Smithereens Live @ The Ritz - MTV

From VHS
08.26.19. Just got hit with ANOTHER copyright claim. Expect to see even more commercials. I have ZERO control over this and I make ZERO dollars from it.
Enjoy!
My advice is to find a way to download this before greedy copyright owners force me to remove it. I’m all for The Smithereens getting all the profits but somehow I doubt that is happening. They need to release this show on DVD/Blu-Ray! I would gladly take this down and buy a copy. Hell, I’d buy two.

[@enochhammer70]

These guys never got one-tenth the fame they deserved. One of the greatest US bands ever.

[@thorpenator9148]

It may be a little if thier own fault. Pat said they had a chance to be in a soundtrack that sold millions...but thought they were too good to be part of that. True story

[@BettinaBalser]

The best live band ever. Period. I can't believe Pat is no longer with us. Not only was he brilliant, he was an incredibly nice man. The band *always* met with their fans after shows, even in their heyday. I miss Pat and the band already.

[@herculesgrytpype-thynne9371]

Man they were loud. I haven't seen them live since '92, but my ears are still ringing.

[@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885]

@@herculesgrytpype-thynne9371: I've seen both the Smithereens and Dinosaur Jr. live, and while Pat and the boys were loud, Dinosaur Jr. was BY FAR the loudest band I've ever heard.

[@be3825]

@@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885 Bob Mould/Sugar = loud

[@MarkSutphin]

@@stephenhawkingsfootballboo7885 YES!! Lollapalooza '93, had to get up and get behind stage, Dinosaur Jr was absolutely the loudest ever! Smithereens rocked it out every single time I saw them live

[@KangsyMcLovin]

Agree, Pat was so nice! I met him the first time I saw them in 1990 and he remembered me every time I saw them after. I have an awesome picture of he and I from then. So sad that he's gone. The rest of the band are stellar folks as well.

[@mikehenderson339]

The true measure of a great lead singer is how they sound live. Pat was the best! You can't tell the difference between live and the recorded version, amazing!

[@markneese7264]

Such an underrated band. Mike Mesaros could play the hell out of that bass (I'm sure he still can). Dennis Diken is a powerhouse drummer, Jim Babjak an excellent guitarist, and Pat DiNizio wrote so many excellent songs.

[@kainnosgoth7336]

You KNOW it, Mark. I've been listening to these guys since the early 80's and as a New Jersey native, I can proudly say that the Smithereens are one of a handful of reasons I am proud to be from Jersey. The Smithereens were so good at what they did because they were non-genre specific, and wrote songs of all stripes, from buzz rock, to light power rock and outright garage rock. They had a rare talent not a lot of bands had, and in a changing musical landscape, they survived because they refused to conform, and they appealed to those of us who were tired of the same old stuff. God bless Pat and may He rest his merry soul!

[@Chris-sf6bb]

I logged into my account just to agree with you on everything. And I just saw Mike Mesaros for the first time, also without Pat for the first time :( (and yes, Mike plays the hell out of that bass) Dennis rocks, they played my favorite, Strangers When We Meet and I told Dennis after the show how I bruise my hands drumming along with him on the steering wheel. Jim is a beast. Yeah, Pat's songwriting is right on par with anyone else considered an all time great. I love Pat's voice, the band's harmonies... This band is amazing.

[@herculesgrytpype-thynne9371]

The thing I liked about Mike was that he wasn't afraid to hit the low notes. Also, he carried a lot of the melody on the first two albums, which was unusual for bass players back in the 80's. "Beauty and Sadness" is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@dougsmith7083]

I was just thinking that exact same thought. As if Pat's songs, vocals and Jim's incredible guitar dynamics aren't already brilliant enough...what a tremendous rythm section

[@dougsmith7083]

NOT THE 1ST BAND THAT COMES TO MIND WHEN TBE TOPIC OF "WHO'S THE LOUDEST BAND YOU'VE EVER SEEN/HEARD LIVE" EITHER...BUUUUUUUT, standing directly in front of Jim in a jammed club licensed to hold 350 but, with 550 sweaty drunk punters jammed in...with the band on a stage that was no more than 2.5ft high (I played this club lots - The Town Pump in Vancouver) at 2 separate gigs...I can attest to their volume being MC5/WHO/RAMONES loud Deaf for 3-5 days afterward Live show nirvana

[@blown22]

Setlist: 0:33 Beauty and Sadness 4:23 Groovy Tuesday 7:13 Listen To Me Girl 9:59 I Don't Want To Lose You 13:30 Lola (fake intro) 13:45 Cigarette 16:19 In a Lonely Place 21:09 Behind the Wall of Sleep 24:27 Crazy Mixed Up Kid 26:28 Alone At Midnight 30:24 Strangers When We Meet 34:28 Mr. Eliminator 36:43 Time and Time Again 40:23 Blood and Roses 45:36 (Pat introduces the band) 46:14 The Seeker 49:28 White Castle Blues 53:45 House in the Country 57:19 Much Too Much Comments: This was a PHENOMENAL set!! It was great to see Jimmy extend the solo at the end of 'Time and Time Again' as I always wanted that song to go another 30 seconds longer ever since I first heard the studio version 30 years ago. Also, up until watching this, I had always thought it was Dennis and not Jimmy that sang 'White Castle Blues'. Nice to hear Dennis take lead on their cover of The Kinks' 'House in the Country'

[@marokokisetter]

thank you

[@dougsmith7083]

Pretty much the exact same set from their first time in Vancouver. I play bass, had already toured a couple of times myself between 15 and 21 (when they played here) and, I was already a big fan but I wasn't prepared for how freakin LOUD they were...which was INCREDIBLE for me as it was the PERFECT marriage of perfect pop craftmanship with an exceptionally heavy counterpoint. Coming equally from punk, soul, garage, jangly 12-string mid-60s rock, 1972 glam and mid-to-late 60s British rock...it was a perfect blend of a band that was capable of playing ANYTHING (sometimes within the same tune)! The volume only made it more incredible. Doing The Seeker for an encore just stopped me in my tracks. Jim is a tremendous guitar player...they're ALL incredible players. I've always thought of how crazy good a tour featuring Cheap Trick - Redd Kross - The Smithereens would be. Three amazing bands that have the ability to play ANYTHING...and, play the tunes INCREDIBLY. Each band could pick one or two songs each gig for EACH OF THE OTHER 2 BANDS TO WHIP TOGETHER AND PLAY EACH NIGHT! It would be crazy fun. And, the "Mystery Challenges" each show would be a blast and, run the entire history of rock music... I'm going to suggest this to all three of them!

[@dennispepperack2973]

Thanks from Tampa

[@sfbayareagirl]

Thanks for the set list!! I literally was going to come on here and say "Someone gimme a set list!" lol. I LOVE The Smithereens, but am not familiar w the names of all their songs. Loved Cigarette.

[@georgebethos7890]

Thank you 🙏 so much

[@mattthebassboy]

Back in the 80s These Guys Were unstoppable with their music

[@angellacanfora]

As a Beatles-obsessed teenager in the 80s, I was thrilled when I discovered the Smithereens. They were a breath of fresh air, a break from the shoulder pad/synthesizer set. Pat wrote some utterly perfect songs, songs that were all at once passionate and exhilarating yet with a melancholic undercurrent. I'm so glad I got to meet him in '91 at the Tower Records in Hollywood & that I got to see the band live many times over the years. He was a musical genius & the real deal. Such a huge loss. RIP Pat.

[@MrLive2win]

Don't need explosions, flash bombs, levitating drum kits, seven inch heels, mascara- The Smithereens will do fine.

[@lockedtrunk]

I just have to add that although Pat was influenced by the Beatles, he told me his main influence was Black Sabbath! He said reporters always overlooked that choosing to pick up on the Beatles connection. He was also a huge Jethro Tull fan and had every album! He shared a story that as a young fan, he finally got to meet Ian Anderson who was a total DICK to him! Pat pledged from that day on - if he ever got a band together , he would treat the bands fans with the utmost respect (which he DID!)

[@outtathyme5679]

Yep. Maybe the most fan-centric band of all time

[@Bingbing611]

And he kept his word I met him several times and he was always friendly and appreciative of his fans

[@ritchiemolesso2884]

I remember seeing this when it first aired on MTV in 1987, Amazing show. Been searching for this show for years. Finally it's on You Tube. I haven't seen this show since it was first on MTV 30 years ago. Always loved " House In The Country" sang by Dennis Diken. It was never on any other Smithereens LPs, only here. Saw The Smithereens only twice. Irving Plaza in August 1994 and BB Kings in Times Square in January 2002. Rest In Peace Pat DiNizo- excellent songwriter. One of my favorite bands. I really wish I could have seen this show in person. Totally Amazing.

[@johngonzalez624]

My sister and I were with you and The Smitheeens at BB King's back in '02. Rock on, dude!

[@alfrediceman9506]

Oh yeah... "House In The Country" the KINKS tune... the Band had a love for that stuff, Kinks, Who, Beatles

[@tombeckner404]

Love the song too!

[@elsea8901]

RIP...you were so awesome bro...I’ll always hold you high in my memory as one of the greatest of all time, Pat Dinizio, we will miss you deeply 🕯🙏🙏🙏

[@tlcode]

El Sea :So say we all!!!!!

[@johngonzalez624]

Pat DiNizio and a vintage Jazzmaster; it just can't get any cooler than that.

[@freightdawg6762]

this needs to be remastered and released on blu-ray

[@davestrain9529]

RIP PAT! Love yah, like a Big bro. Sad to see you battle health issues..rocked till the END!

[@shirleymoore283]

The boys playing the theme music of my life throughout the 80s. They will always be close to my heart, even from the ether (we're all in a kind of lonely place without you, Dinizio). One of the best bands I've ever had the pleasure to follow around...

[@michaelcurry97]

I actually watched this the night it came on. My brother was upstairs banging his soon to be wife (BIG is MISTAKE... LOL) so I was stuck in the basement editing tapes for friends and then this came on. I was caught and was a fan. But It wouldn't really hit me until Oct 89 when I actually saw them open for UB40. Since that day of Awakening, from 89- Feb 2016, I saw the Gents OVER 100 times. Not including private DiNizio a Living Room Shows. I really feel sorry for all of y'all who Negver got the chance. God Bless You and ThanQ, for the decades that you put a Soundtrack to/for My Life.

[@accidentalmartyr1596]

I saw The Smithereens 3 or 4 times back in the day. One of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. So many great songs. R.I.P. Pat Dinizio.

[@akie64]

Fantastic set, bloody hell they played their hearts out, Pat in particular. Criminally underrated. Always loved JB's stunning Beatlesq guitar phrases and solos. Remember first hearing Green Thoughts back in 88 down under in NZ. RIP Pat.

[@keithrube22-Chicago]

This is just amazing. I’ll never tire of these songs. Pat became a real friend. They don’t make them like him anymore.

[@joemartucci4786]

Such a great band. Killer songs & they sound phenomenal live especially the bassist.

[@bigworldddd9566]

So wonderful to view all the heart felt comments! Saw some great shows at the Ritz while growing up in NY. Sadly, Pat has stepped into eternity along with many other greats, as well as the NY I grew up with :(

[@georgebethos7890]

Those were the days buddy

[@matsumoku1]

What a great concert. Listening to this makes me feel a bit sad though because it feels like we live in a different universe now. Something changed and it's not good, at least right now.

[@georgebethos7890]

John I could not agree more. NYC in 1986 was this young mans playground. Those were great days. I turn 63 in 8 days and im glad I grew up in those times. A thousand memories

[@matsumoku1]

@@georgebethos7890 Yep I'd hate to be kid today. I guess what they don't know won't hurt them.

[@ebeep]

Wow, Rickenbacker 330+JCM 800=phenomenal tone; who knew? Jim Babjak, that's who.

[@MrZipdang]

ebeep its a 340, pretty much exactly the same as a 330 , but with that extra pickup. Such a great player!

[@toddwolfetube]

Saw them back in this time and even opened for them around '86 and always a raw sound and saw them last night! Jim was using a Tele, same guitar for the entire 2 hour show and great tone and yes, still using an JCM 800 1/2 stack

[@MuscleDad420]

Paul Weller knew, of course.

[@lockedtrunk]

Thank you for this ! I had the honor of hanging out with Pat in a tiny hotel bar for about 3 hours after they played the Boston Orpheum during their 11 album tour . We talked nothing but music , lyrics , bands and all things Smithereens . THE nicest guy on the planet . Sincerely grateful for every Smithereen fan! RIP Pat! This show you posted is epic! I agree there should be both a DVD and CD release of this !

[@nsmith1586]

whish I had been there.The Smitheerens were not under rated by any of their fans.

[@thenightcallersmaximumrock4291]

I saw them a few times in their heyday in NJ. Always a great show. So sad what happened to Pat. A great and underrated band

[@johndudack6537]

Seen them in Springfield Massachusetts @cityblock which is downtown free show twice great both times RIP Pat wish you could come back again you guys were great it was a pleasure to personally meet you

[@TheLustKillers]

Happy Birthday Pat. Thank you

[@angelakeel6744]

Love these guys - Pat will be missed - had the pleasure to see them numerous times.

[@adlib4194]

Thank you for sharing. Much love to the Smithereens.

[@BigJH37]

Saw the Smithereens either in 87 or 88 in a small club but the show was the same great performance as this. These guys resurrected Rock & Roll in pop music in a time when it was really needed. We need another group like this today. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@Hungry_Hunter]

Just a brilliant band and this concert is outstanding. Every song a classic and their Seeker cover was all class.

[@LouCarlozo]

I'm not sure if it's the editing--I don't think it is--but the Smithereens plow right through this set without a break. Who does that anymore? This is the sound of a rock band firing on all cylinders.

[@larasita11]

at warp speed no less!! 🤣

[@eileensianez6766]

❤FOR SURE!

[@rruizproductions]

The best live band! RIP Pat!

[@BT-ir5zl]

Mike's bass always kicked ass

[@SingAlongWMichael]

Unbelievable! It’s hard to believe Pat’s gone, but the songs live on. What a phenomenal video- never thought I’d ever see this again. THANK YOU!

[@davidalston3626]

So cool of them to open with “Beauty and Sadness”, an older song even though they were breaking out

[@joaojp4419]

thanks for posting this show this is a gem .great to see so many early songs played live why was Beauty And Sadness not on an album it is one of there best songs at least it was on the best of cd.back when MTV was a quality music channel and was a dream for any music lover or muscian to watch!

[@63turbo]

I know what you mean... Beauty and Sadness was one of those songs that reminded me too much of one of my old girlfriends that hurt when it was over... It was released on a 4 song EP, some time before theSmithereens got huge. I found myself wondering why it wasn't re-released asa single, such a powerful cool song that could have been a number 1 if the timing and promotion was better. It is by far one of my all time favorite songs.

[@RCAvhstape]

Saw the Smithereens recently with Marshal Crenshaw singing. Still a great band, still put on a great live show, but goddamn do we all miss Pat.

[@jw66jw]

For those who haven't heard of it , or just don't get it---THIS IS CALLED ROCK and ROLL....GOD bless the Smithereens.

