RIP Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens

From the band's Facebook page...

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.

 

RIP

 

Oh man. That is really a shame. He was a great songwriter.

RIP

 

So sad to hear. Rest in peace.

 

Man, I played the heck out of 11 back in the day, and enjoyed the other songs I heard from them over the years. Unfortunately, I never saw them live.

Rest In Peace, Pat.

 

Damn

 

11 is definitely their commercial masterpiece. I've loved it since the first time I heard it. I'm also really partial to God Save the Smithereens and Meet the Smithereens where they covered every song from Meet the Beatles.

 

I saw him play in a tiny place in Troy, NY; no stage, just a space on the floor in the back of the place. I was with my late best friend who loved Pat's music. Ah, man, oh man. So sad.

 

Wow! I really liked those guys!

RIP indeed.

Dammit.

 

As Dave Grohl so eloquently put it..."some people play rock 'n' roll, and some people ARE rock 'n' roll." Pat DiNizio was the latter.

 

Rest easy, Mr. DiNizio.

The first three Smithereens albums were staples of my youth. Blown To Smithereens should be in every Gen X collection.

We are in a lonely place without you.

 

Another one gone way too soon out of the blue! RIP Pat. God save the Smithereens.

 

I saw them several times over the years, the last being about 5 years ago. They were great as usual. RIP Pat.

 

An incredible singer, songwriter and performer. He will be sorely missed. Just a few days ago he posted on Facebook best wishes for the holiday and an optimistic note about his recovery. RIP, Pat. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

What happened?

 

This is just shocking and sad. Was going to see them next year after missing them so many times.

 

Aw, crap.

Very sad news.

RIP.

 

Probably a heart attack.

 

He's probably tuning up to play a set with Tommy Keene. RIP.


Dan

 

He had a fall at his place sometime the end of September...? He seemed in good spirits and joked about it. This is a sad surprise. RIP Pat.

 

Wow, this was unexpected.

I saw the band in concert this past spring. When Pat walked onstage with his arm in a sling, someone in the audience made a comment that I couldn't quite hear. It must have been to the effect of "what happened?" because Pat replied, "I got old, mother******."

Pat didn't play any guitar that night, but his voice (and the band) still sounded great. The band must have played for more than 2.5 hours.

 

Sad... Seemed like a good guy...

Also a really good interview. His acoustic sessions syndicated reading show was excellent.

RIP

 

RIP to Pat, such sad news!

 

OH, COME ON!

This is just... I dunno, it's just wrong. R.I.P.

 

RIP.