Deniz Tek returns to Ann Arbor: his new single was recorded at the Asheton family home - Review

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Deniz Tek, who turned 74 on 10 November, is back with a new single, released once again by the Italian label Wild Honey Records. From his peaceful retreat in the Hawaiian Islands, where he grows coffee, he continues to keep his musical career alive, whilst having recently published a memoir, Full Throttle (Picador).

In 2025, Deniz Tek returned to his hometown, Ann Arbor, Michigan, to record two new tracks at the family home of his late friends Ron and Scott Asheton – a place steeped in deeply personal history. It was here that The Stooges first took shape in the 1960s, and today it is home to 107 Sound, the studio where “Let ’Em Be Wrong” and “Taking Hits” were recorded.

The single features two original tracks, written by Deniz and Anne Tek and recorded with his Ann Arbor-based band, Deniz Tek’s A2 Band, comprising: Deniz on guitar and lead vocals, Anne Tek on guitar and vocals, Chris Taylor on bass and vocals, and Al King on drums and vocals.

Returning to his hometown, to a place so symbolic not only of his musical upbringing, has allowed Deniz Tek to reaffirm his strong connection with Detroit’s Hi-Energy Rock ’n’ Roll – a sound he brought to Radio Birdman and the independent rock scene in Sydney, helping to shape a musical language whose influence has extended far beyond Australia’s borders.

That connection is rooted in decades of friendship and collaboration: he played alongside Ron Asheton in New Race, recorded his first solo album with Scott Asheton and has worked with Wayne Kramer, Scott Morgan and James Williamson. He has also toured internationally with the MC5 and made guest appearances with the Stooges and Mitch Ryder.

The two new tracks have the unmistakable sound of Deniz Tek’s solo records. “Let ’Em Be Wrong” is an electric ride underpinned by a solid rhythmic foundation, crafted to highlight the central solo – a hallmark of his songwriting style. “Taking Hits” opens with an intro that immediately evokes the sound of Radio Birdman, but quickly moves beyond it to arrive at the more personal sound of his solo work. Recorded in the very place where the Stooges first came together, the two tracks bring things full circle, reaffirming the connection to Detroit that Deniz Tek has maintained for decades.

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