Radio Festival 2014, organised by The Radio Academy, and BBC Music have confirmed that Iggy Pop will be delivering the fourth annual John Peel Lecture at this year’s Festival on Monday 13th October. Iggy, who hosts a Sunday afternoon show on BBC Radio 6 Music, will deliver a speech about free music in a capitalist society. Radio Festival 2014 takes place at The Lowry, MediaCityUK in Salford from 13th-15th October 2014 and is the premier event for UK radio. Tickets are now on sale here
Iggy Pop said, "I get the feeling that John was the kind of guy who would have done his job for nothing, as long as he felt great about it. So we have that in common. Examining his life, I was interested to learn that he found his voice in large part through his wanderings in America. Sometimes it takes strange circumstances to provide a mirror in which to find yourself. Anyway, he's done a lot to give others a voice, and that's the most important gift you can give. Here was a person with strong opinions and enthusiasms who wasn't defined by any system; because of that his show became an exciting location, kind of like a shop that's a good hang. So it was a social as well as a musical phenomenon.”
He continues, “I've never given a lecture in my life, but on the day I'm going to attempt a discussion on the subject of free music in a capitalist society. This is a struggle which never ends."
The annual John Peel Lecture invites a notable figure from the music industry to shape a debate and create insight around music and music-related media. Taking its inspiration from one of the greatest radio broadcasters of all time, and a figure who perpetually challenged the status quo, the John Peel Lecture has been a part of the Radio Festival since 2011. The 2014 lecture marks 10 years since John Peel’s passing.
Chris Burns, Chair of Radio Festival 2014, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Iggy Pop as this year’s John Peel Lecture speaker. Iggy has influenced generations with his music and is a fantastic choice. He will bring a unique insight to the Radio Festival and we’re thrilled that he can be a part of it.”
Bob Shennan, Director BBC Music and Controller of Radio 2, 6 Music and Asian Network, added: “BBC Music is proud that Iggy Pop, an iconic and hugely influential figure in music, will deliver the John Peel Lecture at the Radio Festival 2014. Iggy’s weekly show on 6 Music is always a fascinating trip through his eclectic musical mind, so I know Iggy will give a topical and thought-provoking speech which 6 Music listeners and BBC Four viewers will enjoy.”
‘Godfather of punk’, Iggy Pop, is considered by many to be one of the pioneers of punk rock and his musical legacy has inspired and energised rock and roll’s alternative spirit since the late sixties. John Peel was in fact the first DJ to play Iggy Pop as part of The Stooges on UK Radio - introducing listeners to their track, Little Doll from their eponymous debut album, on his show in August 1969. Fun House was released in 1970, followed by the band’s third album, Raw Power, which has been cited as one of the most influential records of all time.
Iggy has also released music as a solo artist and collaborated with musicians, including David Bowie, Debbie Harry, Death In Vegas and Peaches. His incredible back catalogue of classic tracks includes Lust for Life, The Passenger, I Wanna Be Your Dog, Search and Destroy, Real Wild Child and many more. Although hugely influential to many of the major acts that came after, Iggy’s own wide-ranging influences include blues, jazz, French chanson, art rock, roots, reggae, ethnic and avant-garde. Earlier this year, Iggy was announced to present a weekly programme on BBC Radio 6 Music, every Sunday from 4-6pm.
Iggy Pop joins a stellar list of high profile speakers who have delivered the John Peel Lecture. In 2011, The Who’s Pete Townshend discussed the implications of digital music media in an age of free downloads and disposable attitudes to music. The following year Billy Bragg explored how music and radio need mavericks to keep moving forward. And in October 2013, Charlotte Church delivered a thought provoking speech on the theme of women and their representation in the music industry.
The John Peel Lecture is just the latest addition to Radio Festival 2014, THE premiere event for UK radio. Tickets are priced from £99 and are selling fast.
