The Smithereens - Only A Memory

[@jameskerr7439]

Who are the idiots that thumbs down?! They don't get it. Great band. RIP Pat DiNizio. Great song writer. A true American rock band.

[@R0mmatt]

They are paid shills

[@KK-bu5hx]

RIGHT

[@robertmcpherson1617]

I understand that people like and dislike different things. Thumb down votes don't make them idiots; it simply means they're intolerant and belligerent. I won't waste my time on them. I happen to love this song!

[@zirconviper]

The people who disliked this video are buffalo rapists.

[@kevinmcdonald4040]

The Smithereens are criminally underappreciated by too many. ROCK fans know how great they were and what a force Pat was. R.I.P. to an ALL TIME GREAT! Jersey or anywhere people appreciate pure rock and roll. Jersey band 1a to E Street band. Bonjovi? EFF OFF!!

[@thomasjones4932]

"In a world of pain I have no peer". Pat could write lyrics. I'm glad we had him as long as we did.

[@robertmcpherson1617]

I too love good lyrics. That being said, I'm pretty tough on love and heart break songs. I set the bar VERY high and this masterpiece cleared that bar by a long shot! Amazing stuff!

[@davidg.9932]

Celebrating his life. Pat would have turned 67 today.. Patrick Michael DiNizio October 12, 1955 Plainfield, New Jersey, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. He was very proud of his Italian heritage.. We miss you Pat D..

[@diaryofanaxeman539]

He was so powerful and under appreciated as songwriter .... up there with Bruce or Southside Johnny !!!!

[@diogeneslamp8241]

He was my next door neighbor. I used to watch him play with his band in his father’s one car garage when I was a young boy back in the 70’s

[@travisyarbrough4033]

This band never made a bad song ........ That's how good they really were !!!!

[@222Lightning]

you know.....I don't know why more people aren't privy to them. When I mention my favorite bands I kind of say the Smithereens last because most people never heard of them or thought they were good. My favorite bands; I'd probably put the bands I've come back to over and over for personal reasons and the songs are just good....maybe I'd put them at a tie w STP/ Pretenders for the 5th spot. When I met Pat by accident back in like 2010? I wish I wouldv'e mentioned that I never knew that the song "William Wilson" was about a ghost......when I became a fan of theirs, I was 14 and the house I grew up in was without a doubt haunted! Even my stepdad being a very science minded guy became aware of some things that was going on. It wasn't until I was late 20's revisiting some of my old cd/cassette favorites that I really listened to the lyrics and was dumbfounded. I wonder if the ghost in the house liked that song too.....as I used to play it over and over. Lol.

[@jeffreyhusack2400]

Got the on cassette

[@barbaradoyle6093]

Even back then I always wondered why these guys weren’t HUGE. Amazing songs, one after another.. songs people still recognize today, even though they may not know the band. (Just heard one used as bumper music on Monday Night Football.)

[@FixIt1975]

​@@barbaradoyle6093I guess because bands like them don't appeal to the top 40 masses. Other bands that I like that were never really all that main stream were the Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, etc. Smithereens are from my home state

[@Arturo-sm1tb]

I could not agree more. Put that cassette into the car stereo and relax for 45 minutes straight....with some hard rocking guitar driven excellence.

[@sammys70]

Very underrated 80's rock band.

[@hackabilly4787]

agreed

[@GuzNation]

I was listening to all those bands. Love them all

[@joycecunningham9107]

GuzNation wanna join your nation GuzMan!

[@andyfaithnomoreguitarist5444]

This is true alternative rock!

[@joeomalley2835]

Agree so much. Meanwhile, we had to listen to the likes of Poison and Wang Chung instead on MTV.

[@geraldwoodruff3494]

A statement from Jim, Dennis & Mike 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.

[@oliviacadena2036]

Wow 😳😳!!!!!

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I taught in Pat DiNizio's former high school, so I used to walk past the wall of fame everyday to get to my classroom. Pat's face on his plaque welcomed me each morning. We in Jersey have a sense of pride for our own. Just last night, I saw the band perform for the first time although I have always been familiar with their tunes as a singer songwriter. They wrote good, original music that will stick around, I'm sure.

