Description
In 1970, American photographer Dustin Pittman captured an iconic moment in rock history, photographing Iggy Pop during a performance with the Stooges at Ungano’s Club in New York City. In a now-celebrated black and white shot, Iggy—shirtless, wearing a dog collar and torn jeans—leans into the crowd in a wild, spontaneous gesture that embodies the raw energy of early punk. The setting was the gritty, intimate atmosphere of a small underground club, where there was no separation between performer and audience, and where Pittman, described as a “friendly voyeur,” was allowed to get as close as he wanted thanks to a direct and trusting relationship with the singer.
This photograph not only captures Iggy Pop’s onstage power, but also reflects Pittman’s unique style: direct, empathetic, and unposed. The image was later chosen as the cover of New York After Dark, a book that symbolizes the cultural vibrancy and revolutionary energy of the New York art and music scene of that era. With its grainy texture and intense composition, the photo preserves the truth of a time when rebellion was lived through the body and forever etched on film.
