The Stooges guitarist says band are over because ‘Everybody’s dead’

James Williamson says it would be ‘ludicrous’ to continue the band

The Stooges guitarist James Williamson has said the band have finished because of the deaths of several of their original line-up.

The Stooges’ last album ‘Ready To Die’ in 2013 featured Iggy Pop, Williamson, bassist Mike Watt and original drummer Scott Asheton, who died the following year. Minutemen bassist Watt joined when The Stooges reformed in 2000, as founding bassist Dave Alexander died in 1975.

Williamson himself was a replacement for original guitarist Ron Asheton, Scott’s brother. Ron left The Stooges in 1970, but played on their comeback album ‘The Weirdness’ in 2007. When Ron died in 2009, Williamson again took his place.

Advertisement

Williamson told Joel Gausten: “The Stooges is over. Basically, everybody’s dead except Iggy and I. So it would be sort-of ludicrous to try and tour as Iggy And The Stooges when there’s only one Stooge in the band and then you have side guys. That doesn’t make any sense to me.”

Scott Asheton’s ill health meant Silver Apples drummer Toby Dammit joined as a temporary replacement on the ‘Ready To Die’ tour.

Williamson, who became an electronics engineer before re-joining The Stooges, admitted he had grown tired of touring anyway. He said: “Frankly, I don’t want to tour anymore. I’m kind-of done with it. I also feel like we’re getting a little long in the tooth to be doing these shows anymore.”

Pop released solo album ‘Post Pop Depression’ in March. Produced by Josh Homme, it features Queens Of The Stone Age bassist Dean Fertita and Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders.

You May Also Like

Advertisement

TRENDING

Advertisement

More Stories