Pat DiNizio passes

[Dave W]

For those of you who haven't already heard

Pat DiNizio of the Smithereens Dies at 62

Pat had a unique voice and Smithereens have always been the kind of tight no-frills rock band I like. I still listen to them a lot. He will be missed.

[gearHed289]

They always seemed like a bunch of straight up, regular dudes playing good power-pop. I know Pat had health issues over the past several years. May he RIP.

[lowend1]

There have been plenty of "obvious" NJ bands and artists, but Pat was probably the most genuine of our by-products. He lived his whole life in the same working class town and would often be seen out and about, mingling with residents, fans and friends. I ran into him a couple of years back standing on line to get into a Paul Rodgers show, and we spent a few minutes chatting about Free, BadCo and Rodgers as a vocalist in general. A NJ fixture, and a real decent guy who will be missed.

[OldManC]

I had to warm to the Smithereens, but that was more my distaste for the modern rock station I grew up with (and its most ardent listeners) than the band itself. Once I gave them a real listen they became a favorite for the exact reasons you guys mention.

I have a friend who met and spent time hanging out with Pat after the band's initial heyday (but still in the band/touring setting) and she spoke highly of his generosity and friendship toward her as a fan and then friend/acquaintance. She's pretty devastated at the moment. I feel for Pat and his family, but I also feel for the devoted fans he leaves behind. RIP