Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power Live: In The Hands Of The Fans

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power Live: In The Hands Of The Fans is a 2011 rock music documentary that is a must-watch for rock and roll aficionados, particularly those who are fans of Iggy Pop and The Stooges. This immersive, electrifying film provides an intimate and unfiltered look into the raw power and resilient spirit of this iconic punk band.

The movie starts with the journey of six lucky fans who were selected to take part in an unprecedented live experience with Iggy and The Stooges during their legendary 2010 reunion tour. This enticing opportunity allowed these die-hard followers to indulge in every fan's dream; to not just watch their idols perform live, but actively engage with them backstage, experiencing one on one encounters, and participate in sound checks. The fans are thrust on-stage and behind the scenes to capture the rebirth of an iconic band through their lenses.

Living rock legend Iggy Pop, is in his element in this film, his captivating stage presence and raw energy permeating the entire documentary. We see him not just as an energetic frontman, but the story delvers down, giving an insider’s glimpse into his persona and philosophy towards music. His fellow bandmates, powerhouse guitarist James Williamson and bassist Mike Watt, who fill the shoes of Stooges' original bassist Dave Alexander, also receive dedicated screentime to express their reunion band experiences and insights.

Director Joey Carey masterfully blends this fan-focused approach with professionally shot footage of the band’s blood-pumping live performances. The result is a unique concert film that captures all the raw energy, punk spirit, and undying passion of Iggy and The Stooges. The film features the band’s full live set at All Tomorrow’s Parties (ATP) Festival in Monticello, NY, where they performed their influential Raw Power album in its entirety.

The real charm of the film, though, lies in the intimate, candid moments it captures. The pure, undiluted joy of the fans as they interact with their heroes; the poignant moments when the band members reflect on their music; and the electrifying energy during live performances are brilliantly captured, engrossing the audiences into the world of The Stooges. Rest assured, after watching the film, viewers will feel as though they’ve been to a live Stooges gig themselves.

The way the performances are brought to life on screen is truly incredible. With the raw power and intensity of the music, soaring guitar riffs, and Iggy’s enthralling stage presence, each song becomes an immersive experience. The band rips through the entire Raw Power album, including hits like “Search and Destroy,” and “Gimme Danger,” while also performing other classics from their repertoire.

Moreover, this film also transcends being just a concert movie by including interviews with the band, the fans, and music critics. These interviews provide additional context and depth to the music and the band’s legacy. Viewers get to hear personal anecdotes and experiences from the band members themselves, which only adds to the overall immersive experience. The movie is not just about the performance but is a tribute to their longevity and resilience in the challenging and ever-evolving music industry.

Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power Live: In The Hands Of The Fans is not just a movie; it's an experience for all music lovers, especially to those who relate to the unruly spirit of punk rock. The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back into the heart of raw, uncensored punk music and offers an intimate encounter with one of rock n roll's vibrant performers, Iggy Pop, and his tough-as-nails band, The Stooges. This movie is a tribute to the band's endurance, the power of their music, and the lasting impression they have made on their fans and the industry at large.

At its core, the film is about the enduring connection between fans and their idols, about the power of music to unite, and the inspiring spirit of one of the most influential and enduring bands in the history of rock music. For any fan of The Stooges, or anyone with a passing interest in punk rock, Iggy and The Stooges - Raw Power Live: In The Hands Of The Fans is one cinematic journey worth taking.