Rock ‘N Roll Legend Passes Away At 73

Bob “Slim” Dunlap, the revered guitarist who brought soulful melodies and understated mastery to ‘The Replacements,’ died on Wednesday at his home in Minnesota according to The Minnesota Star Tribune. He was 73. The cause was complications from a stroke he suffered in 2012, according to his family, who were by his side at the time of his passing.

Joining The Replacements in 1987, Dunlap replaced founding guitarist Bob Stinson as the band entered a pivotal phase of its career. His fluid, blues-inflected style shaped their final albums, Don’t Tell a Soul (1989) and All Shook Down (1990), helping to refine the punk-fueled rawness that had defined the band’s earlier years.

“Bob passed at home today at 12:48 p.m. surrounded by family,” his family said in a statement. “We played him his ‘Live at the Turf Club (’Thank You Dancers!)’ CD, and he left us shortly after listening to his version of ‘Hillbilly Heaven’ — quite poignant. It was a natural decline over the past week. Overall it was due to complications from his stroke.”

Born Robert Dunlap in 1951, Dunlap grew up steeped in the Midwest’s rich music scene. A self-taught guitarist, he honed his craft in local bands before collaborating with Curtiss A, a notable figure in Minneapolis rock circles. By the 1970s, Dunlap had carved out a reputation for his skill and easygoing demeanor. His years with The Replacements cemented his place in rock history. He joined as a substitute member.

RIP Slim Dunlap, he put up a hell of a fight for the past 10 years and I hope he rests easy. Incredible musician and such an interesting character. His amazing wife Chrissie has maintained his legacy and will continue to I’m sure. Lots of love to her and the rest of Bob’s family. pic.twitter.com/V8vWYOKNEk

— conn (@faulwesterberg) December 19, 2024

The Replacements, formed in 1979 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, were a cornerstone of the alternative rock movement in the 1980s. Initially comprised of Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), brothers Bob Stinson (lead guitar) and Tommy Stinson (bass), and Chris Mars (drums), the band began with a raw, punk energy but quickly evolved into a more melodic and introspective sound. Known for their raucous live shows, which could be brilliant or a total mess depending on the night, the band embodied the reckless spirit of rock and roll. Paul Westerberg’s songwriting became their defining feature, with lyrics that captured themes of alienation, regret, and defiance, blending wit with genuine vulnerability.

American rock band The Replacements in a 1984 publicity photo taken by Laura Levine. Left to right: Bob Stinson (lead guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass guitar), Chris Mars (drums), and Paul Westerberg (vocals & guitar).

By 1986, tensions within the band led to founding guitarist Bob Stinson’s departure due to his struggles with addiction and a growing divide over the band’s musical direction. Bob’s replacement, Slim Dunlap, joined as lead guitarist in time for the band’s 1987 album, ‘Pleased to Meet Me.’ Slim brought a steadier, more mature presence to the group both musically and personally. Unlike Bob’s unpredictable, chaotic style, Slim’s playing was rooted in traditional rock and blues, complementing Westerberg’s increasingly polished and melodic songwriting.

Though the band’s dissolution in 1991 marked the end of an era, Dunlap’s solo career offered further evidence of his musical depth. Albums such as The Old New Me (1993) and Times Like This (1996) showcased his storytelling and soulful phrasing, earning praise from peers like Bruce Springsteen.

The Replacements’ Tommy Stinson has paid tribute to former bandmate Slim Dunlap, who passed away yesterday at age 73https://t.co/JGGhj9Uw8W pic.twitter.com/MdC08X8LUY

— Stereogum (@stereogum) December 19, 2024

“Slim Dunlap, Slim Dunlap is fantastic,” Springsteen told NPR during an interview back in 2014. “He was a part of The Replacements and he made two fabulous rock records that were just really, deeply soulful and beautiful.”

In 2012, a severe stroke left Dunlap with limited mobility, and the ensuing years brought challenges. Musicians, friends, and fans responded with the Songs for Slim project, a series of covers and tributes to raise funds for his care. It became a rallying cry for the music community and underscored Dunlap’s quiet but far-reaching influence.

“Yeah I don’t know what his health condition is at the moment but I know some folks were cutting some things of his. I hope I get a chance to cut one of his songs because he’s, it’s just, this stuff, check out the two Slim Dunlap records because they’re just so beautiful, they’re just beautiful rock ‘n’ roll records,” said Springsteen. “I found them to be deeply touching and emotional. Kristina Train: very Dusty Springfield. There’s a song called “Dark Black” that’s fantastic. I love that. And let me see who else I can plug here while I’m rolling.”

Dunlap is survived by his wife, Chrissie, three children, and two grandchildren.

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