The Stooges...the book

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend the book signing for the latest biography on the legendary Detroit rock band, The Stooges. The book, by the same title, is beautifully done and claims to be the first telling of their story as an "unabashed celebration of the band." Throughout the book are stunning, classic photos of the group, and great personal stories. One story that I loved was how on their first photo shoot, the label at the time, Elektra, wanted them to pose like the Doors (another band on the Elektra label at the time) for the cover of their debut self-titled album. Iggy refused, saying they were a "band that moved." So he Evil Knieveled over the band, and busted his chin in the process. After getting fixed up, he came back and obliged with the doors request, but was super high to I guess help with the pain, and keeping him from wanting to go with his basic instinct and move. This is why the very first album cover is literally airbrushed on the chin and eye. You can see his busted chin in the image above.

Hearing him say this in person was great. Iggy is a great story teller, and was surprisingly very nice and down to earth. Having interviewed so many artists in my time I have learned never to assume that any of your artists that you know and love are as nice as you think. It was just great to see it from a man that has gone through so much in the music business side of things.

I would highly recommend anyone who is a fan of the Stooges to get this book. Even if you aren't that big of a fan. At only $35, it is a deal for such a beautiful book.

I was having technical problems with my new camera, but here are a few pictures from last nights show:

and in focus but was too dark:

If you want better pictures check it out over on Brooklyn Vegan's website. For those of you who know me, you can actually watch me having technical difficulties with my camera.