PAT DINIZIO / THE SMITHEREENS

The Smithereens are a popular rock band hailing from New Jersey. Carteret High School classmates Jim Babjak (guitars), Mike Mesaros (bass) and Dennis Diken (drums) linked up with Scotch Plains singer, Pat DiNizio in 1980.

The group's power pop sound was heavily influenced by music from the sixties and combined with east-coast rock 'n' roll roots helped The Smithereens balance the mid-80's music charts with a strong retro undercurrent. Hit songs such as 1986's "Blood and Roses" and "Behind The Wall Of Sleep" as well as 1989's "A Girl Like You" are staples in any healthy diet of rock-pop hits from that decade. With eight studio albums, three live albums and one best-of compilation to their name, The Smithereens also earned a solid reputation as an excellent live band.

Pat DiNizio is the frontman and primary singer/songwriter for the group. On his own, he's released three solo albums and explored projects outside the musical realm. In 2000, DiNizio ran for the New Jersey seat in the U.S. Senate and chronicled the campaign in the documentary film "Mr. Smithereen Goes To Washington." Also in 2000, DiNizio launched the Living Room Tour, a five-month acoustic run of live solo dates of requested songs performed in fans' private homes; he still does Living Room Shows.

In 2001, he began hosting and program directing the Unsigned station on the then burgeoning XM Satellite Radio and in 2006, ESPN2 created a reality special which covered DiNizio's recovery from personal health issues by attempting to try out for the New Jersey minor league baseball team, The Somerset Patriots.

While Pat DiNizio still performs, tours and records as a solo artist, his identity as the frontman of The Smithereens is undeniable; The Smithereens continue to tour and work. In 2007, Meet The Smithereens (the band faithfully paying homage to The Beatles' groundbreaking album by re-recording the twelve classic tracks in Smithereens style) and Christmas With The Smithereens (the band's unique sound and take on holiday favorites) were both released.

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For more information on The Smithereens (including current tour dates) please visit www.officialsmithereens.com

For more information on Pat DiNizio, please visit www.patdinizio.com

MPCA proudly owns the Pat DiNizio catalogue of work, including the most popular and familiar Smithereens hit songs.