Slim Dunlap, The Replacements guitarist, dies at 73

Bob ‘Slim’ Dunlap, the final guitarist for the iconic punk rock band The Replacements, passed away on December 18 at the age of 73, as reported by The Minnesota Star Tribune. His death was attributed to complications from a 2012 stroke that left him bedridden and unable to perform music.

In a heartfelt statement, Dunlap’s family shared that he passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. “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,” they said.

Born in 1951 in Minnesota, Dunlap began playing guitar in his youth and rose to prominence in the late 1970s, performing with Curtiss A (Curt Almsted) and the punk-inspired band Spooks. His talents caught the attention of The Replacements’ Paul Westerberg, who recruited him to replace founding guitarist Bob Stinson in 1987. Adopting the nickname ‘Slim’ to distinguish himself from his predecessor, Dunlap became affectionately known as “the replacement Replacement.”

During his tenure, Dunlap contributed to the band’s final albums, Don’t Tell a Soul (1989) and All Shook Down (1990). Following the band’s breakup in 1991, he embarked on a solo career, releasing critically acclaimed albums The Old New Me (1993) and Times Like This (1996). Transitioning from national fame to local impact, Dunlap remained a vital part of Minnesota’s music scene until his health challenges in 2012.

Community efforts to support his recovery included the 2013 compilation Songs for Slim, featuring contributions from artists such as Steve Earle and Jeff Tweedy. His final release, Thank You, Dancers!, captured the magic of a 2002 live performance. Dunlap’s profound influence on music continues to resonate, marking him as a cherished figure in the punk rock and local music communities.