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Ron Asheton Obituary
City police Sgt. Brad Hill says there were no signs of foul play, and the death appeared to be of natural causes.
Hill says officers discovered Asheton early Tuesday after they were called to his home around midnight by an associate who hadn't heard from him in several days.
Asheton was an original member of The Stooges, the influential protopunk band founded in Ann Arbor in 1967. Asheton's brother, Scott, was the band's drummer.
Asheton's distorted guitar was a hallmark of the Iggy Pop-led group's late-1960s and early-1970s sound. He was named the 29th greatest guitarist of all time in 2003 by Rolling Stone.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
71 Entries
Randy Kemp
June 17, 2025
It's been many years now, but Ron's Greatness is still missed ! As an early Stooges fan to his work with Destroy All Monsters with Niagara, Ron was a Great Guitarist & Bassist whom I will always remember !
Rank Confusion
September 2, 2016
Thank you for the music and friendship
stephen kininmonth
September 5, 2014
I feel like I knew ron asheton most of my life through his music and songwriting. I always loved iggy and the stooges since I was a kid. Ron asheton was a legend of his own time
Cecilia Morgan
October 19, 2010
Rest in Peace Ron. I'll never forget your sense of humor. I laughed till I cried. Love ya...
How you can show support
Wendy Cox
March 14, 2010
Hey Ron, rest in peace...P.S. your cat just found a forever home with us. Loved your music, loved the Stooges from way back in the early days. Sail On...
Mickey Evil
November 14, 2009
Thanks, Ron...from a humble italian punk rock musician.
Mickey - http://www.mugshots.it
Larry G
May 9, 2009
To whom it may concern, I saw Ron and the Stooges in Buffalo, NY in November of 1970. I recall it well. God bless to his relations. Maranatha!
Larry G
May 9, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Puddin'
April 12, 2009
Where did you go?
We weren't ready to say goodbye.
Tom Parsons
February 5, 2009
He is gone but his music lives on! Pride of the midwest.
My condolences to his friends and family.
Rest in Peace, Ron.
Cody Stump
January 30, 2009
R.I.P Ron you will never be forgotten irreplaceible
Ciaran Walsh
January 26, 2009
Many notes will be played in your honour as you were so influential.you never wanted a typical,normal life and that spirit of rebelliousness will live on in the hearts of those who've heard your contributions to the music world.RIP Ron.
A young Ron Asheton in choir at Ann Arbor High
January 22, 2009
Rockin Robbee
January 16, 2009
You will be with me always.
BIG RICH
January 15, 2009
Stooges FOREVER FOREVER Stooges......like iggy sang....C'mon Ronnie and tell em how I feel!
John Shepherd
January 15, 2009
R.I.P. Mister Asheton.
Your music shaped my life
in ways I could never adequately
explain.
And your style was as distinctive
as B.B. King's or Duane Allman's.
Just amazing.
Thank you.
Brian Felhandler
January 15, 2009
The music you left, Ron, will never be forgotten. You've played such a huge part in instilling pride, love and honor within in the residents, past and present, of Michigan. I am one of them. Thank you.
David Curry
January 13, 2009
Ronnie, You were the MAN. So much of what I do, how I listen and what and how play stems directly from the original Stooges line up... You were for them as a band what you will always be for me as a guitarist... the anchor. Still doesn't seem real. You will be missed deeply.
Shelly Giordano
January 12, 2009
Heaven just keeps taking all the best away. Guess we eventually all have to take our own Death Trip....
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Asheton and all who loved and were moved by his music. May it provide comfort in this time of sorrow and loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Class of 1966, Ann Arbor High reunion, summer 2001
carol birmingham
January 11, 2009
Photo at our Ann Arbor High reunion, 2001
janie cook
January 11, 2009
Heaven is sounding even better now.
Sharon and Bob Frost
January 11, 2009
We had the privledge of spending some time around the campfire at the Whispering Pines cabins in Greenville, northern Michigan with Ron some years ago. Bob also went over to see his nice home on Lake Huron and visit some more. My husband and my sons, especially Andy, grew up with Iggy and the Stooges. Later, I came to love "lust for Life". We are SO SADDENDED to hear this. May PEACE be with you Scott, Liz, Aaron and Simon, and fans near and wide. ~Bob and Sharon Frost.
Samuel Holder
January 11, 2009
To the Family, my condolences in your loss. The Bible gives us who have lost loved ones hope, at John 5:28,29 "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the Memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practised vile things to a resurrection of judgement." Please take these words of comfort to heart.
Dino Curcio
January 10, 2009
Heart Attack...
Because that's what he put into his licks and his performances.
Too young, too early. The world has another important void to fill.
You will never be forgotten Ron.
Thank You
Genevieve
January 10, 2009
Thank God I attended every Stooges concert like it would be my last....never thought that Ron would die "first".
Very gentle man!
Cathy
January 10, 2009
You will never be forgotten!
Billy Ramone
January 10, 2009
Thank you for your contribution to the music world. You will be missed.
