The Stooges' reunion is over.
Guitarist for the seminal proto-punk band Ron Asheton was found dead in his home yesterday (Jan. 6) by police, according to the Detroit Free Press and Billboard. Police discovered the body of the guitarist in his bed after being let into his Ann Arbor, Mich. home by his personal assistant. Media reports indicate there was no initial signs of violence or drug use at the scene, where authorities estimate Asheton passed away Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.
Asheton formed The Stooges with his brother, drummer Scott, singer Iggy Pop and bassist Dave Alexander. The band's primal blend of rock riffs and reckless abandon was a direct reaction against the psycehedlia and hippie-rock movements of the day. The band, known for its confrontational attitude, cut a pair of albums playing guitar with the band, then switched to bass when the act recorded its monumental 1973 album, Raw Power. The Stooges dissolved shortly thereafter.
The Ashetons and Pop reuited in 2003 for reunion tours, which would lead to a full-blown reunion album, 2007's The Weirdness (review) (Virgin).