[@familykaplan1341]

What town?

[@gwynnielsen5081]

@@smartalix5295 I'd like to think I am included in the pack. Check out my latest single kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJbCZWqaf6aLbpY, written, played, recorded in the great State of N.J. Thanks for listening :). G.

[@mcclift9451]

They totally make me think of Jersey when I hear them Good ,clean,pure, Americana rock and roll ❤

[@gwynnielsen5081]

@@mcclift9451 Yes, there are many of us musicians/songwriters here in the Garden State. Check out all of my music/videos on KZbin if you want a taste of new Jersey voices. Thanks and take care.

[@shruggzdastr8-facedclown]

I know that they still record and tour, but I miss this band with DiNizio in the lineup. Because they often get enmeshed with the identity of the band, it's hard for most acts to remain at least as successful (whether you guage that metric in terms of record sales, box office numbers, creative/aesthetic quality of the recorded product, or any combination of two of these three or all three) as they continue on after the departure of the original lead vocalist -- whether that be due to firing, quitting, or death. There are a few exceptions to this rule (Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Faith No More, Can, and Black Flag offered as a sampling from that shortlist), but the rule still holds

[@lJUSTwanaCOMMENT]

We hired him for a "living room concert." It was Pat and a couple guitars. I was pretty young at the time, still in college and I got a little too drunk and accidentally knocked one of his guitars over. I felt like such a stupid dick, but he was really cool about it, "that's alright, Jimbo" while in the middle of his song. He was such a super cool guy. I'm so lucky I met him before he passed.

[@bretfuzz925]

That is such a cool story. Steve Miller’s brother lived across the street from me when I was a kid and nobody thought of doing something like that. Keep the memory!

[@tedted813]

I wrote a postcard to the Smithereens back in the 80's from my radio station. They wrote me back and I was so happy. I still have it.

[@ChrisIrving-f7k]

Wow that’s cool

[@lanceprzybyla7662]

Id love to see that😮.... super cool!!!!

[@SomethingReal1119]

This band always wrote such catchy tunes with that classic Rickenbacker sound, great chord changes, and awesome vocals/harmonies. LOVE them still....

[@Carbunkle56]

Pat was asked why he only wrote songs about relationships. He was quoted a saying, "What else is there?"

[@harryfrezza2563]

The best!

[@JoeyOhm]

Pat DiNizio, you'll be missed. Give our best to David Bowie, Prince, Scott Weiland, Chris Cornell... Only a Memory, best of memories.. it's back to The Smithereens we all shall go.. R.I.P. brother..

[@duncefunce1513]

Give our worst to Scott Weiland. Napalm his cloud

[@MasterOfKnowledge.]

@@duncefunce1513 Damn man, what do you have against Weiland lol

[@duncefunce1513]

@@MasterOfKnowledge. oh, nothing really. Poor guy

[@chamboy16]

how’bout Kurt?

[@HarlinNeal]

This song introduced me to the band in 1989...my senior year in high school. I fell in love with the song right away, and I've been a Smithereens fan ever since. Simple, clean, "no-frills" rock 'n roll...sounds awesome.

[@jaymeforeman2931]

Its great to know I'm not the only black man who thinks this song is cool.

[@harleyrules4637]

Yeah, great music has no color bro.......these guys ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!

[@peterb4524]

so true Harley!!!

[@gbot3377]

Harlin. Perfectly worded statement. You captured the magic of them perfect, like an esteemed critic. I am a conservative white man. The left and the mainstream media tells the world 24 hrs a day who we are. My man, no conservative friends or acquaintances of mine are anywhere near being what we are portrayed as every second of every day. Mr. Neal, just you being a Smithereens fan, I know we would become best friends. And every single person I associate with would welcome you to the family and make sure you are fed a plenty right off the bat. God bless you sir and keep the volume and love for them up.

