Ron Asheton, guitarist with The Stooges, was today found dead in his home in Michigan.
Police said his body had gone undiscovered 'for several days,' and while an autopsy is due it is believed Asheton, 60, died of a heart attack.
A founding member of the iconic US punk band The Stooges along with frontman Iggy Pop, Asheton was ranked 29 in Rolling Stone's '100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.'
The Stooges formed in 1967 and continued to tour right up until last year's Isle Of Wight festival.
The band released the following statement: "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 façade 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. 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."
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