
Moe's Alley Presents: The Smithereens
Fri, 12 Jun, 8:00 PM PDT
Doors open
7:00 PM PDT
Moe's Alley
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Description
Moe's Alley presents legendary alt-rock band The Smithereens!
Friday, June 12, 2026
Doors 7pm / Show: 8pm
$42 in advance / $47 day of the show
21+
* All sales are final
* Avoid scammers! Only purchase tickets from moesalley.com or ticketweb.com
* Tickets requested by email will be delivered 3 days prior to the event
* Will Call tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event
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THE SMITHEREENS
Since their formation in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have earned a reputation as one of America’s most enduring rock bands. Founding members Pat DiNizio (vocals/guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar/vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass/vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums/vocals) built a distinctive sound rooted in the melodic punch of the British Invasion, fused with the raw energy of American garage rock. The result was a catalog of timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The band’s breakthrough came with the 1986 release of Especially for You, featuring the modern rock classics “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” Critical acclaim and radio success soon followed with Green Thoughts (1988) and 11 (1989), albums that delivered charting singles including “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Too Much Passion.” Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, The Smithereens became fixtures on MTV, college radio, and mainstream rock stations, while touring extensively with artists such as Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders.
Event Information
Age Limit
21+
eTicket Delivery
Your tickets will be e-mailed closer to the event date.

Alternative Rock
The Smithereens
The Smithereens
Alternative Rock
Since their formation in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have earned a reputation as one of America’s most enduring rock bands. Founding members Pat DiNizio (vocals/guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar/vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass/vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums/vocals) built a distinctive sound rooted in the melodic punch of the British Invasion, fused with the raw energy of American garage rock. The result was a catalog of timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
The band’s breakthrough came with the 1986 release of Especially for You, featuring the modern rock classics “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” Critical acclaim and radio success soon followed with Green Thoughts (1988) and 11 (1989), albums that delivered charting singles including “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Too Much Passion.” Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, The Smithereens became fixtures on MTV, college radio, and mainstream rock stations, while touring extensively with artists such as Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders.
Celebrated for their muscular live performances, The Smithereens have always stayed true to their roots while expanding their reach. Their body of work includes not only original material but also acclaimed tributes to their musical heroes, including full-length homages to The Beatles and The Who, affirming their place in the lineage of classic rock.
Following the passing of frontman Pat DiNizio in 2017, Babjak, Mesaros, and Diken made the decision to honor his memory by continuing to perform and record. Joined by guest vocalists such as Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), John Cowsill (from the Cowsills & Beach Boys) and Marshall Crenshaw, the band continues to bring their celebrated songs to both longtime fans and new generations. The band’s latest album is THE LOST ALBUM featuring previously unreleased sessions with Pat DiNizio.
Today, The Smithereens stand as a vital, influential force in American rock—defined by ringing guitars, unforgettable hooks, and a spirit of resilience that ensures their music remains as powerful and relevant as ever.