[@mtnstpt]

Pat the Boys were terrific, I was in the Beacon Theater went to the Bar in the Balcony- and There is THE SMITHEREENS, I walked over hung out with them for like 15 minutes, I got back to my seat my GF said Where the hell were you- Told her I was hanging with the Band- She did not believe me till I got the film devoleped, lol, God Bless Pat.

[@basskitty69]

What a band! What a great band!

[@carmenilardi276]

Although I love watching all the Smithereens videos on KZbin, I am still saddened by Pat's untimely passing. He was very talented and the band was very underrated. It's sad.

[@bode54]

One of the best live versions of Blood and Roses!

[@smthrsjns]

Thank you so much. I have a vhs copy of most of this show from when it aired and LOVE it. Life changing.

[@johnkranick1287]

Thank You Tons for posting...Love The Smithereens!

[@johngonzalez624]

Wow, just simply, WOW!!! Thanks for posting.

[@garyrowe5579]

great show. that driving Rickenbacker sound. Pat, you are missed!

[@mrsedlav2425]

Thank you so much for uploading this. It's truly a gem

[@Univox68]

Such great songs. Pop genius for sure. RIP Pat

[@mikecheck7940]

Rock of ages!!! Deserved to be in blue ray

[@kennsakurai9582]

Oh, man, thanks for having this up.

[@georgebethos7890]

Pat lives on !!!

[@kzinful]

These are just amazing songs delivered with passion from a band who Was Never Underrated. Sadly, I added my name to the guestbook of the funeral home that performed the service for Pat. It was my way of showing gratitude towards a wonderful songsmith and musician. Thank you, Pat and The Smithereens - and no worries, you guys won our love long ago. In peace, Brother

[@eileensianez6766]

The Smithereens could've gone farther but they didn't want to go along with all the evil the music industry initiates them into.Much respect to take the "YELLOW BRICK ROAD " back home to the plow!!

[@matsumoku1]

I'd love to know the inside scoop on that. They sure had the potential to go to the top..

[@cliffordsville]

Thank you tons for this!

[@davestrain9529]

BEEN SEARCHING LOW AND hIGH.. FOR THIS vhs.. IE THE who the seeker HOW..DID..you know.to post this,,after Pats Health issues..So Sad Pats Gone..you and i were channelling the Smithereens, HARD! RIP Pat!

[@blown22]

Seriously, he UL'd this like 5 days before he passed. What a GREAT video to remember Pat by - such a tight set by the band!

[@mikecheck7940]

Dream gig to watch. Translator and The Smithereens in one concert!

[@bergurgeirsson5689]

What a great band...

[@be3825]

So many memories of them. Wildwood Beach show circa 1989 is a standout. Jim entered the crowd during his solo of Blood & Roses and worked his way to the back of the venue to grab a beer. They covered Black Sabbath's Iron Man for an encore and Pat also swapped the lyrics of House We Used to Live In in w/ "fuck in" on the outro - all at the crowd's urging. Had beers with the band post-show - just lovely human beings, all of them. Some things one never forgets. Especially for You doesn't have one throwaway track. Could same the same for Green Thoughts as well. Jesus Christ, what a band. RIP Pat, you were a true gem.

[@tlcode]

Fan-fscking-tastic. One of my faves EVER....miss you Pat..sing with the angels.

[@FanOfFab4]

What a fantastic set list this was!! RIP Pat!

[@andresalvarado3319]

Forever The Smithereens: Dennis, Pat, Jim, Mike...never forget your music. And "in concert...more best.

[@sfbayareagirl]

This is awesome. Thx for posting. I saw these guys in a very small venue (King's Head Inn, Norfolk, VA) in the late 80s. So good. Love Pat DiNizio's voice.

[@SirSneakerPimp]

Thank you for uploading this.

