The Smithereens are very saddened about the passing of Ross “The Boss” Friedman, founding member of The Dictators , who passed away Thursday night after battling ALS. 1/3/54-3/26/26 . Dennis Diken: “Mike Mesaros first turned Jimmy & me onto these geniuses when he discovered Go Girl Crazy in ‘75 at his college radio station. The inner sleeve pictured them at White Castle so we immediately figured they were our kinda guys. Songs like “Two Tub Man,” “Weekend” and “The Next Bi

Congratulations to The Smithereens on their Induction onto the Count Basie Center for the Arts Walk of Fame in Red Bank, NJ, on December 19, 2025. Congratulations also to the legendary Darlene Love who was also inducted. The Smithereens and Darlene join the late Count Basie and Jon Bon Jovi as the first four recipients of this prestigious distinction. With sincere thanks to Adam Philipson , Izzy Sackowitz , Jon Vena , Ivy Charmatz , Sandra Giustiniani , and all at the Count

From Dennis Diken: I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Uncle Floyd Vivino. so many wonderful memories flood my mind and heart at this time. here’s some random rambling… His TV show was already a big part of our world when The Smithereens were called to be on the program in 1980. it would be the first of five appearances for us! and it marked our TV debut. quite a thrill. plus it added luster to our then puny press kit. (sidebar: Mike Mesaros and I played in a band cal

FROM THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE: Red Bank, NJ - The Count Basie Center for the Arts honored two legendary artists - Darlene Love and The Smithereens - by inducting them onto its Walk of Fame during special ceremonies before their respective shows on Friday evening. Launched earlier this year as part of the Basie Center’s Centennial Celebration, the Walk of Fame honors artists who have performed at the historic venue, made an indelible impact on culture, and whose co