The Stooges have lost a major source of their Raw Power.
Ron Asheton, a founding member of the Iggy Pop-fronted rock band, was found dead Tuesday at his home in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was 60.
An acquaintaince had called police after not being able to get in touch with him for several days, according to authorities, who said it appears that Asheton died of natural causes. They do not suspect foul play.
The lifelong music lover, whose memorable riffs on tunes like "I Wanna Be Your Dog," "Search and Destroy" and "TV Eye" (see above) helped make the band a major influence on later punk, heavy metal and alt-rock acts, was ranked the 29th best guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone in 2003.
"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," the band said in a written statement. "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."
After the original Stooges broke up in 1974, Asheton worked with various other bands, including Destroy All Monsters and New Race, and played on the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack in 1998. He also appeared in several horror flicks in the 1990s.
Asheton reteamed with Iggy and brother Scott Asheton, the band's original drummer, in 2003 and played on 2007's The Weirdness, which was their fourth studio album.
The band has been nominated—again—for possible induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Inductees for the class of 2009 will be announced later this month.