Pat DiNizio, singer, songwriter and guitarist for rock band The Smithereens, has died at the age of 62.
Dec. 13 (UPI) — Pat DiNizio, singer, songwriter and guitarist for rock band The Smithereens, has died at the age of 62.
« 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 group wrote on their official Facebook page Tuesday announcing DiNizio’s death.
« 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, » they continued.
No cause of death has been announced.
DiNizio was sidelined in 2015 after losing the use of his right hand and arm following a pair of falls that caused serious nerve damage, Variety reported. The Smithereens had canceled three tour dates in 2017 after DiNizio injured his back and neck in another fall.
The band was scheduled to perform new tour dates starting in January.
The Smithereens, from New Jersey, are known for songs such as « Blood and Roses, » « Strangers When We Meet, » « Behind the Wall of Sleep, » « In a Lonely Place, » « Only a Memory, » and « A Girl Like You. »
DiNizio released a solo album in 1997 titled Sounds and Songs that was followed by three other solo efforts.
The rock star made an unsuccessful run for a New Jersey seat in the United States Senate in 2000 with the campaign being chronicled in the documentary film, Mr. Smithereen Goes To Washington .
DiNizio also starred in ESPN2’s 7th Inning Stretch in 2006, a reality special that followed the singer recovering from a nervous disorder and attempts to rehab by joining minor league baseball team the Somerset Patriots.
