The Smithereens @ Bears Den (inside Seneca Niagara Casino), Niagara Falls, NY
Friday, January 29, 2010
By: Dee Haley
The Smithereens, a rock band from New Jersey that formed in 1980, made a stop at the Bear's Den, inside the Seneca Niagara Casino, in Niagara Falls, NY, on Friday night, January 29, 2010. The Smithereens, known for catchy 1960's influenced power pop, did not disappoint their fans, old and new, who gathered inside this intimate venue for a night to remember.Original band members Pat DiNizio ( guitar & lead vocals), Jim Babjak (guitar) and Dennis Diken (Drums) were joined by a man introduced as "Toledo Tornado" on bass. Sporting a tornado tee-shirt later in the show, the this guy rocked the house.
The band took the stage as "A Girl Like You" was introduced in variety show fashion on a large video screen behind them. The show began on that note and the energy did not stop. These fellows were having a great time and so was every member of the audience.
After 30 years, Pat DiNizios beautiful mellow voice still sounds as strong as ever. He came out wearing a Daniel Boone hat with the tail cut off and after the opening tune, he let the audience know that his headpiece was, in fact, NOT a hair piece. The band told stories and engaged the audience between songs, playing hit after hit. During "Room Without A View," Pat introduced Dennis on the drums and the song featured an extended drum part. It was almost a mini drum solo, but the rest of the band continued to play as well. Pat also mentioned getting stuck in white-outs on the road to Western New York and stated that things like that don't happen in New Jersey. Pat took the time to thank the audience for coming out and was sincerely appreciative that people are still digging the music of the Smithereens. His stories were great too. He talked about how the band became successful and even mentioned when they opened up for the Ramones. "Behind the Wall of Sleep" was another audience favorite and "Since You Went Away" featured a mini guitar solo by Jim Babjak.
Pat then talked about the release of 'The Smithereens Play Tommy' and the band performed a medley from the Who's "Tommy." The crowd was delighted and Pat's theatrical expressions during "The Acid Queen" were a real treat. During a cover of "I'm Free," the audience sang and clapped along as Toledo Tornado revealed his tornado undershirt. Pat traded his electric guitar for an acoustic for the next couple of songs and then went back to his electric guitar for "Time And Time Again." During "Blood and Roses," their final song before the encore, Toledo Tornado and Jim Babjak made their way through the audience playing their instruments up close and personal. It was so much fun, that after the band exited, the audience began to chant "we want more." The Smithereens returned to the stage as the house remained standing and singing along to the Who's "Behind Blue Eyes."
If this band comes to your town, check out the show and have some fun! You'll be Blown to Smithereens by these power poppers.
A Girl Like You
Only A Memory
The Top of the Pops
Room Without a View
Yesterday Girl
Behind the Wall of Sleep
Since You Went Away
House We Used to Live In
- Medley from The Who's Tommy-
-including:
-The Acid Queen
-I'm Free
Especially For You
Time And Time Again
Blood And Roses
Encore:
Behind Blue Eyes (The Who)
Batman Theme
