The Smithereens: One of Pat DiNizio's Last Extensive TV interviews

In 2015, The Smithereens marked 35 years as a rock band. The three founding members still in the group discuss their longevity with John Bathke for the program, "ON THE SCENE." The interview was conducted a little more than two years before the death of lead singer Pat DiNizio on December 12th, 2017.

[@everythingiseverything6740]

Died too young. Met him in Vegas and he was a cool NJ dude. He called for a volunteer to play cowbell and I jumped on stage. Had a great time jamming with Pat. Great songwriter and singer!

[@johari3945]

Thanks for sharing this great memory, love the band. All the best from Melbourne Australia

[@bobthebear1246]

More cowbell!!

[@elisaferzacca1775]

That would have been a highlight of my life! I loved them and finally got to see them in 2017 in CT...one of Pat's last concerts. He was so talented.

[@alnav76an]

Easiest one of the best underrated great voices RIP Pat! Rest easy.

[@tamathawalden2037]

They sound like a band that belonged in the 60s ! Pat great nasal unique voice stood out !! 🤟

[@raystaar]

He died too young. Great singer/songwriter/bandleader and, from what I've heard, an all around great human being. Saw The Smithereens live in a tiny club on Polk Street in San Francisco in the '90's. The way they sounded, it should have been an arena. I'm glad Pat was here and I'm sad he's gone.

[@drumwrkshp]

The Red Devil Lounge! I saw them there in the early 2000’s.

[@thewordlove4316]

I've seen them five times (the most of any band): in small (300 seat) and large (15,000 seat) venues and in-between! the result was the same: in-your-face rockin' with that gorgeous baritone ... which was what attracted me to them!! dormi bene, amico mio ... 🤌😞🥲😎🤌

[@catsofsherman1316]

Much love for Pat Dinizio and the Smithereens. The music lives on.

[@thomasmurphy9348]

This band put out some of the most sincere lyrics with pure pop sensibilties. Unabashed talent with humility. Thank you to The Smithereens...rest in peace Pat.

[@Vampirebear13]

Like I told Pat every time I saw him, The Smithereens were The Beatles to me. I saw them live more times than any of my other favorite bands & EVERY time I talked with Pat, he ALWAYS told me he loved me & he always told us fans, "there would be no us if it weren't for you fans". LOVE AND MISS YOU PAT .

[@neldinsky]

I'll always love Pat and his Smithereens. Timeless music with a timeless R&R voice. We miss you Pat! NB

[@sammalone7352]

Been listening to this band off and on from 1986. Still sounds fresh. Pat also did a solo album on piano of covers and Smithereens songs.

[@RCAvhstape]

I saw them live around 2013 or 2014, Thrilla was playing bass. They were amazing. I couldn't believe Pat's voice sounded the same as it did in the 80s, and they were super tight. After the show they signed autographs and talked to all of use, just a great bunch of guys.

[@jimmyhd1969]

His death leaves a void that can't be filled!

[@CHaas-bn3xi]

A void is in my heart Pat was a beautiful human being plan and simple.

[@PanteraRockstar90]

I like how Pat appeared to treat life as a rockstar. He didn’t seem like a guy who sold out. Kept his roots as an original hometown guy in New Jersey who loved baseball and his mom and music was something that was extra. Thanks for the music and rest in peace man. Your music is still being enjoyed and your memory honored in 2023!

[@tedramoundos7483]

Rip Pat I'm From New Jersey Soo proud of the Smithereens you will be missed

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

What a colossal loss when Pat Dinizio passed in 2017. He created music that was a MAJOR part of my life in the late 80s-1990, up through the 11 Album. MY GOD, they played some HEAVY licks, basic, simple. hard as nails rock and roll. With world class musicianship and vocals, all 3 of his original bandmates were top end musicians. RIP Pat.

[@BillySBC]

Pat was such a great guy, he seemed to have no idea of how influential he was to so many people, just a really solid thoughtful person. Very much missed.