[@gbot3377]

@@jaymeforeman2931 It's great to know as a white conservative man that you, a black man, just blew all the media story lines to Smithereens! They want you and I divided and in hatred of each other. And you and I just want to listen to good jams together, have tons of laughs, and become great friends quite possibly. Great job Sir. Only 16 words. God bless always.

[@jackbrimm9833]

No new ground broken here. Just a perfect pop-rock song. And he wrote a few more, too. All perfect. Most artists never write one. RIP Pat.

[@Cerestes]

100%

[@samtraygis1337]

Thank you dad for exposing me too great music...

[@aleisterbandy2355]

I’ve been hearing this over the Kroger radio for months and finally found it!!!

[@Ratt2004]

R.I.P. Pat Dinizio, your vocal style was just something unique.

[@RealTVfilms]

RIP - Pat DiNizio, founder and lead singer of New Jersey rock band The Smithereens has died at the age of 62, the band announced tonight (Dec. 12)

[@Fretless99]

RIP Mr DiNizio

[@mrthunder8190]

Sad day for rock 'n roll. Pat was successful, but always underrated for his impact on rock of the 80's.

[@calimero61]

:-(

[@gel6988]

Terrific artist. Sad times. I do believe that he is still rocking though... Listening to this makes me happy. Again. RIP brother!

[@louangelwolf]

sadness.

[@MikeSmith-yd7cr]

The Smithereens were one of the most underrated bands of their time, they were great musicians. RIP Pat DiNizio, and thank you for the years of great music.

[@joesmith8398]

Smithereens never really got the respect they deserved. Great rock band if there ever was one !!!

[@cathystruska1558]

Yes they deserve to be in the rock and roll hall of fame.

[@gymrachel]

Most definitely!! RIP Pat 🙏 🎶

[@jhalqu8209]

R.I.P. Pat DiNizio (1955-2017). :'(

[@paulneri7284]

jhalqu when did he pass

[@jhalqu8209]

12-12-17.

[@irisheyzgrl24murphy92]

jhalqu How did he die ?? So sad. All the great ones are leaving.

[@ianosborne188]

SO SAD NEWS! I only just Got This TERRIBLE News.. RIP.. Saddened So Sad.

[@gmansi]

@@irisheyzgrl24murphy92 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_DiNizio#Death

[@shrew972]

Goodbye Pat! The brightest memory you'll forever be!

[@tonyajohnson1059]

I miss Pat ! The best band of the eighties..

[@gbot3377]

shrew972 Goodbye Pat! The brightest memory you'll forever be! Very well done Sir.

[@gbot3377]

@@tonyajohnson1059 Nicely called.

[@Dresdenlock]

RIP Pat..you will be missed.

[@rickwilliamson9248]

They were too good to be so underrated.

[@edkaminski8273]

agreed .. very underrated.. sorry I never saw them

[@davemorrison312]

Be safe on your next journey, Pat. Rest in Power!

[@gregflores8959]

Dave Morrison Very well stated!

[@honeybadger1847]

I liked this song when it came out in the 80s. Now I have no idea why 🤷🏽‍♀️.

[@markweatherly3241]

This Jersey rock band personifies the best of real rock & roll.

[@ldolphin34]

I've been listening to The Smithereens since almost the beginning, and I think this is my favorite song they do. I could hit the repeat button on this one and just drift. Fantastic Rock. RIP Pat.

[@CarterDaDemon]

I Heard this song for the first time, May 15th 2024 in a Kroger, I have since listened to it about 20 times in 24 hours

[@chloesmith4065]

It really is that good.

[@castercamber]

Man, I remember the Smithereens and this song. Drinking beer in High School and listening to these guys with good friends. The 80's were awesome!

[@chazblitz]

something about Rickenbacker's driven thru Marshall amps...

[@jwf155]

GOTTA LUV THAT RIC BASS GROWL !!!!!!

[@Just4Me2000]

Think the Beatles... yeah, that sound is unique as all hell.. nothing like it.

[@jr-xs9tf]

@@Just4Me2000 Harrison!

