When I first saw the news today that the Replacements were reuniting, I thought, “YES! Shane Falco and the Sentinels are getting a sequel!” Little did I know it was just about some 80s punk band that a bunch of people have loved so much over the years. Oh well, maybe next year, Nigel Gruff.
In the meantime, fans of the band can finally get excited about the culmination of the rumors that started last year and led to a very limited release EP. According to the official Riot Fest website, the mysterious third big act to be joining Blink-182 and the also-recently-reunited Fall Out Boy is indeed The Replacements, as Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson and whoever else they bring along will be taking the stage in Chicago, Denver and Toronto during the cities’ respective September dates.
The only thing that remains a mystery is who will play lead guitar and drums for the shows. Obviously, Bob Stinson has long since passed away and, as most fans know, the aforementioned EP was recorded as a tribute/fundraiser for guitarist Slim Dunlap after he suffered a severe stroke last year. As for drums, the Replacements’ longtime drummer, Chris Mars, has a completely different career and would be considered a longshot. Mars performed on one track for the EP, but other sources suggest that was it for him.
Either way, we’ll take what we can get – perhaps Dave Grohl is available? – because I guess you can say that… we can’t hardly wait. Get it? Like the song? Trust me, that joke is hilarious and has never been made before.
If they don’t end each of the shows with Paul and Tommy walking off separately, I’ll be very disappointed.