[@keithkoenig5320]

I saw The Smithereens last weekend with Marshall Crenshaw on vocals. It was cool to hear all of those great songs again. I love Marshall Crenshaw, but I am lucky to have seen Pat with the band early on during the "Especially For You" tour. Pat's work with the band is why I was, and still am a major fan of The Smithereens. Those records during Pat's time with the band mean so much to me. They are important part of my personal Rock & Roll journey. I miss Pat and am so thankful to everyone who has ever made music in this tremendous band. You have brought me joy and given me so much great music to listen to. God Bless The Smithereens! ❤

[@oestonia]

Pat.....it was THAT voice that made the band stand out. RIP

[@jameshisself9324]

I met Pat several times during their heyday and I was always impressed by him and the band. I was a pretty big fan. Back before Pat died I went looking around for what they were doing lately and I was shocked by his condition. I absolutely do not 'judge' people for their appearance or weight, but I do have real concern for their health and that is all this was. Now having seen him play and perform and be interviewed over the later years he does seem like a very different guy. At first it was hard to digest how different he was, but now for me he just seems like a big guy from Jersey rocking with his buddies. No brooding or pretense, what you see is what you get. It's been more than 30 years since I've seen them play but I wish I could see him up there with the band again. I wish his family and the band peace and happiness.

[@Stonecutter334]

I saw the Smithereens many times back in the day. It’s heartbreaking Pat passed away so young. He was underrated in his time as was the band. RIP Pat. We miss you.

[@aisle_of_view]

Saw them at the Palladium in 1989. The bass player kicked a lot!

[@JackWebb713]

Great lyrics. Great guitar. Great rhythm section RIP Pat.

[@jamesebola1250]

I absolutely love this band. They always made me feel good.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Such a great talent. I miss Pat and I miss this band. A lot.

[@garywood5882]

Saw them in London in 87 and 88 - brilliant band!!!

[@sixbladeknife44]

Power Pop at it’s finest, RIP Pat

[@seanmeisner3190]

Well, damn... RIP Pat, and thanks...

[@greacen]

Love Pat so much. Miss you Pat!

[@kervinrodriguez1833]

Rip Pat

[@crazyconcertdude]

The Smithereens are criminally underrated. So effin good. See you later, Pat. RIP

[@vistarecords4930]

I first heard The Smithereens at Vista Records, the independent record store where I worked. I heard Especially For You in 1987, and even though I was a Metal guy I couldn't help but love this band. Blood and Roses was the track that won me over, but I liked most of their songs. I still really like these guys. Such a shame about Pat, though. He was a great talent, and he died far too soon. But his music lives on, thankfully.

[@jerrybrenton6140]

We love you pat and the smithereens Rock on!

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

incredible band--met them in Houston long ago--great songs--will miss them

[@richardchristensen1768]

I just saw The Smithereens for the 2nd time at EPCOT yesterday and they sound so great and was glad to see that they have Robin Wilson from Gin Blossoms helping the band in carrying Pat DiNizio's legendary torch who isn't anything like him (but still does a great job) instead of trying to find someone that would resemble Pat in an attempt to replace him as there is no substitute! And the surviving members honored him with endearing comments I saw them with Pat back in the early 90s in Atlanta and it's very sad that he had to leave us too way to young because nobody could ever replace him!! I truly love The Smithereens and their music! Always have,Always will

[@djdaniels3827]

There was a time when Pat was one of my best freinds, we talked just about every day. He drove down to Atlanta just to sing for a bartender I was chasing at the time, while we had a dinner date. One of my top 3 songwriters ever, but he was also just a great guy.

[@robertsharpe8663]

I sat behind Pat on a flight from Philly to El Paso, where the band was playing an outdoor festival sponsored by the city. He bought a seat for his guitar. He was friendly to the attendant, seemed approachable, but I did not say hello. I'll always remember what he said as the plane circled the airport to land in El Paso, a city in the mountainous desert: "This doesn't look like New Jersey." Glad I got to see him and the band perform at BB King's in NYC.

[@stephenalvaro6816]

Love the Smithereens. Makes me sad that Pat is gone. Thank you for the great music. RIP Pat Dinizio.

[@80spodcastchannel]

RIP Brother...your music was always some of my favorite tunes

[@clarkerots9348]

To this day, when I tell someone I'm from New Jersey and they say "oh the State of Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi" I say "no, the State of The Smithereens".

[@jimbailey5681]

In a fair and just world, this band would have sold 50,000,000 records

[@user-xs7ng1ik9f]

I'm sorry to hear that Pat the singer of the Smithereens is no longer with us.If anthing they were underated, they have some really killer tunes.

