Complete List Of The Smithereens Band Members

Feature Photo: Circacies, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Four New Jersey musicians from working-class backgrounds united in 1980 to create a band that would merge British Invasion pop sensibilities with American power pop grit, becoming fixtures on MTV and alternative rock radio throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Smithereens formed in Carteret, New Jersey, in 1980, consisting of vocalist and rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros, and drummer Dennis Diken. The band maintained this original lineup for most of their career, with only one major personnel change when Mesaros temporarily left from 2005 to 2016 and was replaced by Severo Jornacion.

The band signed with independent label Enigma Records and released their breakthrough album Especially for You in 1986, which reached number 51 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum. Their highest charting album was 11 in 1989, which peaked at number 41 and was certified gold, spawning their biggest hit “A Girl Like You” which reached number 38 on the Hot 100. Other notable chart successes included “Blood and Roses” which hit number 14 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and “Only a Memory” which topped the Album Rock Tracks chart at number 1. The band released a total of eleven studio albums and several compilation albums over their career.

The Smithereens were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2019 as part of the Class of 2018 Performing Arts category. Following Pat DiNizio’s death in December 2017, the surviving members chose to continue performing as The Smithereens with rotating guest vocalists including Marshall Crenshaw, Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, and John Cowsill of The Cowsills. The band released The Lost Album in 2022, featuring previously unreleased material recorded in 1993, and continues to tour regularly with the three surviving original members plus guest vocalists.

Pat DiNizio

Patrick Michael DiNizio was born October 12, 1955, in Plainfield, New Jersey, and served as The Smithereens’ lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter from the band’s formation in 1980 until his death in 2017. DiNizio grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where he attended Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. He worked as a trash hauler for his father’s company while trying to break into the music business. DiNizio formed The Smithereens after placing a classified ad in The Aquarian Weekly looking for a drummer, which was answered by Dennis Diken, who then introduced his childhood friends Jim Babjak and Mike Mesaros.

DiNizio wrote and sang lead vocals on all of The Smithereens’ studio albums, including Especially for You (1986), Green Thoughts (1988), 11 (1989), Blow Up (1991), A Date with the Smithereens (1994), God Save the Smithereens (1999), and 2011 (2011). His songwriting was heavily influenced by Buddy Holly, whom he cited as his biggest inspiration, along with The Beatles, The Who, and The Clash. His compositions combined power pop melodies with introspective lyrics about love, relationships, and small-town life. Notable songs he wrote include “Blood and Roses,” “A Girl Like You,” “Only a Memory,” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.”

DiNizio released several solo albums throughout his career, including Songs and Sounds (1997), Pat DiNizio (2007), and Pat DiNizio/Buddy Holly (2008). He also wrote a book titled Confessions of a Rock Star and performed a condensed live adaptation of it nightly at the Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from November 2011 to June 2012. In 2000, he made an unsuccessful run for U.S. Senate in New Jersey on the Reform Party ticket, finishing fourth with 19,312 votes. He also launched the “Living Room Tour” where he performed solo acoustic shows in fans’ homes. DiNizio died on December 12, 2017, at age 62, after a series of health problems that began in 2015 with falls that resulted in nerve damage limiting the use of his right hand and arm.

Jim Babjak

Jim Babjak was born November 17, 1957, in Carteret, New Jersey, and has served as The Smithereens’ lead guitarist and co-founder since 1980. Babjak graduated from Carteret High School in 1975 alongside Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros, and the three childhood friends formed the core of what would become The Smithereens. Before forming the band, Babjak worked as a banker while pursuing music. He has been the band’s lead guitarist throughout their entire career and has also contributed backing vocals and written several songs for the band, including “White Castle Blues,” which became a fan favorite.

Babjak played lead guitar on all of The Smithereens’ studio albums and was instrumental in developing their signature guitar sound that influenced bands including Nirvana. Kurt Cobain reportedly used Babjak’s guitar tone as a reference point when recording Nevermind, with producer Butch Vig confirming that they were A-B testing Babjak’s sound during those sessions. His guitar work is characterized by a preference for simple setups, primarily using Marshall 800 series amplifiers and avoiding effects pedals in favor of pure guitar-to-amp tone. His playing has been described as melody-first, eschewing flash for memorable hooks and riffs.

