Photo by Tony Nelson
Bob “Slim” Dunlap, guitarist for iconic Minneapolis band The Replacements, has passed away at the age of 73. Dunlap, who joined the band in 1987, played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s sound on albums like “Pleased to Meet Me,” “Don’t Tell a Soul,” and “All Shook Down.” After the band’s breakup, he released solo albums and remained a respected figure in the music world. Dunlap suffered a stroke in 2012, which left him with limited mobility and speech. He died at his home in Minneapolis on Dec. 18, 2024, surrounded by family.
Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Getty Images
Dunlap was born in Plainview, Minnesota, where his father served as a state senator. He began playing guitar at a young age and played in bands with Minneapolis musician Curtiss A during the mid-’70s. In 1987, after The Replacements’ founding guitarist Bob Stinson was kicked out due to his struggles with substance abuse, Paul Westerberg recruited Bob “Slim” Dunlap to replace him. Dunlap, given the nickname to distinguish him from Stinson, brought stability to the band during a chaotic time. The band later broke up in 1991. His legacy lives on through his contributions to rock and the musicians who admired his craft.
