The Replacements

Like Hüsker Dü, The Replacements was formed in Minneapolis and was also one of the most influential underground rock groups in the 1980s. The band, which was initially called The Impediments — the name was changed after the group caused a riot at a local club and was kicked out — was formed by Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar), brothers Tommy Stinson (bass) and Bob Stinson (guitar), and Chris Mars (drums).

The band emerged under the influence of punk rock, but over time the group incorporated other sound references into their music, reaching a more rock & roll format, which in a way helped in the recognition of Paul Westerberg's great compositions. Their first albums were released by the Twin/Tone Records label — Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash (1981), Hootenanny (1983) e Let It Be (1984).

The critical and public reception of the album Let It Be got the band signed to a major label. And in 1985, The Replacements released their first full-length album for Sire Records, Tim. Some drug and alcohol problems contributed to internal conflicts, and after the tour for this album, guitarist Bob Stinson left the group. In 1987, after the release of Pleased to Meet Me, guitarist Slim Dunlap joined the band.

In 1989, the band released Don't Tell a Soul. The band's biggest hit, the song "I'll Be You", is from this album. The group's last studio album was All Shook Down in 1990, considered by many to be a Paul Westerberg solo album, since Chris Mars, Tommy Stinson and Slim Dunlap had little participation in the recording process of the album, which also featured several guest musicians. After the release of All Shook Down, drummer Chris Mars left the band, dissatisfied with the control that Westerberg had been having in the band.

After touring for this album, which featured drummer Steve Foley, the band disbanded and Paul Westerberg pursued a solo career. Former guitarist Bob Stinson died in 1995 from drug addiction. In 2012, The Replacements reunited to record an EP of covers titled Songs for Slim, which was sold to benefit former guitarist Slim Dunlap, who had suffered a stroke. Dunlap died in December 2024 at the age of 73.