The Smithereens
Show Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Show Time: 7:30 PM
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Ticket Price: $45-75
Show Type: Rock
Restrictions: All Ages
With special guest John Cowsill!
Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been delivering powerful, original rock ‘n’ roll for 44 years. Guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Mike Mesaros grew up together in Carteret, while late lead singer Pat DiNizio hailed from Scotch Plains. Cutting their teeth in clubs across the NYC tri-state area—including Kenny’s Castaways, the Court Tavern, and the Stone Pony—the band quickly gained a following. Over the years, they’ve toured relentlessly across the U.S. and internationally, sharing stages with Tom Petty, The Pretenders, Squeeze, Lou Reed, and the Ramones, among others. With 17 albums, more than 2,500 live shows, and over 5 million records sold, The Smithereens built a legacy on hits like “Blood and Roses,” “Only a Memory,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” and “A Girl Like You.” They’ve been hailed as pioneers of the alternative rock scene, even cited as an influence by Kurt Cobain. Their visibility soared through regular MTV airplay and appearances on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, MTV Unplugged, and more. Their songs have also been featured in films such as Bull Durham, Encino Man, Backdraft, Boys Don’t Cry, and Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, and the band has even appeared in Class of Nuke ’Em High. Despite the loss of DiNizio in 2017, Babjak, Diken, and Mesaros chose to carry on in his memory, performing with guest vocalists like Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), continuing to tour and release music to enthusiastic audiences. In 2019, the band was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and recognized by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame, while Babjak and Diken were also honored by the White Castle Hall of Fame for the cult favorite “White Castle Blues.” Recent releases include COVERS (22 fan-favorite tracks), several limited-edition vinyl singles, and The Lost Album, featuring unreleased material recorded with DiNizio. The Smithereens were also featured in the Grammy Museum’s “New Jersey Legends” exhibit, and Babjak launched his own coffee brand, Babjax Coffee, in 2022. In 2024, the band marks a major milestone—44 years strong—with non-stop touring and a brand-new studio album on the horizon. The legacy lives on, and the adventure continues.