The Replacements Lead Guitarist Slim Dunlap Dies at 73 After Long Illness
Bob "Slim" Dunlap, guitarist of The Replacements, passed away at age 73 at his Minneapolis home, surrounded by family. His death followed complications from a severe 2012 stroke that had left him bedridden with limited speech.
Slim Dunlap playing guitar
Photo Credit: Bob "Slim" Dunlap by JCHaywire / CC by 2.0
Born August 14, 1951, in Plainview, Minnesota, Dunlap joined The Replacements in 1987 during their tour for "Pleased to Meet Me." He played on the band's final two studio albums, bringing stability and musical expertise that extended the group's longevity until their 1991 breakup.
Nicknamed "Slim" by frontman Paul Westerberg to distinguish him from former guitarist Bob Stinson, Dunlap proved himself more than just a replacement member. Before joining the band, he worked various jobs from cab driving to janitorial work while pursuing his music career since the mid-1970s.
After The Replacements, Dunlap toured with Dan Baird of the Georgia Satellites and released solo work in 1993 that showcased his songwriting talents influenced by Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, and vintage blues. His solo albums received high praise from Bruce Springsteen, who called them "deeply touching and emotional" in a 2014 NPR interview.
In his final years, Dunlap received care from his wife Chrissie and support from all-star fundraising tribute recordings. He passed away while listening to his own recording of "Hillbilly Heaven" from his "Live at the Turf Club" album, according to his family's statement.
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