Stooges' Guitarist Ron Asheton Dead at 60

Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in in Ann Arbor, Michigan this morning. He was 60.

Asheton's personal assistant, Dara Hytinen, called the police after investigating why he had not been in contact with her for a number of days. According to Ann Arbor detectives, there was no sign of foul play. The guitarist had no known illnesses.

The Stooges were formed in 1967 by James Osterberg (who took the name Iggy Pop), Ron Asheton (guitar), his brother Scott Asheton (drums) and Dave Alexander (bass). Their sound was chaotic and loud and, with the stage antics of Iggy, they became more infamous for their performances than for their music.

Still, a year later, the group was signed to Elektra by a talent scout who saw them opening for the MC5. They recorded two albums (The Stooges (1969) and Fun House (1970)), neither of which sold well with the second being ravaged by most critics.

During this time, all four members became addicted to various drugs and it led to an extended period of upheaval within the group's ranks and rehab for Iggy. Once he was a bit cleaner, Pop became acquainted with David Bowie who helped the group reform and sign with Columbia where they released Raw Power. The album was a critical hit but still not initially a great seller, although it is now recognized as one of the works to heavily influence early punk rock.

The group once again separated with Iggy going on to solo fame while Dave Alexander died in 1975 from pnumonia. Ron Asheton went on to form a group with his brother called the New Order (different from the British band), followed by stints in the bands New Race, Destroy All Monsters, Dark Carnival and Wylde Ratttz. He also acted in a number of low budget movies.

In 2002, the Asheton brothers joined J Mascis + the Fog where they covered a number of Stooges songs. Iggy was intrigued and had the pair join him for four tracks on his Skull Ring album. The reunion led to their April 27, 2003 appearance at the Coachella festival and their occassional touring.

The three remaining original members also wrote over twenty new songs which were used in recording their 2007 album The Weirdness, which was followed by a major world tour. The album became their only work to enter the Billboard charts, peaking at number 130.

The following messages are currently posted at the band's official site.

We are shocked and shaken by the news of Ron’s death. He was a great friend, brother, musician, trooper. Irreplaceable. He will be missed.

For all that knew him behind the façade of Mr Cool & Quirky, he was a kind-hearted, genuine, warm person who always believed that people meant well even if they did not.

As a musician Ron was The Guitar God, idol to follow and inspire others. That is how he will be remembered by people who had a great pleasure to work with him, learn from him and share good and bad times with him.

Iggy, Scott, Steve, Mike and Crew

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I am in shock. He was my best friend.

Iggy Pop