Iggy Pop ignites Victoria Warehouse

Victoria Warehouse became a shrine to the godfather of punk rock

The 78-year-old legend returned with a ferocity that defied time, delivering a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. 

Author | Ajay

Fans of all ages packed into the industrial venue. Before the music started, it was buzzing with anticipation for a night that promised and delivered some 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 a snarling Stooges classic that set the tone for a night heavy on the band’s punk catalog. 

Iggy was 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. 

Songs like “Raw Power,” “Gimme Danger,” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog” were delivered with a frankly insane level of intensity. Each chord and scream was a reminder of why Iggy is often credited with inventing the genre’s ethos. 

There was something of a more funky edge to songs like “Down on the Street” and “1970”. They were blending some serious grooves with the relentless energy of the Stooges’ sound.

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The performance throughout was a wonderful spectacle that displayed some of Iggy’s signature stage antics. He was contorting and prowling. He was commanding the space with a swagger that, in some ways, belittled his age. His voice was as raw and commanding as ever, carried the weight of five decades of rebellion. These songs felt as vital as ever. People even put their phones down for some of the songs. Madness. 

Here comes Johnny Yen again...

The setlist was essentially a relentless journey through a legacy. There was the iconic solo hits like “The Passenger” and “Lust for Life” that ignited some serious bouncing and singalongs. The deeper cuts of “Death Trip” and “Loose” left long-time fans in awe. This was a setlist with no filler. Each song a testament to Iggy’s songwriting genius.

Check out some clips from the crowd here

A perfect venue for a memorable night 

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.

Our final thoughts

This wasn’t just a concert, it felt a pilgrimage through history. Iggy Pop proved he’s still the pioneer of punk. He's almost untouchable in this regard. For those who witnessed this performance, it was a reminder that Iggy Pop remains a force of nature. An unforgettable night. 

What were your thoughts on the gig?

Josh T was there, he said: "The fact that Iggy Pop can still do it at this level is extraordinary in itself. However, the gig itself was amazing. A lot or younger singers and bands lack his energy. Incredible."

Amy W added: "For those, like me, who are setting up their summer for show after show, this set a high bar. The energy from the band and the crowd was something that I had not experienced in several years. Some of those songs still sound brand new and they were first recorded thirty or forty years ago. A memorable night."