Ever since The Replacements played their final show on July 4th, 1991 in Chicago, fans have wondered if the highly influential rock group would ever reunite. It wasn’t as if the members were just sitting around; frontman Paul Westerberg had went on to a fairly successful solo career, and Tommy Stinson went on to become the bassist for Guns N’ Roses. Still, Westerberg and Stinson told Rolling Stone last year that they had recorded a four-song covers EP together, though without the help of drummer Chris Mars. Another drummer, Peter Anderson, and touring guitarist Kevin Bowe were allegedly involved on the release that had covers of Dunlap’s “Busted Up”, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from the Broadway musical Gypsy, Gordon Lightfoot’s “I’m Not Sayin'”, and Hank Williams’ “Lost Highway”. That covers EP, Songs For Slim, was released earlier this year, and actually ended up featuring Mars after all, on a solo version of Dunlap’s “Radio Hook Word Hit”. It was the first time since 1991 the three Replacements mainstays had worked together, this time as a tribute and benefit to former Replacements guitarist Slim Dunlap, who was hospitalized in February 2012 after suffering a severe stroke.
After the enthusiasm that Songs For Slim received, The Replacements have decided to embark on a reunion tour. Westerberg and Stinson are definitely confirmed to play headlining slots at three Riot Fests in Chicago, Toronto, and Denver. Their first reunion show will be at Toronto’s Riot Fest on Sunday, August 24th, as they play alongside Iggy & the Stooges. The Chicago date is three weeks later, with Denver’s Riot Fest taking place after that on September 21st and 22nd. Additional details are scarce, like how many original members will join and if The Replacements intend to play beyond these three shows, but one thing is for certain: The Replacements are back!
MP3: “Can’t Hardly Wait”
