Career The Smithereens

babjak (left) , jornacion in 2009 in rochester, minnesota

the group spent of initial semi-celebrity phase defending in rolling stone against thinly-veiled accusations of sounding byrds , beatles, pointing out marshall amp-heavy live sound closer heavy metal beatles. along basic eastern-coast roots-rock sound owed inspirations of dinizio, including who, clash, elvis costello, , nick lowe, smithereens deployed uniquely retro obsession mod, late british invasion pop of john s children , move, , other artifacts of 1950s , 1960s culture lent music substance. dinizio has stated single biggest influence buddy holly: listening buddy holly, rediscovered enjoyment of simple pop structures , pretty melodies....i ve thought of him kindred spirit.

the title , lyrics of song, in lonely place, appear based on 1950 humphrey bogart film of same name because of bogart s lines: born day met you, lived while when loved me, died little when broke apart. title , artwork album 11 nod original 1960 ocean s 11 film.

the smithereens starred , featured entertainment in indoor beach party scene of troma film class of nuke em high, playing song . soundtrack film not released until 2014.

the highest position smithereens album attained on billboard pop charts in 1990, when 11 peaked @ no. 41 on strength of single girl (which hit no. 38). girl written title track 1989 cameron crowe film anything....

the group still active , tours frequently. basic tracks latest studio album of original material, titled 2011, recorded in october 2010 , album released on april 5, 2011.

the smithereens final band perform @ fabled bleecker street nightclub kenny s castaways in greenwich village, new york city, in october 2012.

in june 2013, smithereens toured support tom petty , heartbreakers.

original bass player mike mesaros reunited band few performances in late 2016 , 2017.