The Replacements' Bob 'Slim' Dunlap Dies at 73 Following Extended Health Battle
Bob "Slim" Dunlap, guitarist for The Replacements, died at age 73 on Wednesday at his Minneapolis home, surrounded by family. His passing followed complications from a severe stroke in 2012 that had left him bedridden with limited speech.
Slim Dunlap playing guitar
Photo Credit: Bob "Slim" Dunlap by JCHaywire / CC by 2.0
Born in 1951 in Plainview, Minnesota, Dunlap joined The Replacements in 1987 following Bob Stinson's departure. He played on the band's final two studio albums and was credited with reinvigorating the group during their later years.
Before joining The Replacements, Dunlap worked various jobs from cab driving to janitorial work while playing in bands since the mid-1970s. His role in The Replacements finally provided him with a steady income as a musician.
After the band's 1991 breakup, Dunlap toured with Dan Baird of the Georgia Satellites and released solo work in 1993 that showcased his songwriting talent influenced by Hank Williams, Chuck Berry, and vintage blues. His solo albums received high praise from Bruce Springsteen, who called them "deeply touching and emotional" in a 2014 NPR interview.
In his final moments, Dunlap listened to his own recording of "Hillbilly Heaven" from his "Live at the Turf Club" album. His wife Chrissie provided devoted care during his extended illness, with support from fellow musicians and successful fundraising campaigns that allowed him to spend his final years at home.
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