Replacements (sometimes referred to
colloquially as "the
Mats"[1])
were an American rock band formed in
Minneapolis,
Minnesota in 1979. The
band was composed of guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg,
guitarist Bob Stinson, bassist
Tommy Stinson, and
drummer Chris Mars for most
of their career. Following several critically acclaimed albums,
including
Let It Be and Tim, Bob
Stinson was fired in 1986 and the band experienced several line-up
changes; Slim Dunlap joined
as lead guitarist and Steve
Foley replaced Chris Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the
band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over their creative
output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members ultimately
pursuing various projects. The Replacements never experienced any
significant commercial success but have influenced a variety of
alternative
rock acts.
The Replacements' music was influenced
by classic rock
artists such as Faces,
Big Star,
Badfinger, and
The Beatles as well
as punk rock bands such
as The Clash and
The
Jam. Unlike many of their underground contemporaries, the
Replacements played "heart-on-the-sleeve"[2]
rock songs that combined Westerberg's "raw-throated adolescent
howl,"[3]
with self-deprecating lyrics. The Replacements were a notoriously
wayward live act, often performing under the influence of alcohol
and trashing their instruments. They credit the Twin Cities
founding punk band The Suicide
Commandos as being their inspiration to become rock
musicians.
Make sure to
check out these other MN Music caches: