The Stooges (also known as Iggy And The Stooges) are an American rock band that were first active from 1967 to 1974, then reformed in 2003. The Stooges sold few records in their original incarnation and often performed for indifferent or hostile audiences. Nevertheless, the Stooges are widely regarded as instrumental in the rise of punk rock, as well as influential to alternative rock and heavy metal. Singer Iggy Pop and his often outrageous onstage performances were frequently the main focus of attention. They reformed in 2003, with bassist Mike Watt replacing the deceased Dave Alexander, touring extensively and releasing an album of new material. On January 6, 2009, guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead from a heart attack in his Ann Arbor home; several months later, the band announced plans to continue performing with later guitarist James Williamson replacing Asheton .