Dave Alexander joined the 27 club on February 10, 1975. The cause of death is recorded as: Pulmonary edema
David Michael Alexander, born on June 3, 1947, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is best known as the original bassist for the influential protopunk band The Stooges. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 as a member of this iconic group. Growing up, Alexander attended Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor where he met brothers Ron and Scott Asheton. After dropping out of high school to win a bet, Alexander soon joined forces with Iggy Pop and formed The Stooges in 1967. Despite being a novice on the instrument, Alexander quickly learned the ropes and played a crucial role in arranging, composing, and performing all of the songs that appeared on their first two groundbreaking albums, "The Stooges" (1969) and "Fun House" (1970). He is credited with being the primary composer for several notable Stooges tracks, including "We Will Fall," "Little Doll," "Dirt," and "1970."
Alexander's tenure with The Stooges came to an end in August 1970 when he was fired from the band after showing up too drunk to play at the Goose Lake International Music Festival. Following his dismissal, Alexander was replaced by bassists Zeke Zettner and Jimmy Recca, although Ron Asheton played bass on their first post-Alexander studio album "Raw Power." Despite not joining another band after The Stooges, Alexander remained close friends with the Asheton brothers and Bill Cheatham, a roadie and high school friend. Tragically, Alexander died of pulmonary edema in 1975 at the age of 27 in Ann Arbor due to complications from pancreatitis linked to his alcoholism.
The Stooges, with Alexander's contributions, paved the way for punk rock and influenced a multitude of bands such as The Sex Pistols, Ramones, and Nirvana. Their raw energy and rebellious spirit continue to resonate in modern music. In tribute to Alexander, during their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, Iggy Pop paid homage to his former bandmate. Additionally, Mike Watt, who later replaced Alexander in The Stooges, mentioned him by name in his song "The Angel's Gate" on his 2004 album "The Secondman's Middle Stand," and wore a Dave Alexander t-shirt as a tribute during his first performance with the band.
Alexander's life and influence extend beyond music, however. Mike Watt is not the only one who paid tribute to him; David Alexander Lamb, an English actor, comedian, narrator, and presenter, shares the same name. This Dave Lamb is best known for his narration work on "Come Dine with Me" and appearances in British television and radio programs, especially comedy shows like "Goodness Gracious Me." There is no clear connection between these two figures, but it's interesting to note the coincidental shared moniker.
Despite their brief tenure and tragic endings, The Stooges, and specifically Dave Alexander, left a lasting impact on music history. Their raw sound and rebellious spirit continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, making Alexander an essential figure in punk rock's roots and legacy.