Iggy Pop has led the tributes to his late friend and band-mate, The Stooges drummer Scott Asheton, who has died aged 64. Pop confirmed the news on his Facebook page on Sunday (March 16, 2014), saying, "He was like my brother. I have never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning."

Iggy PopIggy Pop Has Paid Tribute To His Friend and Bandmate Scott Asheton

Asheton was an integral part of the pioneering punk band The Stooges from their early says in Detroit in the late 1960s. His bother Ron - with whom he co-founded the band - died in 2009.

"He and Ron have left a huge legacy to the world," said Pop, who called Asheton "a great artist".

"The Ashetons have always been and continue to be a second family to me," he added.

"My thoughts are with his sister Kathy, his wife Liz and his daughter Leanna, who was the light of his life."

Iggy did not confirm the cause of death, though according to the Detroit News, Asheton had to leave the Stooges tour in 2011 because of illness. He played on the band's last album, Ready to Die in 2012 though it was his drumming on 1970's Fun House and 1973's Raw Power - produced by Bowie - that would see him enter the top rung of great rock drummers.

The Stooges disbanded in February 1974 after problems with their record label and Iggy's heroin addiction, though reformed in 2003 for a world tour.

Artists including Sonic Youth's Kim Gordon have paid tribute on Twitter: "So sad to hear about Scott Asheton passing!!! Rock Action forever!!," she said.

Comedian Noel Fielding, wrote: "I can't believe Scott Asheton passed away. That's ruined my day, week , year :( X."

More: Iggy Pop plays Joy Division classics with New Order.

More: Iggy Pop to take over Jarvis Cocker's BBC6 Music slot.