Following Ron Asheton's sudden death in 2009, Williamson rejoined The Stooges, who had toured regularly after the "Fun House"-era lineup (save for Alexander, who had died years previously in 1975) reunited in 2003. To rehearse, he enlisted the help of local roots rock band Careless Hearts, who backed him on his first gig in 35 years at the Blank Club in San Jose, California on September 5, 2009. They performed a number of early Stooges songs, and also some material from the "Kill City" album. In June 2010, a CD + DVD combo was released of this event called "James Williamson with Careless Hearts."