Pat DiNizio, lead singer of N.J. band Smithereens, dead at 62

Lead singer and songwriter of the New Jersey rock band Smithereens, Pat DiNizio, has died at age 62.

The band announced on Facebook that DiNizio died Tuesday. The cause of death was not announced.

DiNizio posted several days ago that he was hopeful of getting back on tour as he continued physical therapy for neck and back injuries at the 1885 Victorian farmhouse he was restoring in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

“I learned a long time ago that life is a series of constant adjustments and with that in mind, we are doing our very best to deal with current medical issues to get me in shape for our upcoming gigs,” he said in the Facebook post.

Band members said their “journey with Pat was long, storied and a hell of a lot of fun.”

“Pat had the magic touch. He channeled the essence of joy and heartbreak into hook-laden three minute pop songs, infused with a lifelong passion for rock & roll,” they said.

DiNizio and Carteret High School classmates guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros and drummer Dennis Diken formed formed the Smithereens in 1980.

The band’s 1986 “Blood and Roses” was featured in the movie “dangerously Close.”

Other hits included “A Girl Like You.”

“Though none of DiNizio’s solo releases was a major hit, he remained a much-loved figure in the New York/New Jersey region, and was a compelling performer even when armed with an acoustic guitar,” Variety reported.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.