[@peggyfranzen6159]

👍

[@robsilveira6707]

🙂🙂

[@harryfrezza2563]

Do the Smithereens deserve ROCK HALL OF FAME?

[@thevoid99]

oh fuck yeah. way more than fucking bon jovi.

[@rickyparker4552]

Harry Frezza MOST CERTAINLY THEY DO!!!!!😎🎸😎🎸😎🎸

[@PlatinumDragonProductions999]

I believe that they do!

[@samuelbiskin3416]

Hell yeah

[@davidpierce9949]

Sure

[@The.Last.Guitar.Hero.]

only recently discovered these guys but had more going for them in that Americana genre than most, should have been bigger

[@billmurray7473]

Really sad that this song is all too fitting now. Thank you,Pat, for the timeless music. Rest peacefully Behind The Wall Of Sleep.

[@sunshinefogleman127]

What a kick ass band. Love The Smithereens! These guys were ahead of their time in the 80's. Their sound got lost in all of the hair band crap that saturated the radio waves in that decade. Their sound was perfect for the alt rock that came later in the 90s.

[@saramunozmunoz]

What a loss to the music world! RIP Pat Dinizio!

[@joeomalley2835]

Agreed. Him and this band, so underrappreciated.

[@suzannemcgillicuddy5565]

most underated band ever

[@sharronclark7485]

Blood & Rose's is my Fav!🤗😊

[@Ledgerification]

My official break up band in the 80's. One my favorite bands ever.

[@marielandon9325]

LOL! My break-up band back then, also. Got me through some dark times. Love them!

[@adampoe2797]

Pat That Voice ROCK IN PEACE Especially For You Beauty and Sadness

[@farmyfarm]

Rest in peace Pat..Thank-you for keeping my early 20's memorable.

[@davestrain9529]

Rest your Soul, Pat, the Pain is Over. Rock and Roll will miss you

[@grrungerr]

everyone who has ever been in a relationship can really indentify with the lyrics from this song.. because when you split.. thats all it is.. only a memory.

[@postmastergeneral711]

🕯️RockinSoSweetly🕯️

[@jackhana7374]

One of the great rock and roll bands. 21 people didn't like?? Wow......

[@masapito11]

they probably didn't listen either....

[@KOSMICKEN09]

Let's put it this way if everyone liked everything it would be a bit boring.. If anything the audio needs to be remastered on this clip . And yes lol I like the song

[@joanneknapik6093]

tone deaf

[@jamest6837]

Was thinking about my wife who died in 2014 was a huge smithereens fan and this song randomly came on in my car today! Hey pamela baby you made my day today😮

[@teamblitz1990]

One of the most underrated bands ever. This band should have been massive filling out stadiums.

[@m.j.c.6969]

They were never "underrated" NEVER! "Underrated" doesn't mean not huge commercially. Two different things.

[@teamblitz1990]

​@@m.j.c.6969YES they were vastly underrated

[@tosaeast6032]

I got to be friends with Pat DiNizio. He was awesome, and he was loving and kind. I spoke to him the week before he passed. God bless you Pat.

[@djuri0612]

My god I love this song so much

[@sbgog93]

Dude! Same here. Just not as much as I love dead sexy baby children.😎😶😗

[@Noname-v2w5w]

This song takes me back to a summer night in the very early 90’s…they were playing a show at a riverside amphitheater on a Friday night and my boyfriend and I lived across the river-we had not known they were playing that night or we’d have gone to the show. But the sound carried across the water and it was like we were there anyway-we listened to this song from the front yard. We ended up married, have raised a family and are now grandparents. Hearing this took me right back- makes it seem like time passed so quickly! I’m sorry to hear of Pat’s passing on…I’m having a real “appreciate the time you have” moment here.

[@charlesdyer6126]

The opening riff is one of my all time favorites

[@christopherchild4022]

One of the best riffs ever written.

[@rw6194]

I am THRILLED this classic is on KZbin!!

[@richardmcdowell830]

I Love this band, I come to Utube to hear them

[@mak761]

Rest in Peace Pat. You will be in my memories, thanks for the great music.

