The Replacements

Biography

The Replacements were an influential American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. The original lineup featured Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), Bob Stinson (guitar), Tommy Stinson (bass), and Chris Mars (drums). The band began as a punk outfit, inspired by the raw energy of first-generation punk bands, but quickly evolved to blend punk’s urgency with melodic sensibilities, becoming pioneers of alternative rock. Their early years were marked by raucous live shows and a reputation for unpredictability, often fueled by heavy drinking and irreverence toward both their own material and the conventions of the music industry.

The Replacements' breakthrough came with albums like 'Let It Be' (1984) and 'Tim' (1985), which showcased Westerberg’s introspective songwriting and the band’s ability to merge power pop hooks with punk attitude. As their sound matured, their lyrics explored themes of alienation, self-doubt, and youthful recklessness, resonating deeply with a generation of disaffected listeners. Despite critical acclaim, the band struggled with commercial success and internal strife, leading to lineup changes—most notably the departure of Bob Stinson in 1986 and the addition of Slim Dunlap on guitar. The group disbanded in 1991, but their influence endured, and they reunited for select performances in the 2010s.

The Replacements are widely credited with shaping the sound and ethos of American alternative rock. Their legacy is evident in the work of countless bands that followed, and they remain celebrated for their raw, heartfelt approach to songwriting and performance, as well as their enduring outsider spirit.

Fun Facts

• Fans affectionately refer to The Replacements as 'The 'Mats,' a nickname derived from a mispronunciation of their name as 'The Placemats.'
• The band was notorious for chaotic live shows, often playing under the influence and sometimes performing only cover songs or incomplete sets.
• Paul Westerberg was working as a janitor when he first encountered the Stinson brothers and joined the band.
• The Replacements were banned from Saturday Night Live in 1986 after a particularly unruly performance.

Members

• Chris Mars - drums (drum set) (from 1979 until 1990)
• Slim Dunlap (from 1987 until 1991)
• Josh Freese - additional, drums (drum set) (from 2006 until 2006)
• Josh Freese - additional, drums (drum set) (from 2012 until 2015)
• Bob Stinson (until 1986)
• Tommy Stinson
• Paul Westerberg

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Rolling Stones - Major stylistic influence; inspired their rock and roll attitude and songwriting (General influence across discography) [1979–1991]
• Big Star - Inspired melodic sensibility and power pop direction (Let It Be, Tim) [1984–1987]
• The Ramones - Early punk influence on sound and energy (Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash) [1979–1983]

Key Collaborators

• Paul Westerberg - Lead vocalist, guitarist, principal songwriter (All Replacements albums) [1979–1991, 2012–2015]
• Bob Stinson - Founding guitarist, known for wild style (Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash, Let It Be, Tim) [1979–1986]
• Tommy Stinson - Founding bassist, later played with Guns N' Roses (All Replacements albums) [1979–1991, 2012–2015]
• Chris Mars - Founding drummer (All Replacements albums until 1990) [1979–1990]
• Slim Dunlap - Guitarist after Bob Stinson's departure (Pleased to Meet Me, Don't Tell a Soul, All Shook Down) [1987–1991]
• Steve Foley - Drummer after Chris Mars (All Shook Down tour) [1990–1991]

Artists Influenced

• Nirvana - Cited The Replacements as a key influence on their songwriting and sound (Nevermind) [1991]
• Goo Goo Dolls - Adopted elements of The Replacements' melodic punk style (Superstar Car Wash) [1993]
• The Hold Steady - Inspired by The Replacements' Minneapolis roots and storytelling (Almost Killed Me) [2004]
• Green Day - Cited The Replacements as an influence on their approach to punk-pop (Dookie) [1994]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Swingin Party - 2008 Remaster (Tim (Expanded))
2. Can't Hardly Wait - 2008 Remaster (Pleased to Meet Me (Expanded))
3. I Will Dare (Let It Be (Expanded))
4. Bastards of Young - 2008 Remaster (Tim (Expanded))
5. Alex Chilton - 2008 Remaster (Pleased to Meet Me (Expanded))
6. Androgynous (Let It Be (Expanded))
7. I'll Be You - 2008 Remaster (Don't Tell a Soul (Expanded))
8. Unsatisfied (Let It Be (Expanded))
9. Left of the Dial - 2008 Remaster (Tim (Expanded))
10. Here Comes a Regular - 2008 Remaster (Tim (Expanded))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative-rock, #hardcore-punk, #jangle-pop