[@googleusergp]

Mr. DiNizio said it better than anyone ever could, "We never really did compromise". That says it all, and as such Mr. DiNizio is the REALL boss of NJ music. RIP, Mr. DiNizio, you were a legend.

[@stewgaatz]

I always loved these guys and tried to see them play as much as possible. I purchased all of their music over the years and I treasure it. Great guys. I miss Pat, gone way too soon.

[@bobthebear1246]

I wish I had seen them live. I really loved when Pat DiNizio got so big and cute, even though I know it was due to a chronic condition. R.I.P. Pat DiNizio and The Smithereens. Your band was so unique and ahead of its time and influenced one of the greatest bands ever: Nirvana.

[@Mbase-apollo]

We loved the smithereens in Boston!

[@johnnywadd7960]

RIP...I met him, very nice guy

[@stevebrown3955]

One of my all time favorite bands!!! Missed out on any live shows, so thanks for all the videos!!

[@Menyhard]

Thank you guys rip Pat. They never soulout respect

[@anthonyciriglo3677]

One of Rocks tried and true bands, one of rocks greatest and distinct voices. Saw them many times and really miss them. You always got your money’s worth at a Smithereens show, and always left happy and feeling good, and humming one of their songs. ❣️✌🏻

[@getit9066]

Saw them in ‘91 at a bar in Escondido, CA while going through flight school at NAS Miramar. Couldn’t have been 100 people there - I had my beer resting in front of Jim’s monitor - but they rocked like they were playing to 40,000. What an absolutely freaking awesome show. One of my all-time favorites. A good day is telling Alexa to play the Smithereens on repeat!

[@mikewood8561]

1986?? I was a freshman in high school. I didn't hear of them till 1990 while in the Navy stationed in San Diego. Fell in love with them. Played them over and over for a couple years, then forgot about them till about 3 years ago I heard a girl like u on a friend's mixed tape. Brought back so much from the past. Love the band and Rip Pat.

[@bmoremusic4768]

Great songs, Always thought they would be a much bigger band but glad I was able to see them a few times live.

[@marcgordon3239]

I Was Deeply Sadened When I Heard Pat Passed … I Ironically Read About It In A News Paper A Year After … I Keep Keep The Band Alive By Playing Them Constantly … & Were All From New Jersey …

[@BigWahula]

Love the Smithereens! Thoughts and prayers to Pats family and his band mates! Rockin with Buddy now!!

[@williamsaputo3454]

We used to go see them at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT. They were great!

[@MarkSutphin]

RIP PDIZ, you will not be forgotten, "Blood and Roses" was the very first song I heard on campus at No Ky Univ. and my fave been ever since!

[@catshavesouls]

Better musician than I'll ever be.

[@urbangorilla33]

4:17 I love the genuine smile here.....

[@celestelongway7315]

Di Nizio. Dang. What a great name. yeah from mtw in L.A.

[@julcenarc4335]

They played the Dirt Club in Bloomfield, NJ for years in the early 80s, mixing Brit Invasion covers with Pat's originals ... they're on the rare album released by the club.

[@BlueSky...]

In a word, integrity.

[@bigworldddd9566]

Rest in Peace Pat...you're one of the good ones.

[@davidg.9932]

Pat would have been 65 today.. R.I.P. Mr. DiNinzio

[@jimmyhd1969]

My heart breaks for his family!

[@harryfrezza1035]

Love u Pat,

[@moserr11]

Great live

[@billmercer9917]

Always loved this band and I feel blessed that I got to see them here in Vancouver many years ago . God save the Smithereens ! ( the Kinks would be okay with that …..)

[@binksterb]

RIP Pat !!

[@mooniejohnson]

Miss you, Pat.

[@PlattLaneEnd]

RIP Pat x

[@merymaurometal]

Riposa in pace pat.

[@tomneily9506]

A genius live at the ritz mtv killer

[@jokerswilde6807]

Mr. Denizio must have been influenced at least in part by Joey Ramone. Excellent singer!

[@DoobieDarrin]

Joey ...and Elvis Costello..

[@janeeyre5909]

Hope the Holy water is still working Dearest Patty!

[@georgiethumbs2438]

What happened to him? Why did he gain so much weight? Was he massively depressed or had an illness? Nobody gains that kind of weight unless something extremely traumatic happens to them whether it's mental or physical.

[@MichaelSmith-jw8qw]

he had a thyroid problem which lead to wgt. issues