Tribute to Ron Asheton

Presenting a Detroit concert held at the Michigan Theater in 2011 to honor the late Stooges guitarist and bassist Ron Asheton, who passed away in 2009 (proceeds benefit the Ron Asheton Foundation), this program begins with testimonials from guitar player Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman) and filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, who directed Iggy Pop in Coffee and Cigarettes. Host Henry Rollins introduces the show by praising the first three Stooges albums in a manner that is both heartfelt and hyperbolic, after which he performs "I Got a Right" with the Stooges, followed by a shirtless Iggy taking over on vocals for "Raw Power," and other 1970s classics. Iggy's band mates include Mike Watt (bass), James Williamson (guitar), Steve Mackay (saxophone), and Ron's brother, Scott Asheton (drums), in a loose but spirited set, during which Iggy enters the crowd to sing and surf, returns to his mates, douses himself with water, and keeps on rocking. Although it doesn't make much sense, a 12-piece orchestra joins the group for "I Wanna Be Your Dog" and other proto-punk numbers that would work better without the embellishment. Tek replaces Williamson for most of this material, but while he is proficient, his style also seems a little too busy for the primal Stooges. DVD extras include interviews and tracks from opening act the Space Age Toasters. Presented in stereo, this is a strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)