James Williamson

During their short yet highly influential career, the Stooges featured two lead guitarists: first Ron Asheton, then James Williamson. Whereas Asheton's style was earthy and entirely feel-based, feeding off the energy of other members, Williamson's playing was aggressive and in-your-face; it was almost as if the rest of the group was trying to keep up with him. Williamson's ferocious attack would prove tremendously influential when punk rock exploded a few years after Raw Power's release, though by 1980 he'd largely dropped out of music and would remain out of the public eye until 2010, when he rejoined Iggy & the Stooges. Since returning to duty, Williamson has pursued a solo career, re-recording a batch of Stooges rarities with various guest stars on 2014's Re-Licked, collaborating with Streetwalkin' Cheetahs singer Frank Meyer on 2018's Behind the Shade, and cutting an EP with Radio Birdman guitarist Deniz Tek, 2020's Two to One.