Paul Westerberg, Dogbreath, and the prog-rock origins of The Replacements: “I was immediately struck”

Paul Westerberg joined Dogbreath after hearing the band practise Yes’ ‘Roundabout’ near his home in Minneapolis. His arrival brought punk influences and, eventually, his own songs to a group whose early repertoire leaned towards progressive and classic rock, helping set the course for The Replacements.

Brothers Bob and Tommy Stinson formed Dogbreath with drummer Chris Mars; Bob was 19 and Tommy just 11 when he gave him a bass and taught him two songs, including ‘Roundabout’. Westerberg, who had been writing songs and playing in another local band, first listened from outside before a friend took him to the house. He joined on guitar, then began singing after telling the others he would fill in until they found a vocalist.