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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/paul-westerberg-dogbreath-and-the-prog-rock-origins-of-the-replacements-i-was-immediately-struck/
- Published: 2026-11-04T03:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T06:41:06+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/paul-westerberg-dogbreath-prog-origins-the-replacements/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Westerberg discovered Dogbreath while passing the Stinsons’ house.
- The band’s Yes covers reflected its early prog-rock roots.
- Westerberg introduced punk records and began reshaping its sound.

## Summary

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.

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