Guitarist Ron Asheton of The Stooges was found dead in his home in Ann Arbor, MI on the morning of Tuesday January 6, 2009. He was 60 years old.
The cause of death is currently unknown but Detective Sgt. Jim Stephenson tells the local newspaper that they have ruled out the possibility of foul play. Asheton was found dead on his living room sofa after police were contacted by Asheton’s personal assistant claiming they hadn’t been able to reach him for days. He appeared to have been dead for several days and initial examinations suggest that he may have died from a heart attack.
Ron Asheton founded
The Stooges with his brother
Scott Asheton on drums as well as with bassist Dave Alexander and singer Iggy Pop. The band released three albums before dismantling in the 1974. They reformed in 2003 with new bassist Mike Watt replacing Dave Alexander, who died in 1975. The band released their fourth album, “
The Weirdness”, in 2007 and is currently nominated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Asheton was recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as number 29 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. They also listed the first three Stooges albums in the top 200 of their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. He truly was one of rock music’s greatest and he will be sorely missed.
Following the news of his death, the remaining members of The Stooges left this message on the band’s website:
Ronald Frank Asheton July 17, 1948 - January 6, 2009
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 his own personal message:
I am in shock. He was my best friend.
Iggy Pop
Report by David Lowe-Bianco.
RIP