The Smithereens are an American rock band formed in New Jersey in 1980. The classic lineup brought together vocalist and guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros, and drummer Dennis Diken. Drawing inspiration from British Invasion bands, power pop, and straightforward rock and roll, The Smithereens developed a sound built around strong melodies, muscular guitars, and DiNizio’s distinctive songwriting. After years of playing clubs around New Jersey and New York, the band finally landed a record deal and released its debut album, Especially for You, in 1986.

Especially for You introduced some of the band’s best-known early songs, including Blood and Roses and Behind the Wall of Sleep. The Smithereens followed with Green Thoughts in 1988, featuring Only a Memory, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Their third album, 11, arrived in 1989 and included A Girl Like You, the band’s biggest pop hit, reaching No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album eventually earned gold certification in the United States, giving The Smithereens one of the strongest commercial periods of their career.

Touring remained an important part of The Smithereens’ story as they shared stages with artists including Tom Petty, The Pretenders, Squeeze, Lou Reed, and the Ramones. The band continued recording and performing through lineup changes until Pat DiNizio’s death in 2017. Rather than bringing The Smithereens to an end, the surviving members chose to continue their musical legacy. They remain active today, performing with guest vocalists including Marshall Crenshaw, Robin Wilson, John Cowsill, and Wesley Stace.

Authentic Smithereens guitar picks and memorabilia offer collectors a connection to more than four decades of guitar-driven American rock and roll. Pieces associated with different concerts and tours capture the band’s journey from New Jersey clubs to national and international stages, as well as the continuing legacy of the music created by DiNizio, Babjak, Diken, and Mesaros. Browse our collection of authentic The Smithereens guitar picks and memorabilia below.