Beyond The Smithereens, Babjak has led several side projects including the band Buzzed Meg and more recently The BAR, formed with Danny Adlerman and Kurt Reil. His music has appeared in numerous films including Bull Durham, Backdraft, Encino Man, and Boys Don’t Cry, as well as television shows and commercials. He has been recognized with several honors including induction into the White Castle “Cravers Hall of Fame” for “White Castle Blues” and being named one of the 30 Greatest Garden State Guitarists of All Time by Guitar World magazine in 2024. Babjak also operates Babjax Coffee, featuring his own blends of premium roasted coffee, and continues to tour with The Smithereens using rotating guest vocalists.

Dennis Diken

Dennis Diken was born February 25, 1957, and has served as The Smithereens’ drummer and a founding member since 1980. Diken graduated from Carteret High School in 1975 with Jim Babjak and Mike Mesaros, and the three had been playing music together since 1971. He answered Pat DiNizio’s classified ad in The Aquarian Weekly seeking a drummer, which led to the formation of The Smithereens. Diken has remained with the band throughout their entire career and has also provided backing vocals and percussion on all their recordings.

Diken played drums on all of The Smithereens’ studio albums and has been praised for his solid, driving rhythm style that anchored the band’s power pop sound. His drumming influences include the session players from 1960s hits by The Four Seasons, Beach Boys, and Phil Spector productions. In addition to his work with The Smithereens, Diken has been an active session drummer, working with artists including Ronnie Spector, Dave Davies of The Kinks, Mary Weiss of The Shangri-Las, Ben E. King, and Nancy Sinatra.

Outside of drumming, Diken has established himself as a music historian, author, and radio DJ. He hosts a weekly show called “Denny’s Den” on WFMU radio and has served as a fill-in DJ for the station. He has contributed liner notes and research to numerous compilation albums for artists including the Four Freshmen, Louis Prima, the Lovin’ Spoonful, and the Beach Boys. Diken released a solo album in 2009 titled Late Music, recorded with Bell Sound (Pete DiBella), which featured contributions from Andy Paley, Jason Falkner, and backing vocals by the 1960s girl group The Honeys. He has also been a judge for multiple Independent Music Awards and appeared on the Cartoon Network show Space Ghost: Coast to Coast in 1996.

Mike Mesaros

Mike Mesaros was born December 11, 1957, and served as The Smithereens’ bassist and backing vocalist from 1980 to 2005, then again from 2016 to present. Mesaros grew up in Carteret, New Jersey, and graduated from Carteret High School in 1975 with Jim Babjak and Dennis Diken. He began playing with Babjak and Diken in 1975, and the three childhood friends had been making music together for years before Pat DiNizio joined them to form The Smithereens in 1980.

Mesaros played bass and provided backing vocals on The Smithereens’ albums from their debut through God Save the Smithereens (1999). His bass playing, influenced by early accordion and piano lessons, provided the rhythmic foundation for the band’s power pop sound. He contributed to all of their major hits including “Blood and Roses,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Only a Memory.” Mesaros left the band in 2005 for personal reasons and was replaced by Severo Jornacion, but returned for select performances in 2016 and permanently rejoined the band in 2017.

During his time away from The Smithereens, Mesaros stepped back from the music industry to focus on personal matters. Upon his return, he has continued to tour with the band and participated in recording projects including adding new bass parts to their 2020 cover versions of The Beatles’ “Love Me Do” and “P.S. I Love You.” He was part of the recording sessions for The Lost Album material in 1993 and appears on that release which came out in 2022. Mesaros has been quoted describing The Smithereens’ music as capable of being “mean, sweet, joyful, or brooding,” and refers to The Lost Album as “emotional gold” for the band and their fans.

Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion

Severo Jornacion served as The Smithereens’ bassist and backing vocalist from 2005 to 2017, replacing Mike Mesaros during his absence from the band. Jornacion joined the band during their later period and played on several albums and tours during the 2000s and 2010s. He was known for his energetic stage presence and contributed to the band’s live performances during this era, helping to maintain their reputation as a dynamic live act.

