Ron Asheton

The world of rock n' roll lost one of its true pioneers on Tuesday with the death of Ron Asheton. The Stooges guitarist, who was 60, is suspected to have suffered a heart attack.

While Asheton may not have received the same mainstream recognition as guitarists like Jimmy Page and Pete Townsend, his influence should not be underestimated. He was responsible for inspiring legions of punk and rock bands with his aggressive style, and penned legendary riffs on tracks like "No Fun" , "TV Eye" and "I Wanna Be Your Dog". And as you can see from the incendiary footage below, he could shred with the best of them when he wanted to!

The Stooges- 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' @ the Jonathan Ross Show






The Stooges grew-up on the outskirts of Detroit,America's 'Motor City' and Ashton said he wanted his guitar sound to capture the brutal, industrial sounds of its car-manufacturing plants.

He left the Stooges after their third album, 1973's Raw Power, but the band reformed in 2003 and enjoyed a renaissance. Particularly notable was their appearance at 2007's Glastonbury which ended in a mass stage invasion

The Stooges- 'Cool Time/No Fun' @Glastonbury





A statement issued by Iggy Pop, Stooges drummer (and Ron's brother) Scott Asheton, saxophonist Steve Mackay, and bassist Mike Watt reads:

"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."