Legendary drummer Scott Asheton of THE STOOGES recently passed away at the age of 64. HENRY ROLLINS recently paid tribute to Asheton via an article in LA Weekly. An excerpt is available below:

Photo by Timothy Norris

"Scott Asheton was a brilliant drummer, a natural musician. He ran on instinct, just like his brother Ron. He played from inside the music, giving any song he played savage, unlimited power. What he had, I don't think you can learn, you just show up with it. I wonder if at one point he just sat down behind some drums and started playing. He had that kind of thing.

In 1990-something, Iggy asked me what I thought of a Stooges reunion. I replied that those are some big shoes to fill but ultimately, it's going to come down to Scott, he is the foundation upon which the whole thing stands. Years later, the band reformed with the Asheton brothers, Steve Mackay on sax and Mike Watt, one of the most talented musicians breathing, on bass. If anyone could lock in with Scott, it would be Watt. Someone gave me a CDR of their first reunion show. I knew what to listen for. Took about ten seconds. There it was - the Scott Asheton freight train. The hair on my arms stood up. The first time I saw them play, I stood on the side of the stage with tears streaming down my face."

Click here for the complete article.

The Stooges frontman IGGY POP has issued the following statement:

"My dear friend Scott Asheton passed away 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 Asheton’s 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."

According to Wikipedia, Asheton co-formed the Stooges in 1967 along with his older brother Ron, Pop, and Dave Alexander. The original incarnation released two LPs on Elektra Records before moving through several lineup changes, releasing a third LP on Columbia Records in 1973 and disbanding the following year.