Bob “Slim” Dunlap, known for his guitar prowess with the alternative rock band The Replacements and as a celebrated solo performer, died at his Minneapolis, Minnesota, home on December 18, 2024. He was 73 years old.
Dunlap’s family announced his passing to the Minnesota Star Tribune. They said, “Bob passed at home today at 12:48 p.m., surrounded by family. We played him his ‘Live at the Turf Club (‘Thank You Dancers!)’ CD, and he left us shortly after listening to his version of ‘Hillbilly Heaven’ — quite poetic.”
His death was attributed to complications from a 2012 stroke. In a 2023 interview, his wife Chrissie disclosed, “He is paralyzed and can only move his head. He will never play again,” and revealed he had been hospitalized over 100 times.
Dunlap, born in Plainview, Minnesota, in 1951, started playing guitar when he was 10. In the early 70s, he and musician Curtiss A formed the band Thumbs Up, blending rhythm and blues with pop. Later, he joined Curtiss A’s punk-rock band, Spooks.
Prior to his tenure with The Replacements, Dunlap was a well-respected figure in the Minneapolis music scene due to his versatility and reliability. His collaboration with Curtiss A caught the eye of Paul Westerberg who was seeking a new guitarist at the time.
He replaced founding member Bob Stinson as The Replacements’ guitarist in 1987 after initially declining the offer. Dunlap’s admiration for Westerberg’s songwriting eventually led him to accept. He contributed to the band’s last two studio albums, “Don’t Tell a Soul” (1989) and “All Shook Down” (1990).
His addition was instrumental in keeping The Replacements afloat after Stinson’s exit. Dunlap also joined the band’s tour, supporting their album “Pleased to Meet Me.”
Dunlap was recognized for his unique thumb-pick guitar style, which gave The Replacements’ music an additional layer of depth and contemplative introspection.
Following The Replacements’ split in 1991, Dunlap launched his solo career, releasing “The Old New Me” (1993) and “Times Like This” (1996). His work caught the attention of Bruce Springsteen, who described the albums as “deeply touching and emotional.”
After Dunlap’s stroke in 2012, the music community rallied to help him. The Replacements came together in 2013 and released a five-song EP, “Songs for Slim,” to raise funds for his medical expenses. Despite his inability to participate in the band’s 2014 reunion tour due to his condition, Westerberg confirmed that Dunlap gave his blessing for them to proceed. His solo work also received acclaim from notable musicians like Steve Earle. In 2020, a live album from a 2002 performance was released.
In a 2023 interview, Dunlap reflected on his time with The Replacements. He admitted that he couldn’t replace Bob Stinson, but he was able to bring his own style to the table. He described the experience as a thrilling and emotional roller coaster. Despite the ups and downs, he was grateful to Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson, and Chris Mars for giving him the opportunity to fulfill many of his dreams.
Dunlap is survived by his wife Chrissie, their three children including musician Emily Boigenzahn, six grandchildren, and three sisters.