent artists owe a debt to his innovative work.

Reflecting on his past experiences with The Cramps, Iggy recalled performing with the band at a Halloween show in the late ’70s, though the exact date eluded him. This sentiment was echoed by music writer Madeline Bocaro in a blog post from 2022, detailing the unforgettable 1979 Halloween show at The Palladium in New York City. The atmosphere of that performance, with guitarist Bryan Gregory, Poison Ivy, and Lux Interior, remains vivid in the memories of those who witnessed it.

Founded in 1976, The Cramps explored a unique blend of punk, rockabilly, surf, Western twang, and classic rock and roll sounds, establishing a distinct musical identity. Despite receiving accolades from icons like Iggy Pop, the band remained somewhat underappreciated in mainstream circles. Their brush with mainstream fame came through the inclusion of their music in a Netflix series, although they never achieved the widespread recognition they deserved.

Tragically, The Cramps disbanded in 2009 following Lux Interior’s untimely death from aortic dissection at the age of 62. Lux and Ivy, who were both partners on and off the stage, were the constants in the band, navigating through various lineup changes over the years. Despite their enduring legacy and the admiration of fellow artists like Iggy Pop, The Cramps’ impact on music history remains somewhat underrated.