Search Icon

You Can't Have Friends - The Stooges

"You Can't Have Friends" is a track by the American rock band The Stooges, from their album "Raw Power" released in 1973. The song has a raw, gritty sound typical of the band's style, with aggressive guitar riffs and intense vocals by lead singer Iggy Pop. The theme of the song revolves around the idea of betrayal and mistrust, with lyrics expressing feelings of isolation and alienation. Iggy Pop's vocals convey a sense of defiance and anger, as he sings about cutting ties with those who have betrayed him. The composition of the song is fast-paced and energetic, with a driving rhythm section and powerful guitar work by Ron Asheton. The track showcases the band's signature sound, characterized by its loud, chaotic energy and rebellious attitude. One notable fact about "You Can't Have Friends" is that it was one of the standout tracks on the "Raw Power" album, which is considered a seminal work in the punk rock genre. The album has been highly influential in shaping the sound of punk and alternative rock music, with its raw, unfiltered approach to songwriting and performance. Overall, "You Can't Have Friends" is a powerful and intense track that captures the essence of The Stooges' music, with its raw energy and rebellious spirit. It remains a classic in the band's discography and a favorite among fans of punk rock music.

The Stooges

The Stooges

The Stooges are an American rock band formed in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1967. The band is widely considered one of the pioneers of punk rock and alternative rock, known for their raw, aggressive sound and confrontational stage presence. The band was initially comprised of vocalist Iggy Pop, guitarist Ron Asheton, drummer Scott Asheton, and bassist Dave Alexander. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1969, was a commercial failure but has since been recognized as a seminal work in the development of punk rock. The band's follow-up albums, "Fun House" (1970) and "Raw Power" (1973), further cemented their reputation as one of the most influential bands of their era. The Stooges' music was characterized by its high-energy, stripped-down sound, with Iggy Pop's charismatic vocals and stage antics serving as the focal point. The band's live performances were notoriously intense, with Iggy Pop known for his wild, unpredictable behavior on stage, including self-mutilation and crowd surfing. Despite their critical acclaim, The Stooges struggled with commercial success and internal conflicts, leading to their breakup in 1974. However, their impact on music would endure for decades to come. The band's influence can be heard in the work of countless punk, alternative, and garage rock bands that followed, with artists such as The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and Nirvana citing The Stooges as a major inspiration. In 2003, The Stooges reunited for a series of live performances and released a new album, "The Weirdness", in 2007. The band continued to perform sporadically until 2016, when they officially disbanded following the death of drummer Scott Asheton. Despite their tumultuous history, The Stooges are widely regarded as one of the most important and influential bands in the history of rock music, with a legacy that continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.