John Bellas
January 9, 2009
To the Asheton family and all Stooges fans my deepest sympathies. We have lost a good human being and a great rock & roll innovator. When the Stooges are inducted in a few months I will be there in Cleveland to celebrate. I'm sure many Stooges fans will be there and Ron will be there in spirit. Again my sympathies to the entire immediate Stooges family.
January 9, 2009
Laura Rodriguez
January 9, 2009
Rock on in Heaven, Ron. Saw Iggy and the Stooges more than once having lived in Michigan all my life. The best was Goose Lake. (Michigan's Woodstock 3 day fest) We couldn't have asked for better music! Ron, you are a legend in your own right. Happy Birthday in Heaven, dude.
Me & the man!! Ron Asheton New York City 2000
john figaro
January 9, 2009
An absolute gentlemen,humble and graciuos! Grateful to have seen Iggy & The Stooges and meet Ron....you changed the whole 70's sound for us !!.you will be missed ! Sad day for Rock n Roll. R.I.P. Ron ~~~~John Figaro W.Allenhurst NJ
Suzy P
January 8, 2009
We are blessed Ron shared his talent with the world. Music is a better thing because of him. I am sorry for his friends' and family's loss. He is greatly missed.
Jeanne Nixon
January 8, 2009
Dearest Ron,
I was too young to have enjoyed/experienced the Stooges appropriately, however...you and Niagara (get me to the TAB machine!) Destroy All Monsters at 'Mother's' ((eewww)) set the stage in early December '78 for an awesome WinterHell in Chicago. Dude, seriously, it was only like December 14th, and 143 BELOW zero...and youse guys drove here...for, well, nothing much. Thanks!
Please forgive me, I cannot remember one song--let alone one guitar riff--but, if (fifty-year-old) memory serves, I think it was you who said, the best guitar teacher was the TV...sit there and copy EVERY jingle, every commercial AS FAST AS POSSIBLE!
I have used this 'Word of MichiganIcon Wisdom' on more than one 734 Saline/Whitmore Lake/Shelbyville nephew in decades since--and blamed it on you! ...crikey...I hope it wasn't Scott.
Anyhoo...please forgive me for not dialing-while-drinking last December 13th in Whitmore Lake/Partridge Path in Ann Arbor--I didn't want to totally creep you out. Next winter, we're inviting EVERYONE pre "734" area code!
Thank You for your obedient-to-God-like dedication to the pure art form.
Gary Anderson
January 8, 2009
R.I.P Ron Asheton.I was priveleged to see and hear you perform recently in England and Ireland.You will always be an inspiration to musicians.Thank you so much Ron.
Mique Burnette Craig Craig
January 8, 2009
Dear Ron, so many memories. I recall
My1st annual Miques April Fool Party when The Stooges played. I recall Good Times at mine and Bobbys house and Niagras.The Fun times me , you & Kathy had when Kathy & I were roommates. Remember the snowy winter X-mas eves at Highlake with Family and mom (Ann).The Joy that was shared.I will always treasure my copy of Windigo your movie.Ill never forget our late night phone calls & crazy things we talked about. I am proud to been in The Stooges book. To my special Ron and Family.
January 8, 2009
Dear Asheton Family,
We are sorry to hear about Ron. The power of prayer can be very comforting during a time such as this is.
The Green Family
LINDA PIATT
January 8, 2009
You will forever be one of the "greatest", I hope your in heaven right now jamming out with some of the other "Greats" God bless you Ron, and Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of the world.
Tom Violence
January 8, 2009
Rest in Peace, my friend!
For me, you always have the best electric riff's ever!
Gary MacSweeney
January 7, 2009
Rock on Ron... gone but not forgotten xxxx
Tracy Pierce
January 7, 2009
Thank you for the years of great music, play hard for God he needs it!!
Jaselyn Beckman
January 7, 2009
Thank you for awakening my ears in youth so that they can hear so much today and forever. Thanks so much for coming to Toronto this summer so I could finally see you play. It was amazing.
You will be missed!
Michele Saint Thomas
January 7, 2009
Ron Asheton a unique guitar great, that will now rock forever... as an Immortal!
Andrew Bennett
January 7, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Jay Wilm
January 7, 2009
Rock On Ron.We love you brother.
The man who would inspire an entire gendre...
Ron Carron
January 7, 2009
Ron:
I never got to meet you or thank you for being an influence on my own guitar style. Your contributions to rock and roll will live on. Rest In Peace and thank you....
Lonell Richardson
January 7, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Joe Erjavec
January 7, 2009
I am sorry for the loss to Ron's friends, family, and fans. I will be listening to Raw Power today in his memory.
RIP, Ron.
Merja from Finland
January 7, 2009
Thank you Ron for inspiring me and many others who weren't around in the 70's with your timeless and barrier-breaking guitar-playing. Your contribution to rock music will not be forgotten! R.I.P.
Mike McCarthy
January 7, 2009
A giant has fallen. Ron provided the soundtrack to my life. There would have never have been a Sex Pistols, Clash, Nirvana or a "punk scene" without this guy.
