This pop punk band was formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, in 1979, with Paul Westerberg (b. 31 December 1959, Minneapolis, USA; guitar/vocals), Tommy Stinson (b. Thomas Eugene Stinson, 6 October 1966, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; bass), Bob Stinson (b. Robert Neil Stinson, 17 December 1959, Mound, Minnesota, USA, d. 18 February 1995, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; guitar) and Chris Mars (b. 26 April 1961, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; drums). Originally the Impediments, their early shambolic, drunken gigs forced a name change to secure further work. Their debut album for the local Twin/Tone label showcased their self-proclaimed power trash style, earning comparisons with hardcore legends Hüsker Dü. Subsequent albums saw the Replacements diversifying to encompass influences from folk, country and blues, without straying far from their winning formula of rock 'n' roll married to the raw passion of punk rock.
The creative high point of their career came with the release of 1984's Let It Be, which led to a major label recording contract with Sire Records. Beloved by critics on both sides of the Atlantic, the band appeared on the verge of mainstream success in America with the release of Tim (1985) and Pleased To Meet Me (1987). The erratic Bob Stinson had left the band following the release of the former, and Westerberg was at the height of his songwriting powers on the suicide anthem "The Ledge", and the achingly melodic "Skyway". Slim Dunlap (b. Bob Dunlap, 14 August 1951, USA) was recruited as the band's new full-time lead guitarist, but greater success somehow eluded them and Don't Tell A Soul (1989) and All Shook Down (1990) were largely subdued affairs, hinting at an impending solo career for Westerberg. However, it was Mars who became the first ex-Replacement to record following the band's dissolution in 1990. Westerberg would go on to sing under his own name, while Tommy Stinson formed his own bands, Bash And Pop and then Perfect. Dunlap reappeared on Dan Baird's debut solo album. Bob Stinson died in 1995 after years of substance abuse had taken their toll. The 1997 double CD compilation included unreleased material and rarities. The Replacements are cultish yet critically acclaimed, and for many they were one of the finest rock bands of the 80s.
