So many great artists have come from the state of New Jersey. Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi obviously would first come to mind. A band that usually flies under the radar is The Smithereens. The band has been around since putting out its initial effort called ‘Especially for You’ back in 1986. Unfortunately, back in December of 2017, vocalist and rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio passed away. The band has decided to carry on with different vocalists. They have used Marshall Crenshaw and Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms at various times. For this show at the Riviera, Wilson was dubbed the duty to lead the band. What also should be noted is original bassist Mike Mesaros was unable to do this show. The band tapped season pro Graham Maby, (who is better known as Joe Jackson’s bassist) to do the show.
The Smithereens took the stage as the song “Tequila” was being played. Wilson warmed up the crowd by getting them to sing “Tequila.” The Smithereens went back to their 1986 album ‘Especially for You’ by playing “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” The band took an early stop to wish a Happy Birthday to guitarist Jim Babjak, who recently had a Birthday on November 17. A few tracks later, the band dove into their history some by playing their first hit in “Only a Memory.” Wilson didn’t handle all the lead vocals throughout the show. Babjak did leads on “Life is So Beautiful.” Drummer Dennis Diken talked about the first song they ever wrote with DiNizio called “I Don’t Want to Lose You.” He felt it was one of the best songs he ever wrote and was happy to sing it. They threw a few covers in towards the end of the set in the Sam Cooke song “Chain Gang” and the Badfinger song “No Matter What.” They ended their set with what many consider the bands biggest hit in “A Girl Like You.”
Wilson had some big shoes to fill and he did a commendable job filling those shows. The same goes for Maby filling in for Mesaros. It was a solid show put on by the Smithereens. This was the first time I seen the band in years. Even with the passing of DiNizio, I went away feeling that the band still has something to say and give to its fans. I bet the fans who showed up to the show walked away feeling the same way as well!
Setlist:
Behind the Wall of Sleep
Top of the Pops
Sorry
She’s Got a Way
Strangers When We Meet
Groovy Tuesday
Green Thoughts
Only a Memory
Now and Then
Cut Flowers
Yesterday Girl
If the Sun Don’t Shine
Life is So Beautiful (Jim on vocals)
I Don’t Want to Lose You (Dennis on vocals)
Blues Before of After
Miles from Nowhere
Drown in my Own Tears
House We Used to Live In/Sparks
Blood and Roses
Chain Gang (Sam Cooke cover)
No Matter What (Badfinger cover)
A Girl Like You
We would like to thank Dave Fillenwarth form the West Herr Riviera Theatre for the credentials to review the show.
