Jan 07 2009
R.I.P. Stooges Guitarist Ron Asheton
The Rockblog is sad to hear of the passing of Stooges’ guitarist Ron Asheton at the age of 60 in his home in Ann Arbour, Michigan.
Led by singer Iggy Pop, the Stooges laid the ground work in the late 60s and early 70s for punk rock. The Stooges formed in 1967 and released three albums -The Stooges, Funhouse, and Raw Power - before breaking up in 1974. While the band were not a commercial success at the time, they’re influence on later artists is huge.
The Stooges reformed in 2003, showed they could still blow bands half their age off the stage, and released a fourth album, The Wierdness.
The Stooges have issued the following statement -
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
Iggy Pop also added:
I am in shock. He was my best friend.
Upon hearing the news, the Rockblog immediately got up and put the Stooges debut album on the stereo. Ron’s distorted guitar intro to “1969″ sent chills up my spine - just like every other time I’ve listened to it - the sound of a rock and roll monster licking its lips and getting ready to devour the listener.
R.I.P. Ron, you will be missed.
My favorite is TV Eye. When it breaks down and stops for a second and then Ron just rips back into it, it’s rock at its most raw and dirty.