Stooges Guitarist Found Dead

Ron Asheton, guitarist for the legendary punk rock outfit, The Stooges, fronted by Iggy Pop, was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Michigan home earlier today. Police do not suspect foul play or drugs, though an autopsy is scheduled; the cause of death appears to be natural. Police made the discovery after an associate contacted them when he had not been able to contact Asheton for several days.

The Stooges were an iconic punk rock group of the late 1960s and early 70s, though they never received much critical or commercial success. Punk rock greats, The Ramones, heavily credit the group as their primary influence and inspiration and their impact on the movement is indisputable. The Stooges are contenders for inclusion into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame this year. The group disbanded in 1974, overshadowed by Iggy Pop's heroin addiction and onstage antics, though they reunited several times throughout the years; The Stooges "officially" reunited (with Iggy Pop) in 2003. The Stooges recorded their final album in 2007.

In an official statement from the band and management, Iggy Pop says, "I am in shock. He was my best friend."

Ron Asheton starred in several low-budget horror flicks in the 1990s and was named the 29^th greatest rock guitarist by Rolling Stone in 2003. He was 60.

© C Harris Lynn, 2008