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Pat Dinizio, of the NJ band, The Smithereens
October 12, 1955 - December 12, 2017

My deepest condolences to Pat's family and friends. He was a great musician and songwriter. When I first saw the Smithereens play... It was the famous Saturday Night Live show.... and while I can barely recall any if the skits, the performance of Jim, Mike, Dennis, and Pat was forever burned into my brain, and would influence me as a musician for years to come.

In the 90s, I heard them on the radio, their single, "Miles from Nowhere", and how the DJ tried (and failed) to make witty banter about the song. It didn't matter, because I went out and purchased my first Smithereens album, "A Date with The Smithereens", and it too would influence my music.

In 2016, fate would step in again. I was cleaning my apartment, and decided to crank some tunes to make the tedious task move quicker. And as I dug in my brown box of CDs, I found my old Smithereens' albums. My brain said, "you haven't listen to this guys in a while..... Do it now". As I cleaned, they guys played, and I had forgotten how good they were.... and I wanted more.

I went on Amazon, and saw they released the 2011 album, and bought it. Once again, I was blown away, and again I wanted more. I purchased more albums, and it still wasn't enough.

I went to my first Smithereens show, at BB Kings. I was stuck in the back and barely got my beer, before the lights lowered and the intro song started over the PA system. The crowd cheered as Jim, Dennis, and Pat took the stage , along with a recently reunited Mike. And then, the Boys rocked the joint, and I remembered how great they ARE.

I would see them again at the next BB King show where, I actually met Jim before the show and fanboyed over him (thanks for not getting the restraining order). And during the amazing show, I became acquainted with Walter Krzyzkowski, a friend of Pat's. Walt snuck me backstage, where I will always remember Pat's first words to me, "um, who are you?"

I thanked Pat for an amazing show, and decided to get the hell out before yet another Smithereen filed a restraining order against me. I consider it one of the best nights if my life.

Pat DiNizio was a superb musician, and songwriter. But he was a better Showman. I didn't matter venue, he get a crowd to enjoy the moment that they were in, and elevate them higher. He knew how to read the crowd and play just the right tune. And while he didn't get the fame and recognition that other bands got, he will always be remembered. And others will continue to play tribute to Pat, in the same way Pat would pay tribute to the Beatles, the Kinks, and the Who.

Tonite, my Zippo lighter will burn in Pat's honor, and it will get brighter.

COMMENTS

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xRobin3x
19:38 Dec 13 2017

Sad another good guy and lead singer dies. I ponder now what will happen to the rest of the band? And I know you been a big of them as well.

Memories, dear friend, memories is what you got, and they are awesome ones.

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