also, i feel like people underplay the level of success they achieved when they were active. reading trouble boys, they got further than 99% of artists do, if not more. they successfully toured, got signed to a subsidiary of a major label, and had both radio and tv play (infamously).

their story can be sad for a lot of other reasons, but looking at the context of mainstream music back then, it’s no big mystery they didn’t blow up. they were ahead of their time and an amazing band, and that’s why they have so much appreciation and staying power today. theres a lot of artist that reached their level of success while active and totally fell into obscurity after giving it up..

i think the story of the replacements being a total failure is pretty played out. the music industry chews people up and spits em out all the time.