Iggy Pop to give John Peel Lecture

Iggy Pop has been chosen to give this year’s John Peel lecture, and he’ll discuss the concept of free music in a capitalist society, it’s been confirmed.

His speech is to be broadcast live on BBC 6 Music, where he’s been hosting a weekly show since March. It will later be shown on BBC Four.

The annual lecture is named after iconic DJ John Peel, and has previously been presented by Pete Townshend and Billy Bragg.

Pop says: “John did a lot to give others a voice – and that’s the most important gift you can give. He 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. It was a social as well as a musical phenomenon.”

The veteran frontman admits he’s never given a lecture before, but describes his chosen subject as “a struggle which never ends.”

Earlier this year he thanked the BBC for rekindling his love of music by giving him the Sunday radio slot. He later said he wasn’t sure if the Stooges had a future after the death of drummer Scott Asheton, brother of later guitarist Ron.

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.