Smithereens frontman and co-founder, Pat DiNizio, dies at 62

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Ben Hider/Getty Images

Ben Hider/Getty ImagesPat DiNizio, founder and front man of The Smithereens, has died at 62, the band announced on Facebook Tuesday night.

“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,” the post read. “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.”

The Smithereens had a string of rock hits in the late 1980s and early 1990s including “Only a Memory” and “A Girl Like You.”

Fellow Smithereens Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and founding bass player Mike Mesaros paid tribute to DiNizio on the band’s website writing, “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.”

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