Formed in 1967 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Stooges did not achieve great commercial success in their early years, but they became a key influence for later generations of rock musicians. Their raw, direct, and noisy sound influenced bands such as Ramones, Sex Pistols, Sonic Youth and Mudhoney.
The original lineup consisted of Iggy Pop (vocals), Dave Alexander (bass), and brothers Ron (guitar) and Scott Asheton (drums). The group attracted attention for its provocative performances, in which Iggy would cut himself with shards of glass, smear peanut butter and raw meat all over his body, and throw himself into the audience. Born James Newell Osterberg Jr., the lead singer counted a concert by The Doors that he attended in Chicago among his inspirations. Early in the band’s career, he went by the stage name Iggy Stooge.
In 1968, the group signed a contract with Elektra Records, the label through which they released their first two albums: The Stooges (1969), produced by John Cale (former member of Velvet Underground), and Fun House (1970).
After Dave Alexander left in 1970, the band underwent constant lineup changes, featuring bassists such as Zeke Zettner and Jimmy Recca. Guitarist James Williamson also joined the group during this period. With poor sales and problems related to drug abuse — a time when Iggy was struggling with a heroin addiction — the Stooges lost their contract with Elektra and broke up in 1971.
With the support of David Bowie, Iggy and Williamson secured new management and recording contracts. In 1972, the Asheton brothers joined them in London, with Ron taking over on bass and Scott remaining on drums. Under the name Iggy and the Stooges, the band released Raw Power in 1973, on Columbia Records. The album also failed to achieve significant commercial success at the time, and the group broke up again in 1974. Iggy pursued a solo career, while the other musicians became involved in other projects.
The official reunion took place in 2003. On April 27 of that year, Iggy and the Asheton brothers performed at the Coachella festival in Indio, California, accompanied by bassist Mike Watt (known for his work with the Minutemen and fIREHOSE). At that point, Ron returned to play guitar.
In 2006, the band recorded a new studio album with sound engineer Steve Albini. Titled The Weirdness, the album was released in 2007.
On January 6, 2009, Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in Ann Arbor at the age of 60. The band decided to resume performing later that year, bringing James Williamson back on guitar. Their return to the stage took place in São Paulo at the Planeta Terra festival on November 7, 2009.
In 2013, the group released Ready to Die, their fifth and final studio album, once again under the name Iggy and the Stooges.
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