The Smithereens were an important part of the alternative rock scene of the 1980's. Their fresh sound had hints of British Invasion pop combined with heavy guitars, big bass lines and poetic lyrics. The band gained notoriety for memorable songs such as 'Blood and Roses', 'Only A Memory' and 'Too Much Passion'. In the early 90s, grunge dramatically altered the scene and displaced groups such as The Smithereens. Despite the musical climate the band released several albums in the 90's and continued to play live shows for their loyal fan base.

Following up on their June 13, 2003 appearance at Double Ds Rock Club in Morristown, New Jersey, The Smithereens performed for a capacity crowd on January 30, 2004. Alchemy and Splooge opened for The Smithereens who took the stage around midnight.

The quartet all clad in dark colors opened with the popular 'A Girl Like You'. Mike Mesaros – who is such a vital part of their signature sound – used a powerful, booming, beat-up wood bass. They executed an extended high-energy version of the classic and the audience joined in for the chorus "I'd say anything".

Next they played 'Time and Time Again' and 'The House We Use to Live In'. The tracks were delivered in a familiar form with jams and the added excitement of a live audience. Pat played the harmonica and the band improvised and contributed harmonizing vocals around one mike.

'Drown in My Own Tears' and 'Life is So Beautiful' were next on the agenda. 'Blues Before & After' featured some strong guitar work and power chords. The next four songs 'William Wilson', 'If The Sun Doesn't Shine', 'Room Without a View' and 'Maria Elena' were perhaps lesser known but still had that wonderful Smithereen's touch. Pat alluded that some of these were rarities in their live repertoire.

'Behind the Wall of Sleep' was energized and featured a little choreography toward the close. 'Only A Memory' included audience participation and jams. Afterwards, Dinizio got a light from a crowd member and smoked through 'Especially For You' as Jim Babjak the guitarist once again shined on his solo. 'In a Lonely Place' had the crowd singing the chorus as it faded into an instrumental end.

Pat called 'Cut Flowers' a ballad with a beat as the audience occasionally called out their requests. Dennis Diken on drums was a constant source of musical strength throughout The Smithereens 25 song set.

The Smithereens – Jim and Pat!

'She's Got a World of Her Own' was followed by 'Yesterday's Girl' which featured Pat and Mike in a musical duel before returning to the hook of the song. 'Deep Black' and 'Green Thoughts' were colorfully executed. 'Blood & Roses', with its distinctive bass line, was a climatic closer.

Back for an encore, The Smithereens returned to their early roots as a cover band and performed a couple of Beatles tunes and 'Who'll Stop the Rain'. An extended version of 'Top of the Pops' was the fulfilling finale. The Smithereens played a well-rounded set of hits, extended jams and rarities proving that they are still a viable music force.

At one point during the evening Pat alluded that the band might be rusty being that this was their first show of the year. While their performance may not have had the dominance of their tight, cohesive set from 2003, the 2004 setlist made up for the rust in rarities, number of songs and set-length.

Band leader and lead singer Pat DiNizio is on double duty all by himself and then some. The Smithereens are a high-quality, legendary top-shelf recording outfit. But, Dinzio doesn't tour with them nearly enough. This is due to Pat's grueling schedule which accommodates his multi-hat itinerary and innovative solo career which includes tour stops in the living rooms of some of his most ardent fans.

When not performing this iconic New Jersey-based rocker has taken his message to the people. DiNizio was a Republican Party Committeeman at age 18 and the Reform Party Candidate for U.S. Senate in New Jersey in 2000. DiNizio also served as program director and radio personality for XM Satellite Radio's "XM UNSIGNED", the first ever and only national radio station to focus solely on the music of unsigned bands, emerging artists, and independent record labels from 2001 - 2003.

In the past year, Pat has switched hats again, and finished writing and directing his first full-length feature film, "King Leisure, Straight Outta Da 'Burbs'", which was premiered at the 4th Annual DIY film festival in Hollywood, CA on February 6, 2004.

Filmed in digital video in just 40 days for less than $60,000, King Leisure, SOB is the comedic, semi-autobiographical story of an aging rock star who successfully reinvents himself by super-imposing his improbable conservative mores on a changing youth culture while up-ending many of the traditional practices of the music industry.

"This film is a cross between It's A Wonderful Life and Spinal Tap, and one I've dreamed of making since I re-tooled On Her Majesty's Secret Service in a New Jersey sewage ditch with some schoolmates using a Super-8 camera back in ninth grade", explains DiNizio.

The film's title track, The King Leisure Theme, can be downloaded free and legally at www.patdinizio.com/kingleisure.

On June 13, 2004, Capitol Records will release a two-CD anthology and DVD documenting 25 amazing years with The Smithereens.

The Smithereens are:
Jimmy Babjak
Dennis Diken
Pat DiNizio
Mike Mesaros

The Smithereens at the Double D's Rock Club in 2003!

Related Links: For more information on The Smithereens and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Official Smithereens Site | Official Pat DiNizio Site

(Originally Published on February 07, 2004)