THE STOOGES have issued the following brief statement regarding the death of guitarist/bassist Ron Asheton, who was found dead in his Ann Arbor, Michigan home early Tuesday morning (January 6):

"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,” the statement continues. “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.”

Frontman IGGY POP added: "I am in shock. He was my best friend."