Ron Asheton dies at 60…

They found him dead at his home in Michigan this morning. Looks like it was a heart attack. The Stooges have been in heavy rotation for me lately. I must have played the “Fun house” album like two hundred times since August. Ron Asheton was their guitar player. I’m really bummed. The Stooges issued a 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 facade 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 Pop added a further personal statement, simply declaring: “I am in shock. He was my best friend.”

Seriously, if you’ve never listened to the Stooges you should start. They’re an amazing fucking band.