The Stooges Play Tour With Ron Asheton 'Still a Presence'

Despite the tragic loss of legendary guitarist Ron Asheton last year, the Stooges are planning a return to full touring duties in 2010.

Singer Iggy Pop is expected to reconvene with Asheton's brother Scott and ex-Minutemen bassist Mike Watt with guitarist James Williamson assuming Asheston's role for the shows, something he did 30 years ago during sessions for the 'Raw Power' album.

Asheton was found dead after a suspected heart attack at his Ann Arbor, Mich. home earlier this year. He was 60.

But Pop told BBC 6 Music Asheton's spirit was alive and well within the Stooges camp: "We're all very sorry about Ron, his spirit within the group remains with the rest of us and he is still a presence within the group without being on the physical plain."

The singer then went on to reveal rehearsals for the Stooges' live plans are well under way, even though he hasn't been present all the time. "They've (the Stooges) been rehearsing more without me than with me because I've been doing other things this year," he said. "But we have been rehearsing all together more recently and they kept going without me again last week."

The singer then confirmed plans for a full Stooges live assault in 2010: "We're going to be doing a one off show in Brazil in a few weeks but the real touring starts next year."

As previously announced the band is playing the Planeta Terra Festival in Brazil on Saturday (Nov. 7) before heading to the UK for two dates at the Hammersmith Apollo on May 2 and 3 in 2010 when they will play their classic 'Raw Power' album in full as part of the All Tomorrows Parties' 'Don't Look Back' concerts.