the Whole Lotta Loves

In 1981, the Whole Lotta Loves were christened over ice-cold beers at the Vegas Lounge in Northeast Minneapolis. Band members at that time included former members of the MORs, Bruce and Scott Browning and Mark Engebretson; Roger Seeling, formerly with the Fridleys; and, Ernie Batson, who had temporarily left the Hypstrz, a band he led with his brother Bill Batson. The Batson still perform today in King Kustom and Cruisers, the Hypstrz, and the Mighty Mofos.

The Loves broke up in April 1982. In the fall of 1983, a reunion gig with old pals Man Sized Action prompted a Minnesota Daily reviewer to urge the band to re-unite more permanently. The Loves followed his advice and soon thereafter brought in Scott Anderson, also a former MOR member, on guitar as Ernie rejoined Bill to form the Mighty Mofos.

The Loves played a number of gigs, recorded Recline and Fall of Rock & Roll Part 2, contributed a track to Twin Tone’s Big Hits of Mid-America Vol. IV, and then broke up for good in May 1986.

Two reunion shows followed in December 1990 (20th anniversary of First Avenue) and December 2000 (30th anniversary of First Avenue). Ernie performed in place of Scott Anderson in both reunion shows.

In 2009, the Loves re-formed to play a benefit show for Jill Krimmel of the Wahinis. Engebretson's 10-year-old daughter, Alma, played guitar in place of Batson/Anderson. Bruce and Scott's younger brother, Jim, played drums in place of Bruce. Tippy from Man Sized Action sang backup.

In 2001, the Whole Lotta Loves were featured in “Unsatisfied,” a Hennepin County History Museum exhibit about the 1980s Minneapolis music scene. Part of this exhibit is on display at First Avenue.

Drummer Bruce Browning was the band's primary songwriter, although Scott Anderson also penned several songs.

Whole Lotta Loves on Myspace