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'Loved by Millions' reunites for charity concert at Toledo School for the Arts

The popular Toledo-based band from the '80s has come back home to perform a tribute concert Friday for former bassist EJ Wells, raising funds for arts scholarship.

TOLEDO, Ohio — If you were a part of the local music scene in the '80s here in Toledo, you are probably familiar with the band Loved by Millions.

Now, the band is back together after decades apart for one last concert for a good cause.

The band Loved by Millions was loved in the Toledo area. From 1985-88, they were one of the most popular bands in the region.

"There was a lot of bands, a lot of good talent going on at the time and the club scene was really good." vocalist Steven J Athanas said.

Now, the band is back together, with many of the members visiting the area for the first time in years.

But from the sounds of their rehearsal today, they haven't missed a beat.

"From note one when we started playing again, it's like 'yeah!' This is just like we did it yesterday,'" guitarist David Burk said.

Loved by Millions is back in Toledo for one more performance, a tribute concert to celebrate the life of founding bassist Ed "EJ" Wells, who passed away in September.

Credit: Jon Monk
The band members have not been all together in 30 years, but said they picked right back up where they left off performing together.

Scott Shriner, who is currently the bassist for international act Weezer, had the tough task of replacing Wells after an accident prevented him from playing with the band.

"Ed was right in front of me, standing there with his arms crossed, just staring at me, and I was like sweating bullets playing," Shriner said. "And you know, it turns out that he is one of the sweetest and gentlest guys I've ever met and we got to be best friends. Amazing guy."

Credit: Walker Funeral Home
Wells was a founding member of Loved by Millions, but could no longer play with the band after being injured in an accident.

Shriner said he knew he wanted to get back together with the boys after decades apart to make sure everyone knew about EJ Wells and appreciated his impact on the local music scene.

"Loved by Millions is also a big thing, and it kind of is what got me on my start in music," Shriner said. "And yeah, it's just good to remember the legends, and to me, Ed is a legend."

The concert is all for a good cause, as proceeds from the Friday night show will go toward the Pat OConnor Fund for Toledo Music & Arts.

"We want to pass along what we know, and nurture that next generation to take up the torch, so to speak," Burk said.

The Loved by Millions tribute to EJ Wells concert is Friday, May 3, at 7 p.m. at the Toledo School for the Arts Black Box Studio

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