Iggy Pop & the Stooges Ron Asheton Tribute Concert Coming to DVD

Original Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton passed away in 2009, but his dynamic playing and presence has not been forgotten. On April 19, 2011, his former bandmates held a tribute concert to honor his legacy and music. A DVD from that night, appropriately titled ‘Tribute to Ron Asheton,’ is now making its way to DVD in April via MVD.


Recorded live at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, this concert was put together by Ron’s sister Kathy and curated by Stooges singer Iggy Pop.

In addition to Pop, Ron’s brother and bandmate Scott Asheton, bassist Mike Watt, saxophonist Steve Mackay and ‘Raw Power’-era Stooges guitarist James Williamson performed as the Stooges at the event.

The evening also featured guests Henry Rollins and guitarist Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman. The band even used a string section while performing a few Stooges classics. “Some of his (Asheton’s) themes always reminded me a lot of…classical music in the 17th century,” Pop told Billboard.

Highlights of the band’s groundbreaking trio of albums — ‘The Stooges’ (1969), ‘Funhouse’ (1970) and ‘Raw Power’ (1972) were featured, as well as some relatively obscure material like ‘Open Up And Bleed’ and ‘Beyond The Law.’ The DVD also features interviews with fellow musicians and famous fans. All profits from the sale of the DVD go to the Ron Asheton Foundation, which supports animal welfare and music.

source: ultimateclassicrock.com

Foo Fighters Drummer Will Play Iggy Pop in 'CBGB'

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins will portray Iggy Pop in the forthcoming film CBGB, the Hollywood Reporter confirms. This will be Hawkins' first significant acting role, though he has had comedic roles in a handful of Foo Fighters videos. It's unclear how substantial the role will be – there's a good chance that it's a small part and Hawkins was cast in part because he somewhat resembles the Stooges rocker in his prime.

Other parts in the film have been cast as well, including The Borgias actress Mickey Sumner as Patti Smith, The Big Bang Theory star Johnny Galecki as Television manager Terry Ork, Malin Akerman as Blondie singer Debbie Harry and Rupert Grint as Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome. Alan Rickman will star as Hilly Kristal, the owner of the famous punk rock hot spot.

source: rollingstone.com