Iggy Pop Leads Tributes To Scott Asheton

The Stooges drummer died over the weekend aged 64

Published 17th Mar 2014

Iggy Pop has paid tribute to Stooges drummer Scott Asheton who died on Saturday (15th March) aged 64.

Asheton, who died from an unspecified illness, was a member of the iconic punk band from their inception in 1967 playing on all their albums including ‘Raw Power’, ‘Fun House’ and, most recently, 2013’s ‘Ready to Die’.

His older brother and bandmate Ron died from a suspected heart attack in January 2009.

Remembering his “dear friend” and “brother”, 66-year-old Iggy wrote last night: “Scott was a great artist, I have never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning than Scott Asheton.

“He was like my brother. He and Ron have left a huge legacy to the world. The Ashetons have always been and continue to be a second family to me.

“My thoughts are with his sister Kathy, his wife Liz and his daughter Leanna, who was the light of his life.”

Scott was also known by the nickname Rock Action – a title Scottish post rock group Mogwai used for their record label and 2001 album in homage to Asheton.

Other artists who have paid tribute on Twitter include Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon, who wrote: "So sad to hear about Scott Asheton passing!!! Rock Action forever!!"

Henry Rollins simply said: “Scott Asheton passed away. Stooges albums on full.”