The Replacements Broke Up 20 Years Ago Today in Chicago

By Jon Graef in Arts & Entertainment on Jul 4, 2011 7:15PM

On July 4, 1991, The Replacements, who had emerged from the Minneapolis hardcore scene to profound critical acclaim as alt-rock pioneers, gave their last performance ever at the Taste of Chicago, of all places. That was 20 years ago today.

In the context of consolidated music at the Taste of Chicago and in the context of Alternative Nation's 20th anniversary, that little bit of rock trivia is pretty significant.

The Replacements earned soaring rock accolades, if not commercial success, with three of the best rock albums from the 1980s (Let It Be, Tim and Pleased To Meet Me )--releases which combined anthemic rock with self-deprecating lyrics reflecting a lovable losers point-of-view. Though the Mats were lionized amongst the college radio crowd, the group weathered numerous setbacks, including fired original members, botched television appearances, and the lackluster reception of their last two albums. All of which adds up to July 4, 1991, when the group finally decided to call it quits--live at the Taste of Chicago, at a concert broadcast live by WXRT.

You can read Greg Kot's review of the concert, which includes some memorable details, here, and Frank E. Lee's memories of the show here.

If you want to get further in depth, author Jim Walsh's oral history of the group, All Over But The Shouting, is on Google Books. On page 232, you'll get remembrances of the show from Jim DeRogatis, Replacements manager Peter Jesperson, and, of course, the band members themselves.

While you're BBQ'ing, be sure to pour one out for the 'Mats. Here is a video that will help, a live version of "Within Your Reach," which contains footage shot in Chicago.