Pat DiNizio, lead singer of The Smithereens, has died at the age of 62. A cause of death is yet to be announced.
The Smithereens announced Pat’s death on social media.
A message from Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, and Mike Mesaros:
Today we mourn the loss of our friend, brother and bandmate Pat DiNizio.
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
That was followed by:
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.
Strangely back in September rumours of Pat’s death spread across the internet leading him to make the statement:
REPORTS OF MY DEMISE HAVE BEEN GREATLY EXAGGERATED! I SUFFERED A BAD FALL IN THE HOME THE OTHER DAY AND INJURED MYSELF, BUT TRUST ME, I’M NOT ON MY DEATHBED OR ANYWHERE NEAR IT:-I AM HURT, HOWEVER, RECEIVING GREAT MEDICAL CARE, BUT HAVE BEEN ORDERED BY MY PHYSICIANS TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF TO INSURE A COMPLETE AND HEALTHY RECOVERY, SO,,WE’VE GOT TO TAKE SOME TIM E OFF FROM THE ROAD SO THAT I CAN GET BETTER, WE’LL BE RESCHEDULING A FEW DATES SO THAT I CAN HEAL PROPERLY. SOMEONE SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE THAT HAS ALARMED SOME OF YOU! AND I WANTED TO PERSONALLY LET YOU KNOW THAT I AM ALIVE AND WELL AND ON THE MEND! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN IN YOUR TOWN VERY SOON – ALL MY LOVE AND MY VERY BEST TO YOU, PAT DINIZIO
The Smithereens formed in New Jersey in 1980. There best known song was ‘A Girl Like You’.
They also recorded tribute albums to The Beatles and The Who.
