Finn Wolfhard Pays Tribute to The Replacements on SNL
“Stranger Things” star Finn Wolfhard gave a nod to the cult Minneapolis band the Replacements during his hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live.” The actor’s tribute was a subtle yet significant one, as he wore a vintage Replacements t-shirt from the group’s final tour in 1991 while introducing musical guest A$AP Rocky on Saturday’s show.
Wolfhard’s connection to the Replacements runs deep, as he is currently co-writing a film based on Bob Mehr’s best-selling biography “Trouble Boys: The True Story of the Replacements” with his father, Eric. This project is a testament to the band’s enduring influence and the actor’s personal connection to their music. As Wolfhard announced on Instagram in October, “One of my parents’ first dates was to a Replacements concert. Then I was born!”
A Nod to the Replacements’ Infamous SNL Debut
The Replacements’ infamous debut as musical guests on “SNL” took place 40 years ago Sunday, which may have also been a reference point for Wolfhard’s tribute. The band’s profanity-laced performance led to a lifetime ban from the show, imposed by producer Lorne Michaels. However, Michaels did welcome back band leader Paul Westerberg as a solo artist in 1993. This complex history adds another layer of significance to Wolfhard’s nod to the Replacements.
Bob Mehr, the music critic for the Commercial Appeal newspaper in Memphis, Tenn., and author of “Trouble Boys,” also expressed his enthusiasm for the film adaptation on social media. Mehr wrote, “In the nearly ten years since ‘Trouble Boys’ was published, I’ve been flattered and fortunate that so many accomplished, talented people have approached me about adapting the book for both the big and small screen.” He also praised Wolfhard, his father Eric, and producer Richard Peete for their vision for the project.
A Lasting Legacy
The Replacements’ influence on the music world is undeniable, and their story continues to captivate audiences. As Mehr noted, “I’ve continued to believe that the Replacements’ tale would eventually transcend the page and find life in another format.” With Wolfhard’s film adaptation in the works, fans of the band can look forward to a new interpretation of their story. For more information on this story, visit Here
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