Smithereens' Pat DiNizio passed away at age 62

Word came from the band last night that lead singer and songwriter Pat DiNizio had passed away at the age of 62. The Smithereens might just be the most underrated rock & roll band of all time. At the height of their popularity they appeared on TV programs like SNL and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. They performed on the second-ever MTV Unplugged episode. But they never had the enduring success that their melodic but hard-edged songwriting and take-no-prisoners live shows warranted. They endured as a band for nearly 40 years, and already had shows booked for 2018. Any members of the MOL community who aren't familiar with the work of Pat, Jim, Mike, and Dennis should do themselves a favor and listen to "Especially for You," and "11," the band's archetypal albums from the 1980s. 

Many of us in the SOMA area remember The Smithereens killing it at Maplwoodstock in 2011.  Still one of my favorite MWS performances ever.  

On a personal note, Pat played a house concert at my home several years ago for my birthday, and gave my friends and me a wonderful memory that none of us will forget. Funny, engaging, and of course rocking. And my enduring memory of the day is how concerned Pat was that we set aside a plate of food that he could bring home to his mom  

RIP Pat. And thanks for all the great music.

Very sorry to hear

A terrible loss for music and New Jersey.

Here is their appearance on The Tonight Show

The Smithereens on MTV Unplugged

ml1 “On a personal note, Pat played a house concert at my home several years ago for my birthday, and gave my friends and me a wonderful memory that none of us will forget. Funny, engaging, and of course rocking.”

I too was at one many years ago as well. He was a sweet guy. Playing my signed copy tonight