For nearly 50 years, the title “punk” has been a tricky one for artists to embrace, and no one understands this paradox better than Iggy Pop, famously known as the Godfather of Punk. While the label suggests rebelliousness, energy, and authenticity, punk also challenges the constraints of genre and marketability. How, then, does an artist like Iggy Pop navigate being both an icon of punk while rejecting its commercialization?
Iggy Pop crafted the perfect playbook for this dilemma back in the late 1970s, right when he first earned the title Godfather of Punk. His raw, unapologetic energy and disdain for musical labels set the standard for punk frontmen to follow.
Iggy Pop’s Take on Punk: A 1977 Rant
In a famous 1977 talk show appearance on Canadian TV, Iggy Pop delivered one of his most notable rants about the term “punk.” He declared, “Punk rock is a word used by dilettantes and heartless manipulators…music that takes up the energies and the bodies and the hearts and the souls of young men who give what they have to it.” For Iggy, punk was not just about fashion or elitism, but a movement driven by passion and raw human expression. This view exemplified why he became the Godfather of Punk, even if he rejected the terminology.
Yet, the question from the host, Peter Gzowski, caught Iggy off guard: “You don’t like the label?” Iggy, in typical rebellious fashion, responded, “I don’t like to hear it come out of someone’s mouth,” embodying the punk ethos of defiance. Despite his clear discomfort with the label, Iggy Pop’s influence on punk rock was undeniable, making him the epitome of a punk artist while maintaining his individuality.
The Origin of Iggy Pop’s “Godfather of Punk” Title
One year later, in a 1978 interview with Dutch journalist Mick Boskamp, Iggy Pop addressed his “Godfather of Punk” title more directly. When asked about being called the Godfather of Punk, Iggy acknowledged that the term first appeared in newspapers and “third-rate magazines.” He explained, “At the time, I was the first guy they called a punk. They used that term for me to represent the idea of someone who wants to do something strong and uncompromising…but doesn’t have the skill set to succeed in a mainstream way.”
In defining punk this way, Iggy Pop painted a picture of an underdog with a vision—someone who defied convention and limitations. Despite his rejection of labels, the title Godfather of Punk accurately described his pivotal role in the movement, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of punk rock.
Iggy Pop’s Legacy: The Ultimate Punk Frontman
By the late 1970s, Iggy Pop had fully embodied the punk spirit—pushing boundaries, disregarding mainstream conventions, and defining what it meant to be a punk frontman. His live performances became the template for punk rock behavior, with his shirtless antics and untamed energy serving as the benchmark for punk bands to follow. His stage presence, raw charisma, and unique vocal style set the standard for future punk artists, solidifying his position as the Godfather of Punk.
Interestingly, Iggy’s understanding of the word “punk” evolved over time. He noted that the term originated from 1930s films, referencing a character in the Humphrey Bogart film The Maltese Falcon who was derisively called a punk. Though initially a term of derision, Iggy embraced it as a representation of defiance and raw energy, characteristics that made him the perfect fit for the punk rock ethos.
Why Iggy Pop is the True Godfather of Punk
While there are other musicians who could lay claim to the punk throne, Iggy Pop’s unique ability to both embody and challenge the punk label sets him apart. His seminal albums like The Stooges and Raw Power are widely regarded as foundational records in the punk genre. Moreover, his ability to simultaneously own the punk identity while flipping a middle finger at its commercial use showcases his mastery of the movement.
Even at the age of 77, as a DJ on BBC Radio 6 and a cultural icon, Iggy Pop continues to wear the title Godfather of Punk with pride. His influence on punk music is immeasurable, and his rejection of commercial norms helped solidify the punk ethos of rebellion and non-conformity.
Conclusion: Iggy Pop’s Enduring Punk Legacy
From his early disdain for the word “punk” to his reluctant acceptance of the Godfather of Punk title, Iggy Pop remains a figurehead of punk rock rebellion. His impact on the genre, both as a musician and a cultural icon, continues to inspire generations of punks who aim to break boundaries and challenge the status quo. Whether it’s his visceral performances or his insightful musings on the nature of punk, Iggy Pop has forever set the standard for what it means to be truly punk.