[@tomneily9506]

This is killer best ever man pats song writing drums bass its all killer

[@andresalvarado3319]

Amazing concert. Pat R.I P great songwriter

[@TheBorjamz]

The Who tune they covered was so fine

[@mikelenox7999]

We used to play Smithereens on the bar-top turntable at the joint I worked at in '89.

[@Eric-vv6ov]

If you love the Beatles, you'll love this group. The last great band.

[@redrocks1983]

Thanks for the Upload! 🤙🏼

[@andresalvarado3319]

And...Beauty and Sadness...and the surf guitar...Strawberry Cream Smithereens. Love

[@JimMalmPHOTO]

Killer version of The Seeker

[@davestrain9529]

Glad to have seen The MIGHTY!!! twice! RIP PAT!!

[@andresalvarado3319]

Especially for you is a jewel

[@phillipanderson7398]

Bass player Mike reminds me of DeeDee Ramone.

[@smegmacheez]

Phillip Anderson Funny you mentioned this. Mike was offered the bass playing gig in the Ramones after Dee Dee left. Glad he stuck to his ""day job".

[@brutemegahunk3895]

Filthy bass….love it

[@tonydiaz2541]

Seen them in "86 and '88 in Wisconsin.

[@mikecheck7940]

All time rock n roll heroes!!

[@outtathyme5679]

Ugh just sooooo fantastic

[@johnmontagnamusic]

To quote an old slogan from WNEW-FM: "home run rock n roll like it oughta be!"

[@georgebethos7890]

Phil Tiki THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS

[@mrearlygold]

RIP Pat

[@JohnnyUnrotten]

Love this band; should right up there with Stones, Beatles.

[@johnharris1655]

Those guys were SO good. My how I miss Pat.........

[@dynjarren7523]

I haven’t heard these songs in a long time and now listening I realize they were great because the songs are smart with good lyrics and melodies! The music has held up. They were always a quality band. RIP Pat- I’m sad that he’s gone already. It was too early.

[@carlradley5752]

Kick Ass Rock 'N' Roll. GOD SAVE THE SMITHEREENS! RIP Pat Dinizio.

[@aljustal6554]

Setlist: Beauty And Sadness (title song from their 1983 EP) Groovy Tuesday Listen To Me Girl I Don’t Want To Lose You Cigarette In A Lonely Place Behind The Wall Of Sleep Crazy Mixed-Up Kid Alone At Midnight Strangers When We Meet (all above after “Beauty….” from the “Especially For You” LP) Mr. Eliminator (Dick Dale cover, single B-side and bonus song on the Capitol CD version of “Especially For You”) Time And Time Again Blood And Roses (both of these from “Especially For You”) The Seeker (Who cover and a single B-side) White Castle Blues (bonus track on “Especially…” CD and written/sung by Jim Babjek) House In The Country (Kinks cover sung by drummer Dennis Diken) Much Too Much (from the “Beauty And Sadness” EP)

[@bravo2038]

true rock n roll hard driving manley music to dance with your sweetheart too SO LONG 🚹

[@JamesBerkowitzberky]

Awesome!

[@robertswanson5429]

Thanks for providing this !!

[@pittsburghsteelers]

Check out Mike Mesaros from 11:47 to 11:55. I mean was this guy MEANT to play bass or what? The entire band was/is great and glad I got to experience their music in the 80's with Green Thoughts and to meet them twice. RIP Pat

[@Rhezoloution]

This video was posted 5 days before Pats death

[@larryklawiter9168]

They had their moment in the big time.

[@danelogan1532]

awesome set

[@tamathawalden2037]

Crenshaw is doing a yeoman's job But he is no Dinazio !! Wall of Sleep on of Best songs of the 80s FACTS 🤟🤟🤟

[@johngonzalez624]

42:00 Babjak and Mesaros destroy the place!!!

[@cflynn1365]

House In The Country!!!!

[@gabrieloviedosubias9759]

GREATE!!

[@Eric-vv6ov]

They were the new Beatles.