Wish I'd Seen 'Em #7 - Pat DiNizio

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Wish I'd Seen 'Em. It's a musical series about musicians that I wish I'd seen in concert, because they are now deceased, and for whatever reason, I missed out. We are at #7: Pat DiNizio (1955-2017.) It's been nearly a year now, and I am still numb from Pat DiNizio's passing. If you don't recognize the name, Pat DiNizio was the vocalist/rythym guitarist/songwriter for one of my favorite bands, The Smithereens. Their 1986 debut album, Especially for You, remains one of my all-time favorite records, and despite the fact that they did achieve a modicum of popularity, they were extremely underappreciated, to the point that I included them on an Underrated Bands Series that I did awhile back. Sadly, as much as I love this band, I just never got to see them. Whenever they came through Denver, I either just didn't know, or just couldn't swing it, usually due to work commitments. According to Wikipedia, The Smithereens continue on, as a trio. I don't think that I'd want to go see them that way. It was Pat DiNizio that wrote and sang those songs that I love, and it just wouldn't be the same. I've attached a link to a live performance of the band's hit, "Blood and Roses." It basically proves my point. A great band like The Smithereens should have been playing in a venue much bigger than the small club in which the video was filmed. R.I.P., Pat. Thank you for all the groovy songs! Sorry that I missed you. (Info verified by Wikipedia)