Ron Asheton – RIP
Classic Rock is saddened to hear that Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead early today in his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.Asheton’s personal assistant contacted police late Monday night after being unable to reach Asheton for days, according to local police detective Bill Stanford.
Officers went to the home on Highlake Avenue at around midnight and discovered Asheton’s body on a living-room couch. He appeared to have been dead for at least several days, Stanford said.
Detective Sgt. Jim Stephenson said the cause of death is undetermined but investigators do not suspect foul play. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending.
Asheton, 60, was an original member of The Stooges, the garage-rock band headlined by Iggy Pop and formed in Ann Arbor in 1967.
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Very sad news. Just seemed that The Stooges’ star was on the rise again over the last couple of years. Ron leaves a great legacy and some great songs.
What an absolute downer.
It is always sad when a true pioneer and genuine great departs this earth. However, Ron Asheton’s place in rock’s pantheon was already secured many years ago. Those riffs, that wah, that whole scene. What a legend.
Funhouse will be getting a hammering tonight at my house..
Here’s to you Ron. RIP.
This is very upsetting. I love the Stooges. My hope is that they will be inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this month. Ron’s guitar work was the prototype of punk rock. Listen to TV Eye and I Wanna Be Your Dog.
what a shame as Gary said his death happens just when the Stooges where on the rise over the last couple of years.
Whatever Iggy and Ron Ashton’s drummer Brother do next lets hope a tribute album is in the wings with with each track being done with additional well known guitarists around the globe who have cited the Stooges as being a big influence on them.
a great guitar palyer in a unique band
Sad sad news, that punk rock supergroup up in the sky just got a huge talent added to the line up..
Ron is one of the few guitarists who can be said to have singlehandedly created a style of playing. Raw, untutored but menacing and powerful. I am glad I caught the Stooges on tour this past fall, they were amazing.
so sad, carry on stooges, strait james, it’s time to step up.
check out http://www.stoogesforum.freeforumboard.net for updated info