The 27’s – Dave Alexander 1947 - 1975

Part 17 in a series on “The 27’s” – notable musicians who have passed away in their 27th year.

Ever the rebel, Dave Alexander was on the forefront of the punk movement as the original bassist with the band The Stooges. Dave’s family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where he attended Pioneer High School. While there Dave became friends with brothers Ron and Scott Asheton who would join him in the band.

To win a bet Dave dropped out of high school his senior year after only 45 minutes on the first day. Later that year he sold his motorcycle and went with Ron Asheton to England to see The Who and to "try and find The Beatles.”

In 1967 Alexander and the Asheton’s met Iggy Pop and together they formed The Stooges. Despite his lack of musical training Dave learned fast and contributed to the all of the songs that appeared on the band's first two albums, The Stooges and Fun House. The band strongly influenced punk, alternative and metal bands for generations to come.

Unfortunately, Alexander suffered from alcohol addiction, which lead to the band firing him in 1970 after he showed up at the Goose Lake International Music Festival too drunk to play. He died of pulmonary edema in 1975 at the age of 27 in Ann Arbor after being admitted to a hospital for pancreatitis, which was linked to his drinking.

Iggy Pop references Dave Alexander in the intro to 'Dum Dum Boys' on his album The Idiot, saying:  "How about Dave? OD'd on alcohol."