Pat DiNizio, the lead singer and songwriter of the New Jersey rock band The Smithereens, died on December 12, 2017 at the age of 62. He was a beloved figure in the music scene, known for his catchy and heartfelt songs that blended power pop, rock and roll, and classic influences. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and fellow musicians, who paid tribute to his legacy and influence. But what was the cause of his death? How did he die? Here are some facts and details about Pat DiNizio’s life and death.
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A Life of Music and Passion
Pat DiNizio was born on October 12, 1955 in Plainfield, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby Scotch Plains. He attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, where he developed his love for music. He was influenced by artists such as Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Who, The Kinks, and Elvis Presley. He learned to play guitar and piano, and started writing songs at an early age.
He formed The Smithereens in 1980 with three friends from Carteret: Jim Babjak on guitar, Dennis Diken on drums, and Mike Mesaros on bass. The band played in local clubs and bars, and released their first EP in 1983. They soon gained a loyal following and a record deal with Enigma Records. Their debut album, Especially for You, came out in 1986 and featured their first hit single, “Blood and Roses”. The song was featured in the movie Dangerously Close and became a staple on college radio stations.
The Smithereens went on to release 10 more studio albums, as well as several live albums and compilations. Some of their most popular songs include “A Girl Like You”, “Only a Memory”, “Behind the Wall of Sleep”, “Too Much Passion”, “Top of the Pops”, and “Miles from Nowhere”. They also recorded tribute albums to The Who’s Tommy and The Beatles’ Meet the Beatles. The band was known for their energetic live performances, their melodic hooks, and their lyrical honesty. They were praised by critics and fans alike for their originality and integrity.
DiNizio also pursued a solo career, releasing four albums between 1997 and 2011. He also wrote a book called Confessions of a Rock Star, which chronicled his experiences in the music industry. He also ventured into politics, running for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey in 2000 as a member of the Reform Party. He finished fourth with 0.64% of the vote. He also hosted a radio show on XM Satellite Radio called Unsigned, where he showcased new and independent artists.
DiNizio was passionate about baseball as well as music. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Mets, and even tried out for a minor league team in 2006 as part of an ESPN reality show called 7th Inning Stretch. He also hosted annual Memorial Day picnics for his fans at his home in Scotch Plains.
A Struggle with Health Issues
DiNizio had several health problems throughout his life, which affected his ability to perform and tour. In 1995, he injured his neck in a car accident, which caused him chronic pain and limited his mobility. In 2015, he suffered nerve damage in his right arm after falling down a flight of stairs at his home. He underwent several surgeries and physical therapy sessions to recover from the injury, but he never regained full use of his arm.
He also struggled with weight issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney problems. He had to take medication to manage his conditions, which sometimes caused side effects such as fatigue and depression. He tried to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly and eating well, but he admitted that it was hard to keep up with his regimen.
Despite his health challenges, DiNizio continued to make music and perform with The Smithereens until his death. He also performed solo shows at various venues across the country, often playing in fans’ living rooms by request. He said that he loved playing music more than anything else in the world, and that he was grateful for the support of his fans.
A Sudden Death
On December 12, 2017, DiNizio passed away unexpectedly at his home in Summit, New Jersey. The exact cause of his death was not revealed publicly, but it was reported that he had been recovering from an unspecified medical issue that had caused him to cancel some shows earlier that year. His bandmates announced his death on their official website and social media accounts, expressing their grief and sorrow.
They wrote: “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. Little did we know that we wouldn’t grow old together. Goodbye Pat. Seems like yesterday.”
The news of his death shocked and saddened the music community, especially his fans and peers. Many musicians and celebrities paid tribute to him on social media, sharing their memories and condolences. Some of them included Steven Van Zandt, Joan Jett, Richard Marx, Tom Morello, Darius Rucker, and Kevin Bacon. They praised his talent, his generosity, his humor, and his spirit.
His funeral was held on December 16, 2017 at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Springfield, New Jersey. Hundreds of fans and friends attended the service, which featured eulogies by his bandmates, his family, and his longtime friend and collaborator Kurt Reil. His casket was adorned with flowers and a guitar. His music was played throughout the ceremony, including a rendition of “A Girl Like You” by The Grip Weeds.
DiNizio was buried at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, next to his parents. His grave marker reads: “Pat DiNizio / October 12, 1955 – December 12, 2017 / Lead Singer & Songwriter / The Smithereens / America’s Band”.
A Lasting Legacy
Pat DiNizio left behind a rich and diverse musical legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans. He was one of the most influential and respected songwriters of his era, who wrote timeless songs that captured the emotions and experiences of everyday life. He was also a charismatic and passionate performer, who connected with his audience on a personal level. He was a humble and generous person, who treated his fans as friends and gave back to his community.
He is survived by his daughter Liza DiNizio, his sister Elizabeth DiNizio, his brother Robert DiNizio, and his extended family and friends. He is also remembered by his bandmates Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken, Mike Mesaros, and Severo Jornacion, who continue to perform as The Smithereens in his honor.
Pat DiNizio’s music lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans, who cherish his songs as part of the soundtrack of their lives. He will always be remembered as a rock and roll legend, a New Jersey icon, and a true American original.