[@richardarenz3725]

And now their only a memory

[@tjs031159]

I saw these guys can't remember when exactly but it was in a small hole in the wall club on Hillsborough St. (NC State) in Raleigh NC. Place was PACKED. The only place I could stand was next to a massive speaker next to the stage. Haha. Damn that place rocked. My ears rang for a week. LOL.

[@markglenn1712]

I was fortunate enough to see them at the Greek Theater here in LA back in the early '90s. They were fabulous, and were playing on a double bill with Los Lobos - one of the best concerts I've EVER seen. Will never forget it.

[@angellacanfora]

Hey, I was a 17 year old girl when this song came out & was immediately hooked on the Smithereens! Didn't give a shit about his hair. It's about great music...

[@alanowens3]

Gone too soon. RIP Pat.

[@sergitocr]

Great underrated band!

[@RCAvhstape]

I saw these guys not too long ago. Can't believe Pat's gone...

[@taralish]

Helium Road he was a true talent. And I was due to see them play again. I’m sad.

[@johncalvert3669]

Me either, I love the band and the sound

[@toddsmith4735]

I loved these guys in the 80s. Who's gone?

[@MikeSmith-yd7cr]

Their lead vocalist Pat DiNizio.

[@kellyschiller8166]

When I was an exotic dancer, this was one of my songs

[@stever507]

Really 😍

[@paulyonko1124]

these guys are the shit.years ago I heard them & was like wow .this new rap it is who knows what the fk it is.wake up this is music

[@petej.8676]

I saw the Smithereens several times when they came to Chicago..most memorable was the 1988 Toys for Tots show at the Rivera Theatre..their sound guy gave us a soundboard recording of the show...

[@empire4227]

This song still rocks today

[@davekennedy4497]

Music during the ole MTv days was so ....one of a kind. The bands music....the visual presentation....the acceptance or denile. This band was a one-n-done memory. Love this tune...but what after? They had the moxy...but without MTv...only a memory!😢

[@nickr6294]

This brings back memories. Like seeing them at the Xat Club in 1986

[@ninja71able]

RIP pat, you helped me get through tough times in high school.

[@juliewalby6864]

This is Jersey rock and roll kids.

[@georgetrapp6666]

God, what great songwriting. You were loved, Pat. We will all miss you.

[@dmreeoogdaq]

One could make a good case that the three most underrated bands of the 1980's were King's X, The Fixx, and The Smithereens. R.I.P. Mr. DiNizio. Your music makes you eternal now.

[@HarlinNeal]

I first saw this video on MTV back in the late 80's...you know...back when MTV actually "MUSIC TELEVISION"!!!!! This song introduced me to the band, and I love this song decades later. It's simple, clean, honest rock music without all the filler, hype, and crappy vocals a lot of pop and rock bands of my 80's generation and even today have. To this day, I'm still impressed with the style of this band...and I still love this song.

[@MatthewFatPandaHenry]

When I was in middle school, I learned to play the saxophone. I dropped it when I left middle school. For years, I've wanted to play an instrument. I've thought about picking up a Tenor sax, polishing my skills, and finding a place to play. ...and a lot of that was inspired by this band's music. They were pegged "alternative," but they were a straight up classic bar band at the core--raw, stripped down, and primal. RIP, Pat...and thank you.

[@93KHJBOSSRADIO]

Way Way Underrated!

[@loZoneranger560]

Rickenbackers through Marshalls...and that's only the tip of the iceberg as to why this band was one of the best. Great lyrics and great melodies. We miss you.

[@legendiver]

What a memory, classic!

[@countrypaul]

One of the greatest modern rock & roll songs ever!

[@Cweisman35]

RIP Pat DiNizio. Was luck have seen the Smithereens in concert 3 times in my life. Those shows are undoubtedly more than only memories, they were experiences I'll always remember.

[@gymrachel]

Fucking brilliant band.

[@paulhutchinson6552]

Amazing song from the cesspool of New Jersey - and that note at the start is their homage to Mr. Lennon.

