Picking up the bass guitar at 11 years old saved Tommy Stinson’s life.
He was hanging out with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble, until his brother Bob put a bass in Stinson’s hands, and the rest is history.
Stinson’s early musical influences were Rick Derringer, Johnny Winter and Yes. His tastes evolved after he was introduced to The Clash and The Jam by his childhood friend David Roth.
Stinson, one of the youngest bassists ever signed to a record label at age 13, co-founded The Replacements with Bob, Chris Mars and Paul Westerberg in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Replacements are rock ‘n’ roll royalty in the Twin Cities and beyond. It was a special time when the band first started playing music in their hometown.
“During the early 1980s, Minneapolis had a diverse music scene with different flavors,” said Stinson. “We all kind of fed off each other in a funny way and it worked.”
Underrated band, Big Star, made a musical impact on The Replacements’ sound.
Memphis met Minneapolis when Big Star’s lead vocalist Alex Chilton toured with The Replacements and worked with them in the studio during the recording sessions for “Pleased to Meet Me.” He also played guitar on the track “Can’t Hardly Wait.” The band returned the favor by writing and recording the song, “Alex Chilton,” in his honor.
The Replacements are one of my favorite alternative-rock groups. I was blown away when I saw them perform at Visage in Orlando on May 25, 1991. I was fortunate to have seen songwriting genius Westerberg and brilliant bassist Stinson, who were the only two original band members on the “All Shook Down” tour.
Stinson’s versatility flourished by becoming the frontman of his bands Bash & Pop, Cowboys in the Campfire and Perfect. He has also lent his virtuosity to Guns N’ Roses and Minneapolis pals Soul Asylum.
“Lucky for me, I got to jump around and do a lot of interesting things with Guns N’ Roses and in the alternative-rock scene,” said Stinson. “I’m writing for me and my own guy right now as a solo artist, which feels pretty good.”
He will be releasing a new album early next year and has enjoyed the rockin’ ride.
“There have been good, bad and upside-down times,” reflected Stinson. “I feel grateful and lucky to still have an opportunity to earn a living by making music. It has been a true pleasure.”
Fans will have an opportunity to hear his solo material and Bash & Pop, Cowboys in the Campfire and Perfect tunes when his one-man tour makes a stop at The Imperial on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. Turtleneck is the opening act. Admission is $30.37 (includes service fees). Ticket link: bit.ly/4htg4YY
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