Hiawatha Bailey
January 7, 2009
Ron you'll never Rock & Roll alone. Wherever youve gone prepare for us a new home. All power to the people Hiawawtha and The Heroes.
Angie (Mique's) daughter Burnette
January 7, 2009
Ron, most people knew you as being famous, I knew you as my favorite babysitter imitating The 3 Stooges along with Scott & Dave. My prayers are with you Kathy,Scott,Liz,Simon & Aaron. I feel truly blessed to have known you Ron. May peace be with you as you walk through the gates of Heaven....
carol birmingham
January 7, 2009
Another member of our class of 1966 from Ann Arbor High has passed. We will miss you Ron. Hope that you and Bill C. are having a blast together now!
Alik Niran
January 7, 2009
Had the honor to see you play live last year in Tel Aviv. Your guitar playing was part of my childhood's soundtrack. I'll pass your legacy on.
MJ Y
January 7, 2009
R.I.P dude. You TOTAL dood. Without you, rock 'n' roll would Not be the same. Imagine a world without beautiful drones and fuzz turned up to 12 ;o)
MJ, To The Moon (UK)
Steve Bush
January 7, 2009
Ron Asheton was up there with the greats. A tremendous influence on musicians worldwide and a wonderful entertainer. May his God bless him, his family, friends and bandmates.
Sardonique Rictus
January 7, 2009
Ron Asheton's guitar style was so very influential thanks to his 'Less is a whole lot MORE' approach to playing. He never overplayed, but used texture and muscle in his chords to state what other guitarists would use dozens of notes for. His influence on subsequent Punk and post-Punk musicians is inestimable and his loss is a body blow to those who appreciate him as both a musician and a Human Being. Ron, you will be sorely missed! Thank you for inspiring us for over 40 years (and then some)! You will never be forgotten.
D. ZIMMERMAN
January 7, 2009
REST IN PEACE RON ASHETON
Timothy Kerley
January 6, 2009
I played "Fun House" over and over in the car today, full blast, for Ron. I probably looked stupid, being 45 years old in a suit and tie, singing and banging the steering wheel to "TV Eye" but so what. So sad, but thankful for the music. My condolences to Ron's family and Iggy.
R.I.P. Ron
The music will never die.
Eric John
January 6, 2009
My condolences to Ron Asheton's family and friends. Thanks for playing the guitar, my life is richer because of it. 'TV Eye' is in my trio's setlist to honor Ron's memory.
Eric
Ms. M R
January 6, 2009
RIP Ron..
James Endahl
January 6, 2009
A loss the world will wake up to in the coming days. Hearing The Stooges literally changed my life and put me on a path I would never have traveled had it not been for 1969, Funhouse and too many others to mention. He will live on in the many, many musicians he help mold - and wake up.
j.sterling ellison
January 6, 2009
Too soon...
Bob Adams Jr.
January 6, 2009
All the fans of the Detroit music of the late 60's mourn the loss of our musical brother, Ron Asheton.
The Stooges provided a template for in-your-face garage rock, often emulated, but never equaled.
The bands that came out of Detroit and Ann Arbor in the late 60's proved that this area was about more than just the great Motown classics, musically.
The list includes SRC, The Amboy Dukes, Third Power, Bob Seger & The Last Heard, The MC5, The Frost,The Rationals, and, as they were known back then, The Psychedelic Stooges.
These bands were responsible for the creation of many garage and basement bands throughout the Detroit area.
I was in my own little 6-piece group in 9th & 10th grade, and we learned alot of songs from the aforementioned groups.
One of these songs was "I Wanna Be Your Dog", for which Ron Asheton provided one of the greatest hooks I have ever had the pleasure to play.
Believe me, we played it loud, and we played it often!!
Thanks,Ron for being a part of that rebellious time known as my adolescence.
And to the family, you have the collective hearts of all those who grew up listening to those first two Stooges albums.
We thank God for the 60 years that Ron was here on the planet, and may it comfort you that he is back jamming with Fred Smith and Rob Tyner.
Ryan Ottomano
January 6, 2009
You will be missed. Always loved ya, and now will always miss ya.
angelo palladino
January 6, 2009
me and my brother spent alot of hours spinning the stooges albums and turned on my friends to the stooges in the meen time.
rest in piece my friend
john flynn
January 6, 2009
you were my hero ron and always will be peace man j flynn sunderland uk
Jeff MONk
January 6, 2009
One of the greats is gone. RIP Rawkin Ronnie!
Chuck
January 6, 2009
I remember a friend of mine giving me a mixtape of Stooges songs back in high school. I'd never heard them and it blew my mind. I wore that tape out.
The guitar playing was, for me, even more central than Iggy's vocals. Primitive, battering away at riffs, pounding like a hammer and slashing like a razor.
TV Eye is the one that starts playing in my head as I think about it. What great guitar playing.
Greg Peters
January 6, 2009
You rule!!!!
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