Paul Westerberg's manager has confirmed to the Minneapolis Star Tribune that The Replacements reunion lineup will feature drummer Josh Freese and guitarist David Minehan in addition to original members Westerberg and Tommy Stinson. Freese is like the Zelig of rock drummers, having transformed himself to play with everyone from Devo and The Vandals to Weezer, Nine Inch Nails, and A Perfect Circle. Also Daughtry and Sublime With Rome. And he co-wrote "Chinese Democracy." And played drums on the two new Replacements tracks that appeared on the hits package Don't You Know Who I Think I Was? Minehan played on Westerberg's solo album 14 Songs, and also leads Boston band The Neighborhoods. Minehan is stepping in for Bob Stinson, who died in 1995; former guitarist Slim Dunlap is still suffering the effects of a stroke he had last year. (Westerberg and Stinson released Songs For Slim to raise money for him.) The Replacements first show in 22 years will take place at Riot Fest Toronto on August 25; it'll be followed by just two more scheduled shows, at two more Riot Fests: September 15 in Chicago and September 21 in Denver. Tickets are still available for all of 'em—it might be your only chance, kids.
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