Chris Mars is an American painter and musician. He was the drummer for the seminal Minneapolis-based alternative rock band The Replacements from 1979 to 1990, and later joined the informal supergroup Golden Smog before beginning a solo career. While Mars concentrates mainly on his art career, he still occasionally releases new music.
Chris Mars in 1984
Mars (second from right) as part of The Replacements in 1984
The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. Initially a punk band, they are one of the main pioneers of alternative rock. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars for most of its existence. After several acclaimed albums including Let It Be and Tim, Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band in 1986, and Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist. Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over its creative output. The group disbanded in 1991, with the members eventually pursuing various projects. A reunion was announced on October 3, 2012. Fans affectionately refer to the band as the 'Mats, a nickname which originated as a truncation of "The Placemats".
The Replacements in 1984; from left to right: Bob Stinson, Tommy Stinson, Chris Mars, Paul Westerberg
The Replacements in concert at the Minneapolis bar Duffy's, c. 1982 Left to right: Westerberg, Bob Stinson, Tommy Stinson, Mars
The Replacements publicity photo, c. 1983Left to right: Mars, Tommy Stinson, Bob Stinson, Westerberg
The Replacements performing in Toronto, 2013