Bob “Slim” Dunlap, the iconic former guitarist of the Replacements and accomplished solo artist, has passed away at the age of 73. He died on December 18 due to complications from a severe stroke he suffered in 2012. His family shared that he was listening to the Slim Dunlap Band’s album, Live at the Turf Club (Thank You, Dancers!), at the time of his passing.
Dunlap joined the Replacements in 1987 following the release of Pleased to Meet Me, stepping in to fill the shoes of founding guitarist Bob Stinson. Unlike Stinson’s wild playing style, Dunlap brought a more measured and nuanced approach to the guitar. This unique style not only enriched the band’s energetic tracks but also infused their softer songs with deeper emotional resonance. His contributions greatly influenced the band’s later works, including the albums Don’t Tell a Soul and All Shook Down. In retrospectives, bandmates have credited Dunlap for reinvigorating the group’s creativity during their final years.
Born on August 14, 1951, in Plainview, Minnesota, Dunlap engaged deeply with the local music scene while holding various jobs to support his family, including roles as a taxi driver and janitor at the famed Minneapolis venue, First Avenue. He played in numerous local bands, earning a reputation for his versatility across multiple genres. Dunlap remarked on his eclectic experiences, stating that he had played everything from bluegrass to hard rock in different venues.
Following the Replacements’ breakup in 1991, Dunlap embarked on a tour with Dan Baird of the Georgia Satellites and began crafting his solo music. He made his solo debut in 1993 with the album The Old New Me, showcasing his passion for blues-infused rock’n’roll. He followed this with his second album, Times Like This, in 1996, further solidifying his status as a talented singer-songwriter.
