|
Toledo band Loved By Millions to play tribute concert at Toledo School for the Arts
Author: Jonathan Monk WTOL
Published: May 2, 2024
Scott Shriner, current bassist with Weezer and bassist for Loved by Millions, talks about the tribute concert on Friday at TSA Black Box Studio in honor of EJ Wells.
Jonathan Monk, WTOL:
Are you a founding member?
Scott:
No, I am not a founding member. Ed Wells is the founding bass player. I actually saw him playing with the band. I went as a fan, right? And then Ed had a terrible, like, kind of, chainsaw accident, which he survived, of course, but he couldn't do the gig anymore. And so I auditioned. I think it was at the old pub, near the university... where my audition was.
WTOL:
What about this band? You said were a fan. What [was it] about the vibe that they were bringing to the performances, or their songs, that resonated with you?
Scott:
They were just, like, some of the best musicians in Toledo. They really looked like they were having fun. It was great. It was kind of alternative music and R&B. Steve is real charismatic - tons of rizz. I was kind of in awe of the guy. So I was a super nervous kid going in with a goofy bass. Funny enough, once I got the gig, and Ed recovered... he came out to watch us. One of my first gigs, at Primetime, I think. Ed was right in front of me just like standing there, with his arms crossed, just staring at me. I was just like sweating bullets like playing. You know it turns out that he's like one of the sweetest and gentlest guys I've ever met, and we got to be like best friends. You know, amazing guy. But he definitely can put on like a kind of a bear kind of vibe.
WTOL:
Speaking of [Wells], why is it important for you guys to come back together this Friday to honor his memory?
Scott:
Obviously it's going to benefit the [Toledo School for the Arts]. I just think Ed is like an important part of Toledo music history, you know what I mean? And Loved by Millions is also a big thing, and it's kind of what got me on my start in music. It's just good to remember the legends. And to me, Ed's a legend.
WTOL:
When's the last time you were with [Loved by Millions] all together? All together it's been a while, but when's the last time you were with some of these folks and able to play with them?
Scott:
I'm gonna say... I'm gonna really go way back and say it was probably 1988..."
WTOL:
What was it like the first time you guys started rehearsing or jamming together?
Scott:
Like I said, I am still in awe of these musicians. Not only are they super talented, they're really funny and intelligent. So just to sit here in a room with them and throw some jokes around - it's one of the greatest moments of my life. I am having an absolute blast.
WTOL:
What would you say to folks? Obviously there's a group of people who are excited and ready to go on Friday, but what would you say to folks who are looking for something to do? Why should they choose [the show]?
Scott:
There's a little bit of music for everybody. It's a family friendly event. Come out and support a good cause. If you don't know Ed, you'll learn a little something about him. Know your history and your Toledo legends of rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Come on down and support local music.
WTOL:
What got you into music? What got you into playing the bass?
Scott:
I guess just seeing some rock and roll movies. Song Remains the Same, The Kids Alright by the Who. I was like "I want to be that guy, and stand up there." So I started taking lessons and I hung out in lot of music stores. Our mutual friend Greg Leonard worked at a music store. I'd be sitting there playing and he's like... "You play alright... I know these guys that need a bass player, you know what I mean?" He sent me out on three or four different auditions... like the Exciters and the Movers. And then finally like he's like "Hey - Loved by Millions... Ed has a problem. They need a bass player." That's when I grabbed my Steinburger, the goofiest bass in town, and showed up with this terrible haircut... and we just hit it off.
WTOL:
Anything else specific you want to make sure you say on camera while we have you here?
Scott:
No... just like I said, make sure you come down on Friday night. Support the arts!
| 
