WORCESTER � The Silverbacks, one of the most beloved bands to ever rock out in Worcester, is struggling to hold back the tears after the loss of one of its members.

Laurie A. Kollios, a singer and founding member of The Silverbacks, passed away Sunday after a battle with ALS. She was 60.

Not only did Michael Lynch share vocals duties with Kollios in The Silverbacks, the two were inseparable life partners for the last 30 years.

"I'm not gonna get into the 30-year relationship thing. You'll have to see the movie for that," Lynch said. "I will say that we were totally different people, different perceptions, tastes, approaches, opinions. But, she had a big voice. She was fearless. And she loved her audiences � I'm gonna miss her like there's no tomorrow."

Silverbacks' guitarist Jim Perry, who's knew Laurie since they were in grade school together, also had nothing but praise for the singer.

"When I began showing up at the initial Silverback gatherings in the early 2000s, Laurie and I developed a special friendship," Perry recalled. "Besides being a great singer, Laurie did a lot of the grunt work behind the scenes. She was a big part of the success of The Silverbacks."

Silverbacks' drummer Bill Macgillivray first got to play with Laurie in the early '90s. And, he was immediately smitten by her talent.

"Laurie was singing with local blues guitar legend Dwight Perry, and I filled in for their regular drummer. I couldn't help but be impressed with her power and energy," Macgillivray said. "She was rather slight of frame, but I remember thinking, 'Whoa! This little gal can really belt it out!' It wasn't until 2006 or 2007 that I got to play with her fairly regularly with The Silverbacks. What a treat! Great voice, energy, and stage persona. She always 'came to play,' as the saying goes. I'll miss her."

Worcester native and accomplished pianist Athan Billias, who's now living on the West Coast, worked together with Laurie for many years.

"At the Cabaret in the heart of downtown we would do the craziest things, and many nights the place was packed for Laurie belting out Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin," Billias recalled. "It was always great to come home at Christmas and see Laurie with The Silverbacks. Those cold December nights of old friends and great music were the perfect homecoming. Her soul and passion for life and music will be missed by everyone who knew her."

Silverbacks' guitarist Cliff Goodwin called Laurie a "special lady with a heart of gold."

"Having Laurie in our lives has been a blessing," Mr. Goodwin said. "The Worcester music scene has lost a grand soul. She loved everyone and everyone loved her."

Despite the loss, Mr. Goodwin said The Silverbacks will continue, for sure.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Laurie's name to The ALS Association, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005, or to The VNA Care Hospice, 120 Thomas St., Worcester, MA 01608.