By Gary Wien
originally published: 12/13/2017
According to the official website of The Smithereens, lead singer and songwriter Pat DiNizio passed away on December 12, 2017. The cause of death was not known as of this writing.
The website stated, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Pat DiNizio, lead singer and songwriter of the influential New Jersey rock band, The Smithereens – America’s Band. Pat was looking forward to getting back on the road and seeing his many fans and friends. Please keep Pat in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Smithereens formed in Carteret in 1980 with Pat DiNizio, Jim Babjak, Mike Mesaros, and Dennis Diken. The band would have a run of rock radio hits in the eighties and nineties including “Blood and Roses,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” “A Girl Like You,” “Top of the Pops,” and “Too Much Passion.”
“Today we mourn the loss of our friend, brother and bandmate Pat DiNizio,” continued the statement on the band’s website. “Pat had the magic touch. He channeled the essence of joy and heartbreak into hook-laden three minute pop songs infused with a lifelong passion for rock & roll. Our journey with Pat was long, storied and a hell of a lot of fun. We grew up together. Little did we know that we wouldn’t grow old together. Goodbye Pat. Seems like yesterday. Jimmy, Mike, Dennis”
“The Smithereens was one of the best rock and roll bands to ever come from Jersey, and one of the most underrated bands around,” said Gary Wien, publisher of New Jersey Stage. “They combined a Jersey rock and roll vibe with a Beatlesque sound. The band's breakthrough release, Especially for You, was one of the best albums of the 1980s and sounds as fresh today as it did the day it was released. Pat DiNizio was a wonderful songwriter who will be missed greatly.”
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
EVENT PREVIEWS
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.
CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".
Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
