Iggy Pop Delivers Iconic Coachella Performance at 79

The Godfather of Punk commands the stage with Stooges classics and solo hits

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of Iggy Pop's shirtless, weathered torso, with dramatic high-contrast lighting creating a glitzy, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the raw power and enduring influence of the Godfather of Punk.Iggy Pop's commanding stage presence and iconic physicality take center stage in this abstract close-up portrait, capturing the raw energy that has defined his legendary punk rock career.Coachella Today

Iggy Pop, the legendary Godfather of Punk, took the Coachella stage on Saturday for a career-spanning set filled with Stooges classics and solo hits. At 79 years old, Pop defied his age with an energetic and commanding performance, delighting the crowd with songs like 'T.V. Eye,' 'Search and Destroy,' and 'I Wanna Be Your Dog.' The set also included hits from his solo career, including 'Passenger' and 'Lust for Life.' This was Pop's third time performing at Coachella, having first played solo in 2001 and then reuniting with the Stooges in 2003 for an iconic set that has gone down in festival history.

Why it matters

Iggy Pop's Coachella performance showcases his enduring influence and impact on punk rock and music as a whole. At 79 years old, he continues to captivate audiences with his raw energy and stage presence, solidifying his status as the Godfather of Punk. His return to Coachella, a festival he has played multiple times over the years, underscores his lasting legacy and the festival's continued embrace of iconic artists.

The details

Iggy Pop took the Mojave stage at Coachella on Saturday, delivering a career-spanning set filled with Stooges classics and solo hits. Despite his 79 years, Pop was full of vigor, bouncing around the stage and commanding the crowd's attention. He opened with 'T.V. Eye' and also performed other Stooges staples like 'Search and Destroy' and 'I Wanna Be Your Dog.' The set also included hits from his solo career, including 'Passenger' and 'Lust for Life.' Pop was joined by a band that included a horn section and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' guitarist Nick Zinner.

  • Iggy Pop first played solo at Coachella in 2001 during the festival's second installment.
  • In 2003, Pop reunited with the Stooges for the first time in 30 years, closing out Coachella that year in an iconic performance.
  • Iggy Pop's Coachella performance on Saturday, April 13, 2026, came just days before his 79th birthday on April 21.

The players

Iggy Pop

The legendary Godfather of Punk, known for his energetic stage presence and iconic songs with the Stooges and as a solo artist.

The Stooges

The influential punk rock band founded by Iggy Pop in the late 1960s, known for their raw and aggressive sound.

Nick Zinner

The guitarist for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who joined Iggy Pop's band for his Coachella performance.

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What they’re saying

“'It's not easy being alive now … It's not easy to be old … it's not easy to be young. It wasn't easy then.'”

— Iggy Pop

“'Let me see everybody. I know my way around here.'”

— Iggy Pop

What’s next

Iggy Pop is expected to continue touring and performing in the coming years, with potential festival and concert appearances to celebrate his 80th birthday in 2027.

The takeaway

Iggy Pop's Coachella performance at 79 years old solidifies his status as a true icon of punk rock. Despite the passage of time, he remains a captivating and energetic live performer, inspiring audiences with his raw power and enduring influence on the genre.