‘Trouble Boys: The True Story of The Replacements’

Although now recognized as one of the greatest rock bands of its generation, The Replacements did not initially enjoy uniformly stellar reviews, good fortune or great fame. In portions of the book that provide scenarios not exactly enjoyable to read, Mehr describes how each band member endured troubled backgrounds, including drinking, drugs, abuse, neglect and mental illness. In a scene that is as funny as it is sad, Mehr describes how co-founder Bob Stinson coaxed his 11-year-old brother to play bass, punching him and throwing things at him until he improved.Bob Mehr has written a detailed biography of the legendary Minneapolis band The Replacements. Weighing in at more than 500 pages, the book is the impressive result of years of research and is based on interviews that Mehr held with more than 200 people.

The Replacements developed a reputation of being bent on self-destruction, not caring what the music industry and fans wanted, even though many patient or persistent people offered them opportunities and second or third chances.

The band destroyed equipment, vehicles and hotel rooms, sabotaged radio interviews and TV performances (including a legendary “Saturday Night Live” show), squandered cash, purposefully botched shows and tours, and fired, pushed away or pissed off managers, roadies, label heads, marketing professionals, fans and even band members. Having insight into the band members’ personal stories affords an even greater appreciation of the music and how they could work through their troubled youths to accomplish so much musically and leave an amazing legacy. CV

By Bob Mehr Da Capo Press March 1, 2016 $27.50 520 pp

Fay Jones was born with a love of literature, which was finely shored up throughout her early years by her parents and a beloved children’s librarian who wore the thickest glasses ever manufactured.