'80s rock legend (73) passes away, leaving fans mourning his secret legacy
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The music world is mourning as we bid farewell to an iconic figure of the 80s rock scene.
The revered guitarist and singer-songwriter known for his tenure with the band The Replacements has passed away at the age of 73.
His death on Wednesday, 18 December, has left fans and fellow musicians in disbelief as we remember a man whose contributions to rock music were as impactful as they were heartfelt.
Slim Dunlap, whose real name was Bob, was a Minnesota-bred musician who became a pivotal part of The Replacements after replacing founding member Bob Stinson, who was fired from the band.
It was a move that revitalised the group and introduced a fresh, dynamic sound that would resonate with fans for decades.
To avoid confusion with the original Bob, lead singer Paul Westerberg suggested billing the new member as Slim, a moniker that would become synonymous with Dunlap's legacy.
The family's statement revealed that Slim passed away from 'complications from his stroke,' which he suffered in 2012.
The stroke led to a 13-year journey of health challenges and recovery, but it never dampened the spirit of a man who lived for music.
In his final moments, surrounded by his loved ones, his music serenaded Slim—his version of Hillbilly Heaven from the Live at the Turf Club.
Slim's influence extended beyond The Replacements.
He was a part of the band's final two albums, 1989’s Don’t Tell a Soul, and 1991’s All Shook Down, and his solo work also garnered critical acclaim.
His first solo album, The Old New Me, was released in 1993, followed by Times Like These in 1996.
These records caught the attention of Bruce Springsteen, who, in 2014, praised them on NPR as 'beautiful rock and roll records that he found deeply touching and emotional.'
Born in 1951 to a Minnesota state senator, Slim's journey into music was not straightforward.
Before joining The Replacements, he was a member of the band Thumbs Up, which later became Spooks.
His path crossed with Westerberg's, but initially, Slim was hesitant to join the band as he was a husband and father of three, with a sense of responsibility to provide for his family.
With the encouragement of his wife Chrissie and Westerberg, he leapt, allowing him to earn a steady income while doing what he loved most.
Slim's life before fame was as humble as his demeanour. He had worked as a taxi driver and a janitor at the First Avenue nightclub, where his wife was a talent booker.
His daughter Emily, a musician and a fan of The Replacements, found her father's new role in the band surreal, likening it to 'my dad joining the Rolling Stones.'
Credit: YouTube
As we reflect on Slim Dunlap's legacy, we are reminded of the power of music to transform lives and the importance of pursuing one's passion.
His story is one of perseverance, talent, and the unexpected twists of fate that can lead to legendary status.
May he rest in peace.
The revered guitarist and singer-songwriter known for his tenure with the band The Replacements has passed away at the age of 73.
His death on Wednesday, 18 December, has left fans and fellow musicians in disbelief as we remember a man whose contributions to rock music were as impactful as they were heartfelt.
Slim Dunlap, whose real name was Bob, was a Minnesota-bred musician who became a pivotal part of The Replacements after replacing founding member Bob Stinson, who was fired from the band.
It was a move that revitalised the group and introduced a fresh, dynamic sound that would resonate with fans for decades.
Iconic 80s rock guitarist Slim Dunlap is remembered after passing at 73 due to stroke complications. Credit: stevepoltz / Instagram
To avoid confusion with the original Bob, lead singer Paul Westerberg suggested billing the new member as Slim, a moniker that would become synonymous with Dunlap's legacy.
The family's statement revealed that Slim passed away from 'complications from his stroke,' which he suffered in 2012.
The stroke led to a 13-year journey of health challenges and recovery, but it never dampened the spirit of a man who lived for music.
In his final moments, surrounded by his loved ones, his music serenaded Slim—his version of Hillbilly Heaven from the Live at the Turf Club.
Slim's influence extended beyond The Replacements.
He was a part of the band's final two albums, 1989’s Don’t Tell a Soul, and 1991’s All Shook Down, and his solo work also garnered critical acclaim.
His first solo album, The Old New Me, was released in 1993, followed by Times Like These in 1996.
These records caught the attention of Bruce Springsteen, who, in 2014, praised them on NPR as 'beautiful rock and roll records that he found deeply touching and emotional.'
Born in 1951 to a Minnesota state senator, Slim's journey into music was not straightforward.
Before joining The Replacements, he was a member of the band Thumbs Up, which later became Spooks.
His path crossed with Westerberg's, but initially, Slim was hesitant to join the band as he was a husband and father of three, with a sense of responsibility to provide for his family.
With the encouragement of his wife Chrissie and Westerberg, he leapt, allowing him to earn a steady income while doing what he loved most.
Slim's life before fame was as humble as his demeanour. He had worked as a taxi driver and a janitor at the First Avenue nightclub, where his wife was a talent booker.
His daughter Emily, a musician and a fan of The Replacements, found her father's new role in the band surreal, likening it to 'my dad joining the Rolling Stones.'
Credit: YouTube
His story is one of perseverance, talent, and the unexpected twists of fate that can lead to legendary status.
May he rest in peace.
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