Rockers Patti Smith and Iggy Pop return to Michigan roots
August 2, 2007
BY BRIAN McCOLLUM
DETROIT FREE PRESS POP MUSIC WRITER
They've got strong Michigan ties, they're iconic names in the punk canon, and they're two of the most influential artists in the history of rock -- despite never cracking the top 10. A quirk of timing finds Patti Smith and the Stooges in southeast Michigan for concerts this coming week, bringing them back to a place that has played a major role in their lives. Their personal connection is tenuous: The Stooges had long since disintegrated, with front man Iggy Pop frolicking off in Europe, by the time Smith began to make her name on New York's emergent punk scene in the mid-1970s. But their circles certainly overlap -- Pop and Smith have shared band members over the years -- and their musical similarities are hard to miss: Both have made high art out of primitive rock 'n' roll. Compare and contrast:
The Michigan Connection
Stooges: Formed in an Ann Arbor basement in 1967. Honed their trade and made their name at area venues such as the Grande Ballroom before landing a deal with Elektra Records. The band's Ann Arbor farmhouse became a party mecca during the early 1970s.
Smith: Left New York in 1980 to settle with husband Fred (Sonic) Smith in St. Clair Shores, where she largely abandoned music to become a stay-at-home mom. Returned to New York in the late 1990s, several years after Fred Smith's death.
Crucial Comebacks
Stooges: Reunited in 2003 after three acrimonious decades apart to record material for an Iggy Pop solo album. With new joiner Mike Watt on bass, the band embarked on worldwide touring and this year released a new but much-maligned album, "The Weirdness."
Smith: Re-emerged in 1996 with the stellar album "Gone Again," garnering glowing accolades and launching her back onto a career path that has seen regular recording and touring.
All in the Family
Stooges: Brothers Ron and Scott Asheton form the band's instrumental backbone, providing the high-wattage platform on which Iggy Pop does his thing.
Smith: On tour with the 60-year-old singer is son Jackson Smith, a guitarist who has etched his own solid name on the Detroit rock scene, performing with the Paybacks and his band Back in Spades.
The MC5 Link
Stooges: Detroit's MC5 was something of a big brother to the younger Stooges on the late-'60s scene; today the two bands are regarded as two of Michigan's most significant. MC5 guitarist Fred Smith toured as opener for Iggy Pop in 1978.
Smith: Fred Smith's band was booked as opener for Patti Smith's Detroit show in March 1976. The two met that day at Lafayette Coney Island; he joined her onstage that night. Four years later, they wed. Fred Smith died of a heart attack in 1994.
Offbeat Covers
Stooges: Iggy Pop turned Fred Astaire's "One for My Baby" into a concert staple during his solo years.
Smith: Smith, whose biggest chart hit came with a rendition of Bruce Springsteen's "Because the Night," is touring behind a new album of cover songs, "Twelve," which includes songs by Tears for Fears and Stevie Wonder.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Stooges: After six appearances on the ballot, Iggy and his band remain shut out by the controversial institution.
Smith: Was inducted this spring by her pals in R.E.M. Her song of choice for the black-tie ceremony? A performance of the Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog."
Contact BRIAN McCOLLUM at 313-223-4450 or mccollum@freepress.com.
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