Bob “Slim” Dunlap, guitarist for the Minneapolis alternative rock band The Replacements, and acclaimed solo artist, died December 18, 2024 at his home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was 73.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement to the Minnesota Star Tribune, noting, “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.” 

The cause was complications from a stroke he suffered in 2012. His wife, Chrissie, said in a 2023 interview, “He is paralyzed and can only move his head. He will never play again,” adding that he had been hospitalized over 100 times. 

Born in 1951 in Plainview, Minnesota, Dunlap began playing guitar at age 10. In the early 1970s, he formed the band Thumbs Up with musician Curtiss A, playing a blend of rhythm and blues with pop. He later joined Curtiss A’s punk-rock group Spooks. 

Before joining The Replacements, Dunlap had established himself as a versatile and reliable musician in the Minneapolis music scene. His work with Curtiss A caught the attention of Paul Westerberg, who was searching for a new guitarist. 

Dunlap officially joined The Replacements in 1987 after founding member Bob Stinson was dismissed. He initially rejected the offer but ultimately accepted it because he admired Paul Westerberg’s songwriting. He played on the band’s final two studio albums, “Don’t Tell a Soul” (1989) and “All Shook Down” (1990). 

His hiring proved crucial in allowing The Replacements to continue after Stinson’s departure. During his tenure, Dunlap also participated in the band’s tour, supporting their album “Pleased to Meet Me.” 

Known for his gentle approach to guitar playing, Dunlap utilized a distinctive thumb-pick style that added depth and wistful introspection to the band’s music. 

After The Replacements disbanded in 1991, Dunlap released two solo albums: “The Old New Me” (1993) and “Times Like This” (1996). His work earned praise from Bruce Springsteen, who described the albums as “deeply touching and emotional.” 

Following Dunlap’s 2012 stroke, fellow musicians rallied to support him. The Replacements reunited in 2013 to release a five-song benefit EP titled “Songs for Slim” to raise funds for his medical care. Though his stroke prevented him from joining The Replacements’ 2014 reunion tour, Westerberg confirmed that Dunlap had blessed the band to continue. Steve Earle was among the notable musicians who praised Dunlap’s solo work. In 2020, he released a live album documenting a 2002 performance.

In a 2023 interview, Dunlap reflected on his time with The Replacements, acknowledging that replacing Bob Stinson was impossible. While he learned Stinson’s parts, he brought his own style to the role. He described the experience as thrilling and emotionally challenging, likening it to a roller coaster ride. Despite the ups and downs, it allowed him to achieve many of his dreams and opened new opportunities, for which he expressed deep gratitude to Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson, and Chris Mars for giving him a chance.

Dunlap is survived by his wife Chrissie, three children, including musician daughter Emily Boigenzahn, six grandchildren, and three sisters.