When growing up, Slim Dunlap nurtured a love for stars like Hank Williams and Keith Richards. Dunlap eventually turned that love into a career as he performed alongside The Replacements for several years. He also explored a solo career that landed him a few studio albums. His last album, Thank You Dancers!, released in 2020. It marked his first studio album in nearly 24 years. While leaving his mark in the music industry, sadly, news broke that the legendary musician passed away at 73 years old.
The news of Dunlap’s passing first appeared on The Slim Dunlap fan club’s Facebook page. Full of memories and pictures of Dunlap’s career, an admin posted the heartbreaking news, writing, “Our beloved Slimbob passed away today surrounded by his family. Loved by everyone. He will live on in all our memories. There will be more words, but I don’t have them now, more than thank you, Bob! Love you, always.”
Videos by American Songwriter
As fans learned about Dunlap’s passing, they filled the page with love and support for his family. Many also took the time to remember the musician as one person wrote, “He was a sweet and generous man. Whenever he played at the Uptown he would gleefully show me his latest gear…this distortion pedal he made himself and just take the time connect. I so appreciated that. RIP good sir.”
[RELATED: The Story Behind “I’ll Be You” by The Replacements and Why It Was the Band’s Last Chance]
Family Made Sure Slim Dunlap Was Surrounded By Great Music
According to a statement released by the family, Dunlap’s death was caused by complications surrounding his 2012 stroke. Having a love for music, the musician’s family made sure he was surrounded by not just love but also great music. “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 poignant. It was a natural decline over the past week. Overall it was due to complications from his stroke.”
Producer Matt Wallace also took a moment to remember the famed musician. Having worked with Dunlap on albums like Don’t Tell a Soul, the producer noted, “Slim provided a nice yin/yang from [the other members’] bluster. He was more gentle and brought out a quieter side to these songs, which really was called for.”
(Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)