BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene
Pat DiNizio, frontman for alt-rock-pop band The Smithereens has died at the age of 62.
The band posted the news on its Facebook page shortly after midnight Wednesday:
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.
New Jersey native and singer-guitarist DiNizio, with bandmates Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, and Mike Mesaros, buzzed around the rock charts in the late-‘80s and early-‘90s with stinging, yet melodic songs including “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You” and “Blood and Roses.”
On Saturday, DiNizio posted a lengthy update on Facebook and assured fans that he was receiving “the best medical care and attention possible to repair the damage done to my neck and back in my recent falls.” He also said his treatment was helping him get in shape for the band’s upcoming shows.
Over the years, The Smithereens performed at the Fox Theatre, Center Stage and frequently at Music Midtown.
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