The Replacements guitarist Bob “Slim” Dunlap has died. He was 73 years old.
Dunlap’s family confirmed his death in a statement Minnesota Star Tribune On Wednesday.
“Bob passed away today at 12:48 p.m. at home surrounded by his family,” the statement said. “We played them their ‘Live at the Turf Club (‘Thank You Dancers!)’ CD, and they left us immediately after hearing their version of ‘Hillbilly Heaven’ – which was quite touching.”
“This was a natural decline over the past week,” the statement said of Dunlap’s death. “Overall it was due to complications from his stroke.”
Dunlap suffered a stroke in 2012 that left him disabled.
Dunlap’s wife Chrissy said of the musician, “He’s paralyzed and can only move his head.” 2023 interview With perfect sound forever.
He said, “He will never play again.” “He remains in good spirits despite his disability and pain. He has been hospitalized more than a hundred times and as long as he is home with me, he feels great.
Dunlap was born and raised in Minnesota. He started playing guitar when he was about ten years old.
In 1987, Dunlap joined The Replacements after founding member Bob Stinson was forced out.
Dulap, along with fellow bandmates Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson and Chris Mars, were featured on the group’s last two albums, 1989’s “Don’t Tell a Soul” and 1990’s ‘All Shook Down’.
He was given the nickname “Slim” at Westerberg’s request to avoid confusion with the Bob he replaced.
After the group broke up in 1991, Dunlap released two solo albums. He came up with ‘The Old New Me’ in 1993 and ‘Times Like These’ in 1996.
Dunlap did not rejoin The Replacements for their tour in 2014 due to a stroke, but Westerberg said Dunlap gave him his blessing to continue.
The group also held a fundraiser for Dunlop in 2013 to raise money for his treatment.
In his and his wife’s 2023 interview with Perfect Sound Forever, Dunlop recalled joining The Replacements and his time with the band.
“No one can replace Bob. I learned their parts but did it in my own way,” he said.
The guitarist added, “It was both exhilarating and frustrating – a roller coaster ride. It fulfilled a lot of my dreams and opened doors for me. I’m incredibly grateful to Paul and Tommy and Chris for giving me the opportunity.
Dunlap is survived by his wife, his three children, including daughter Emily Boigenzahn, who is a musician, and his two grandchildren.