Jornacion played bass on The Smithereens’ albums during his tenure and participated in their touring schedule throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. His playing style brought a different energy to the band compared to Mesaros, and he was noted for injecting his own brand of controlled energy into their live performances. He appeared on the band’s cover album Meet the Smithereens (2007), their Beatles tribute project, as Mesaros was not participating with the band at that time.

After Mike Mesaros returned to the band permanently in 2017, Jornacion transitioned to serving as a touring substitute when needed. He has continued to support the band in this capacity and remains available for performances when circumstances require. Following Pat DiNizio’s death in 2017, Jornacion has occasionally performed with the surviving members as they continue to tour with guest vocalists, providing continuity and support for the band’s ongoing legacy.

Marshall Crenshaw

Marshall Crenshaw has served as a touring lead vocalist for The Smithereens from 2024 to present, taking over vocal duties following Pat DiNizio’s death in 2017. Crenshaw is an accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist in his own right, best known for his 1982 Top 40 hit “Someday, Someway” and his role as Buddy Holly in the Broadway musical and subsequent film La Bamba. His association with The Smithereens dates back to the 1980s when he performed on their debut album Especially for You.

Crenshaw’s vocal style and musical sensibilities aligned well with The Smithereens’ power pop aesthetic, making him a natural choice to front the band after DiNizio’s passing. He has participated in their touring schedule and brings his own extensive experience as a recording artist and performer to the role. Crenshaw has released numerous solo albums throughout his career and has been recognized as an influential figure in the power pop and roots rock genres.

His work with The Smithereens represents a continuation of both artists’ commitment to classic songcraft and melodic rock music. Crenshaw’s ability to interpret DiNizio’s songs while maintaining their integrity has been praised by fans and critics. He alternates vocal duties with other guest singers including Robin Wilson, allowing The Smithereens to continue their legacy while honoring their original material.

John Cowsill

John Cowsill has served as a touring lead vocalist for The Smithereens from 2025 to present, joining the rotation of guest singers following Pat DiNizio’s death. Cowsill is a veteran musician known for his work with The Cowsills, the family band that inspired The Partridge Family television series, and later as a member of The Beach Boys’ touring band. His connection to The Smithereens dates back to 1991 when he sang backing vocals on their song “Now and Then.”

Cowsill brings extensive experience as both a drummer and vocalist to his role with The Smithereens. His work with The Beach Boys touring band from the 1990s through 2000s provided him with experience in maintaining and interpreting classic pop songs, skills that translate well to performing The Smithereens’ catalog. His vocal abilities and understanding of harmony-rich pop music make him well-suited to front the band.

His participation in The Smithereens’ continuing tours represents another chapter in his long musical career that has spanned multiple decades and various musical projects. Cowsill’s involvement helps ensure that The Smithereens can continue to perform their songs for audiences while maintaining the musical integrity that has defined the band throughout their career.

Robin Wilson

Robin Wilson served as a touring lead vocalist for The Smithereens from 2019 to 2024, fronting the band following Pat DiNizio’s death in 2017. Wilson is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the Gin Blossoms, the alternative rock band that achieved major success in the 1990s with hits like “Hey Jealousy” and “Follow You Down.” Wilson revealed that he had been a longtime fan of The Smithereens dating back to the 1980s, and that his band had drawn inspiration from their music during the formation of the Gin Blossoms.

Wilson’s involvement with The Smithereens began when he participated in the tribute concert for Pat DiNizio at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, New Jersey, on January 13, 2018. His performance at that show impressed the surviving band members, and he made it known that he would be excited to continue singing with them if the opportunity arose. His vocal style and stage presence were well-suited to The Smithereens’ material, and he was able to interpret their songs while maintaining their emotional integrity.

During his tenure as guest vocalist, Wilson helped The Smithereens maintain their touring schedule and reach new audiences while honoring their classic material. His experience fronting a successful alternative rock band provided him with the skills necessary to handle both the musical and performance aspects of the role. Wilson’s participation demonstrated the respect and influence that The Smithereens maintained within the alternative rock community, as established artists were eager to help preserve their musical legacy.