[@JonnieCometLtd]

+Paul Hutch HEY! :(

[@paulhutchinson6552]

Don't like u some 'Reens? Best ever from NJ.

[@TheBryanmauro]

and you are from which cesspool?

[@paulhutchinson6552]

@@TheBryanmauro Hamilton

[@hotsoda1850]

I love this song. Oh the memories! Thank you for being a great band!

[@marypatkelly3545]

Never a memory.. STILL remembered as the great band they were

[@aeolianharp1363]

Most under-rated band of all time

[@SuperElbrother]

Great Song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@janedough9279]

Deffo one of the greatest bands of the 80s. This was a flawless album!

[@janedough9279]

Green Thoughts - one of the top 10 albums of the 80s

[@irisheyzgrl24murphy92]

I love the Smithereens ! They were great.

[@jaigurudavid]

I had the privilege to meet Pat DiNizio on three separate occasions. He played one of his living room concerts at the Hubble House in Mantorville, Minnesota at my request. He was one of the nicest and most humble people I have ever met. RIP, Pat.

[@makeminemusic1]

I love this group and this is one of my favorite songs! :)

[@VeronicaPisfil]

Brilliant song, great band. RIP Pat DiNizio. Thanks forever for your music!

[@LS1LT1]

R.I.P. Pat :-(

[@frankdemaria7766]

Great band the smithereens

[@SpartanBookhead]

One of the best bands of the '80s and '90s (and the surviving members: Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros) are stil out there playing shows with guest vocalists in place of the late great Pat DiNizio. This is a great song. Mesaros and Diken are such a piledriving rhythm section.

[@kimberlyjones7131]

Long post alert…It was 1994 and I was on a flight coming back to Chicago from a job interview in Minnesota when I saw this very grungy, kinda weird looking dude walking down the aisle. I kept saying to myself “please don’t sit next to me” because he also looked like he was going to be stinky. And of course, he plops down right next me. So I tell him, “look, I don’t fly well, so you might wanna change your seat.” He said, “me neither, so we’re just gonna have to ride this out together.” I curse under my breath, like sh*t, this is gonna be a long flight! He then introduced himself and asked me my name, where I was from, etc. I told him I was coming from a job interview and I asked him what he did. He said he was a musician and was in a band, but that I’d probably never heard of it. I told him that was into all kinds of music, so maybe I had. He said he was the lead singer of the Smithereens. I was like, wait a minute, “Only a Memory Smithereens? I have that album” And he expressed his surprise that I’d heard of them, then laughed and said yeah that’s me. So we takeoff and immediately there is a lot of turbulence, so much so that it knocked our drinks over. And at some point, I don’t remember which one of us grabbed the other first, but for the remainder of the flight, we stayed locked in this panic stricken, death clutch. Thank goodness it was a relatively short flight, but we got each other through it. After we landed we exchanged numbers, because ironically, the job I had interviewed for was partially to oversee the bookings of concerts at the university I had attended. A few months later, after I got the job, I reached out to Pat to try and book them, but unfortunately his tour schedule couldn’t accommodate our dates, but we had a nice chat and he wished me well. Whenever I hear this song, it always brings a smile to my face as I fondly remember those moments on that flight. So Pat, may you forever RIH! ❤️ Oh yeah, he didn’t smell bad at all!

[@geraldwoodruff3494]

Pat DiNizio passes away 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. LONG LIVE THE SMITHEREENS ! RIP MY BROTHER ! YOU WILL MISSED MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY !

[@ou812also5]

If these guys have NOT been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame they need to be NOW!

[@johngerson7335]

Best pop/rock songwriter since John & Paul, Pat DiNizio and his fantastic bandmates, The Smithereens. Rest peacefully Pat...

[@starnight543]

Love this song, and sadly the lyrics are so relatable. 😪

[@pinksunami]

I have always loved the Smithereens I am so sorry for the loss of Pat D. Beautiful voice so gifted. He is Loved by many and will be missed. Thank you !

[@pinksunami]

Thank you!