Bastards of young, dope smokin’ morons, girls who play make-up and wear guitar. If any of that describes you or you’d just like to hear a group of bands pay tribute to one of the greatest American rock groups of all time, come to Woodruff’s, located at 36 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, on Saturday at 9 p.m. for ‘Mats Fest.
The Replacements, often called the ‘Mats—hence the name of the event—formed in 1979 and disbanded in 1991. Their main line-up was made up of songwriter Paul Westerberg on guitar and vocals, Bob Stinson on guitar before he was kicked out of the band in 1986, Tommy Stinson on bass and Chris Mars on drums.
They were famous for their intense live shows where they often performed while drunk, and even got banned from “Saturday Night Live” in 1986. Despite not selling many records, the group managed to become one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of the 1980s. If you’re a fan of a current indie or alternative rock band, chances are they’re influenced in some way by The Replacements.
Musical performers for the event include Scott Martin, The Real Americans, Your Gracious Host, Stupid Beautiful Heaven, 40 Stitches Later, The Plurals, Hoveround Pile Up and Thunderbuck Ram.
There is a $5 cover charge and doors open at 8 p.m. Proceeds from the show will benefit Ozone House, a Washtenaw County shelter for runaway, homeless and high-risk youth.
If you decide to go but haven’t heard The Replacements before, I’d recommend listening to their 1984 masterpiece “Let it Be,” you’ll be glad you did.
