Rockblog

The Rockblog should really be beyond caring about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’ve already pointed out what a fallacy the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is two months ago, but their exclusion once again of Iggy and the Stooges, who were on the final ballot, makes me think that bitching about them again is called for.

This year the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame decided to induct Metallica, Jeff Beck, Run DMC, Bobby Womack, and Little Anthony and the Imperials - whoever the hell they are.

Metallica I can’t argue with. They’ve sold a ton of records and, even though I know this had NOTHING to do with why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted them, were one of the pioneers of thrash metal back in the 80s.

Jeff Beck I can’t personally argue with because I love him, but I’m not sure what reasoning was used to get him on the ballot over a lot of other deserving acts. Of the acts on the final ballot I would have put him as my third choice under the Stooges and Metallica.

And of course the other three nominees have fuck all  to do with rock and roll and should go set up their own Hall’s of Fame to get inducted into.

The Sex Pistols were right when they called the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame a “piss stain” in their “acceptance” letter in 2006.

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.

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.