Band

The Smithereens

Mapped through Alternative rock influences; 16 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

The Smithereens
Biography

The Smithereens: history and sound

The Smithereens are an American rock band from Carteret, New Jersey, United States. The group formed in 1980 with members Pat DiNizio (vocals & guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar & vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass guitar & vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums & percussion).
Rediscover the Classics: A Tribute to The Smithereens
As music listeners, we always seek a band that can narrate our lives. A band that understands the ups and downs of living and puts it into words and melodies. For me, that band is The Smithereens. From the first time I heard their classic hit A Girl Like You, I knew I found something special. Today, I will dive deep into their musical biography, genres, best songs, and concerts.
The Smithereens was formed in Carteret, New Jersey, in 1980. Their powerful sound and poetic lyrics can easily be attributed to the influences of British Invasion rock bands like The Beatles and The Who. The band's first few albums, Especially for You, Green Thoughts, and 11, were well received for their pop sensibilities and alternative rock roots. However, it was the critically acclaimed album Smithereens 11 that gained them mainstream success. The album spawned the classic hit A Girl Like You, which is a staple in any 90s alternative playlist.
The band's sound can be classified as alternative rock, power pop, and college rock. They are known for their catchy guitar riffs, heavy drums and bass lines, and melancholic lyrics. Their music often deals with themes such as love and heartbreak, nostalgia, and the human condition. Some of their best songs include Only a Memory, Blood and Roses, Behind the Wall of Sleep, Blue Period, and Yesterday Girl. These songs perfectly capture the band's sound and lyrical content.
The Smithereens were also known for their energetic live shows. They consistently toured the United States and made a name for themselves with an energetic and crowd-pleasing performance. One of their most notable concerts was the 2012 concert at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey. The occasion was a tribute concert for Jim Babjak, who had received a key to Carteret, his hometown, earlier in the day. During the show, the band played some of their most memorable tracks, including Blood and Roses, Behind the Wall of Sleep, and A Girl Like You.
The Smithereens may have gone through several line-up changes, but they remain an important band in music history. Their legacy still lives on, inspiring artists and music enthusiasts to this day. Their contribution to alternative rock and power pop cannot be overlooked, making their impact on music great.
The Smithereens' music is more than just nostalgia; it's a testament to the beauty of rock and roll. They remind us that music is meant to be felt, not just heard. Their sound will always evoke feelings of longing, hopelessness, and joy. We should celebrate their legacy for their contributions to rock music and for their ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. A true classic never fades away, and The Smithereens are here to stay.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Blood & Roses
The Smithereens Blood & Roses
Blue Period - Acoustic
The Smithereens Blue Period - Acoustic
Mr. Eliminator
The Smithereens Mr. Eliminator
Sorry
The Smithereens Sorry
I Saw Her Standing There
The Smithereens I Saw Her Standing There
I Want To Hold Your Hand
The Smithereens I Want To Hold Your Hand
Music

DISCOGRAPHY OF THE SMITHEREENS

Future plans

The Smithereens: next events

The State Theatre Washington, US Buy the ticket!
Sellersville Theater 1894 Philadelphia, US Buy the ticket!
Montalvo Arts Center SF Bay Area, US Buy the ticket!
Sweetwater Music Hall SF Bay Area, US Buy the ticket!
Hendricks Live! Indianapolis, US Buy the ticket!
Park West Chicago, US Buy the ticket!
The Vogel, Count Basie Center for the Arts New York (NYC), US Buy the ticket!
The Vogel, Count Basie Center for the Arts New York (NYC), US Buy the ticket!
Arden Gild Hall Wilmington, US Buy the ticket!
Alberta Rose Theatre Portland, US Buy the ticket!
The Triple Door Seattle, US Buy the ticket!
Lincoln Theatre Seattle, US Buy the ticket!
Homer Center for the Arts Homer, US Buy the ticket!
Colony Woodstock, US Buy the ticket!
Sunrise Theatre Fort Lauderdale, US Buy the ticket!
Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Jacksonville, US Buy the ticket!
The Magic Bag Detroit, US Buy the ticket!