The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis in 1979 — Paul Westerberg, the Stinson brothers, and Chris Mars — who grew from ragged punk into some of the finest songwriting of the '80s underground. Let It Be (1984) and Tim (1985) are the classics everyone starts with, for good reason. Explore The Replacements vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Replacements formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1979. The classic lineup was Paul Westerberg (vocals, guitar, principal songwriter), guitarist Bob Stinson (1959-1995), his younger brother bassist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars. Known affectionately as the Mats, the band built a fervent cult following and a reputation for chaotic, unpredictable live shows, becoming one of the most influential American underground rock bands of the 1980s.
The Replacements began as a ragged, fast punk band and evolved into one of the era's finest songwriting vehicles, blending punk energy with power pop, classic rock, and tender balladry. Westerberg's emotionally raw, witty songwriting and the band's loose, heart-on-sleeve delivery made them touchstones for later alternative and indie rock.
The Replacements' Twin/Tone and Sire catalog has been reissued in deluxe and box-set editions with demos and outtakes, including expanded versions of Tim and Let It Be. Original pressings are highly collected by alternative-rock fans.
Listeners new to The Replacements almost always start with Let It Be (1984) or Tim (1985). For related listening, see and .
