I do not claim to understand the laws for false/deceptive advertising in the U.K., but I would imagine they are stingier than in the U.S.— after all, free speech laws don't allow you to accuse Prince Charles of having a homoseuxal affair without massive innuendo. By British ad laws, an ad for Swiftcover auto insurance featuing Iggy Pop was deemed deceptive advertising, and was pulled from circulation. The reason? Swiftcover has been denying auto insurance to musicians "because they are classed as entertainers." Nonetheless, Swiftcover has spent $25 million on an ad campaign featuring the godfather of punk rock. Stay classy, car salesman with a Cockney accent!

There haven't been any accusations of wrongdoing on Iggy Pop's part, and it's not like he hasn't used his songs (if not his name brand) for several ads before. Of course, the larger issue is what is Iggy Pop doing driving in the U.K.: could the Detroit native be driving a non-American car? Heavans!

With the Stooges on indefinite hiatus following the death of Ron Asheton, Iggy Pop will be releasing a solo album of jazz recordings Preliminaires, to be released June 2.

[NME]