Set in the beautifully theatrical environs of The Royal Albert Hall, the band, attired in lounge-lizard suits, waste no time in launching into the unmistakable ‘Lust For Life’ riff; a defining anthem and manifesto. And here he is Ladies’n’gennulmen, James Newell Osterberg, Jr: part hectoring bowery wino, part masticated wad of cola-flavoured bubble-gum. All Iggy, force-of-nature.
The set draws heavily from his first two solo albums as well as his most recent, Post Pop Depression. So, we’re in solid crowd-pleasing territory and he delivers in spades, frequently throwing his wracked body into an adoring sea of arms. At one point he re-emerges with blood dripping down his face and later a pair of knickers stuck in the waist of his trousers. What happened there?
The pairing of Josh Homme – all sly sideways glances and conspiratorial winks – with Iggy, is inspired. The band are a slightly louche stripped down rock machine. Exuding sweaty savoir faire they perfectly frame and compliment Iggy’s gruff baritone. There is barely a pause as classic after classic is wheeled out till Iggy slinks off stage during ‘China Girl’, allowing the band to move forward and bring it on home.
The final third of the show, an extended encore, culminates with appropriately enough, ‘Success’. The band walk off leaving Iggy to steal those extra bows. You can easily see how he might fulfill his dream of playing Vegas.