Tuesday, January 6, 2009
News Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton found dead
Posted by Kurt B. Reighley on Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 9:02 AM
The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Ron Asheton, guitarist for the Stooges, was found dead in his home early this morning. The authorities say they do not suspect foul play. Asheton was 60.
Damn. Now I'm really bummed I missed them at Bumbershoot 2005. Phooey.
I was, however, lucky enough to interview Ron circa the release of Todd Haynes' 1998 glam rock valentine Velvet Goldmine, where he was part of the faux-Stooges ensemble Wylde Rattz. The guitarist had this to say about the soundtrack's Iggy stand-in, and one of the biggest Stooges' fans in Seattle (or anywhere else):
"It was especially weird playing with Mark Arm. He does a pretty good Iggy imitation. When he started singing, it was a little creepy. I had to look in the vocal booth to see who was over there."
R.I.P. dude.
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2
One of the most important rock guitarists ever. What a savage, potent, dirty sound he had. For Fun House alone, Asheton should be worshipped forever.
This is very sad news. Rest In Power.
This is very sad news. Rest In Power.
5
Very ironic. Ron Asheton was the "clean" Stooge, abstaining from most of the hard chemicals and looking after his brother and Iggy as they did their best to kill themselves young. Ron was also the one with the sense to save some of the band's money, thus enabling them to go to London and record their later records with David Bowie. Now he's gone, and his childhood friend Iggy, the most indulgent rock star or all time, soldiers on. There's a lesson in there somewhere.
6
Kurt,
Indeed, a great loss. Ron Ashton RIP.
Listening to the Stooges in their prime (1967-1973), they’re now considered to be among the finest genuine American Rock & Roll bands ever. Truly, they set a standard. They may have kick started three sub-categories of R & R (Glam/metal, New Wave and Punk Rock itself). Seriously, consider these bands/musicians that recognize them (The Stooges) as an inspiration, The Ramones, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Clash, Sonic Youth and Rage Against the Machine. And, that’s just a small list. Highly recommend “Open Up & Bleed” the biography of Iggy Pop by Paul Trynka, a British journalist. It’s an excellent account of that band’s history as well.
Indeed, a great loss. Ron Ashton RIP.
Listening to the Stooges in their prime (1967-1973), they’re now considered to be among the finest genuine American Rock & Roll bands ever. Truly, they set a standard. They may have kick started three sub-categories of R & R (Glam/metal, New Wave and Punk Rock itself). Seriously, consider these bands/musicians that recognize them (The Stooges) as an inspiration, The Ramones, David Bowie, The Sex Pistols, The Damned, The Clash, Sonic Youth and Rage Against the Machine. And, that’s just a small list. Highly recommend “Open Up & Bleed” the biography of Iggy Pop by Paul Trynka, a British journalist. It’s an excellent account of that band’s history as well.
7
@5 — from Ron Asheton's New York Times obit:
The Stooges lasted from 1967 to 1974. Having progressed from a noisy, anarchic joke to a great, confrontational rock band and back to a joke, the members were broke and addicted to heroin, except for Mr. Asheton, who increasingly took responsibility for holding the band together from day to day.
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