Music News
Stooges Guitarist Dishes on Return to Band
James Williamson recently opened up about the series of events that brought him from his lucrative job in the boardroom back to his role as guitarist in the Stooges.
The rocker waved goodbye to the music world in 1980 and took a job in the burgeoning microchip industry. Williamson rose up the ranks and soon became the Vice President of Technology Standards for Sony Electronics.
His fate changed again following the death of Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton in February 2009, when he was offered his old position back.
"I told [Iggy Pop] I had a full-time job and couldn't do it," Williamson told The Guardian. Then the recession caught up with Sony and they offered me early retirement. And then I remembered the Stooges."
For his return performance, Williamson joined the band for a show in Sao Paulo, Brazil for an audience of 30,000.
"It's really strange to be doing it now," Williamson added. "We're basically pensioners. It's fun, but nobody wants to get so old that playing rock 'n' roll becomes a joke."
However, Iggy Pop is perfectly comfortable with his old bandmate's transition back into the band. "I'm pleased to report that James has now learned to use his intelligence in balance with his more impulsive, aggressive side," the singer said.
Iggy and the Stooges are scheduled to perform their landmark album Raw Power in its entirety at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on May 2nd and 3rd.
Image used with permission by Michael Ochs Archives.
