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Formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979, The Replacements were initially a young punk band founded by singer/guitarist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars. The group’s recording career lasted just nine years (from 1981 to 1990), yet their influence has continued to grow since their breakup in 1991. Their early career is a litany of unfulfilled potential and opportunities where the band squandered prime support slots with bands like R.E.M. and annoyed promoters with their reckless behavior. In 1986, the long-running American TV series Saturday Night Live banned them from ever appearing again on the show. Slowly, the band started to turn it around and their attitude matured as did their songwriting. However, Bob Stinson was forced out of the band in 1986 and was replaced by lead guitarist Slim Dunlap. By the time they released their sixth album, Don't Tell a Soul (1989), the band had lost their initial edginess, and the record was well received by the music press. The album’s single “I’ll Be You” topped the Billboard Modern Rock chart and was the closest the band came to having mainstream commercial success. The band's final album, All Shook Down (1990), came at a time of internal strife within the group with most of the performances being carried out by session players working with Paul Westerberg. Chris Mars officially left the Replacements in 1990, and, after touring with replacement drummer Steve Foley, the rest of the band went their separate ways the following year. Founding guitarist Bob Stinson died on February 24, 1995, after years of drug abuse. When Bob’s replacement, Slim Dunlap, suffered a stroke in February 2012, Paul Westerberg and Tommy Stinson reunited as the Replacements and issued the Songs for Slim EP to raise funds for their former bandmate. Their reunion continued for several tour and live dates, but the band split again in 2015. Guitarist Slim Dunlap died on December 18, 2024.
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