Ron Asheton, Stooges guitarist, found dead at 60

Ron Asheton, legendary guitarist for The Stooges has died at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 60.

Asheton co-founded the legendary American rock group along with his brother Scott and front-man, punk rock icon, Iggy Pop.

Ron Asheton was known for his memorable guitar riffs on Stooges classics such as “Search and Destroy“, “TV Eye” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog“.

Asheton, 60, was found on his couch and appeared to have been dead for several days, Ann Arbor Police Sgt. Brad Hill said.

“We do not expect foul play,” Hill said.

Police were called to Asheton’s home shortly after midnight after an acquaintance reported that he had been unable to contact him for several days.

Asheton’s brother, Scott, is the drummer for The Stooges. The pair were founding members of the band formed in 1967 in Ann Arbor along with front-man Iggy Pop.

Other members of The Stooges were shocked to learn of Asheton’s death and the band have released the following statement.

The Stooges have released a statement following the death of guitarist and founding member Ron Asheton. “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,” reads the statement from Iggy Pop, Scott Asheton, Mike Watt and the band’s management. “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,” the statement continues. Iggy Pop adds, “I am in shock. He was my best friend.”