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Pat Dinizio
Biography
Most folks know Pat DiNizio for the dark, British Invasion-influenced college rock of his longtime group the Smithereens. Few might also remember his 1997 solo album. The new millennium found DiNizio in some unexpected roles, however -- serving as a programmer for satellite radio, undertaking a solo tour in which he played at people's homes, and most surprisingly, launching a failed but quite serious campaign for the Senate.

DiNizio and the Smithereens first rose to prominence in the '80s. After playing in several groups, DiNizio decided to form his own combo. He hooked up with three young New Jersey natives -- Dennis Diken (drums), Jim Babjak (guitar), and Mike Mesaros (bass) -- who had played together in high school. The Smithereens released several EPs in the early '80s to mild success and played as a supporting band on the oldies circuit. Finally, after being signed to Enigma, the group released their 1986 debut LP Especially for You. The album enjoyed moderate success, particularly with the college market, on the strength of the ominous, Beatlesque pop of the single "Blood and Roses." 1988's Green Thoughts saw the group crossing over into major markets with the hit single "Only a Memory.
Selected Discography