“He was over in Australia when we were there as Deep Purple, and he said to me very politely, ‘Can I get up on stage with you and use your guitar?’ I said, ‘Of course.’ I was flattered.

The rock legend, 78, ended his farewell concert in Manchester, England, on Saturday by climbing into a coffin and being wheeled off the stage. Iggy performed shirtless at the O2 Victoria Warehouse.

Watch a video from inside the rehearsal room of the Color Purple at the Goodman Theatre now! Brown’s 21-member company is led by prolific Chicago talent—including Brittney Mack as Celie.