Iggy Pop: The Biography - Tapa dura

'...a more sophisticated deconstruction of the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, in which Joe Ambrose maintains a critical, if not completely disapproving, distance from his subject. But still manages to cram more depravity into one book than anyone since Motley Crue.'

The author tackles the life of Iggy Pop - the original punk - an intriguing man who's always managed to stay on the wrong side of the establishment no matter how many accolades are piled on him from the cultural mafia. Born James Osterburg in Michigan, the sinewy "Godfather of Punk" has weathered the decades to become respected if not respectable. Still performing and setting live standards for musicians young enough to be his grandchildren, Iggy has become an icon not just for rebellious rockers but for those for whom nihilism is an art in itself. His attention grabbing tactics - cutting himself with broken glass during shows - always disguised a musician and artist more thoughtful than his outward image would suggest. Joe Ambrose presents a portrait of the real Iggy, the outrageous rocker and the shrewd businessman whose comfortable life in Florida seems at odds with his public persona. His book is informed by interviews by many who know Iggy and their own experiences of dealing with him and the people that surround him.