Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) has signed iconic alternative rock band The Smithereens for exclusive North American booking representation. Ryan Slone will act as the responsible agent for the band. The signing further strengthens UAA’s pop & rock division, founded in 2023, which has also seen the recent addition of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Booker T. Jones, Nine Days, and more.
The Smithereens, formed in 1980 in Carteret, NJ, achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut album, “Especially for You,” in 1986. This album featured acclaimed tracks such as “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” which became staples of the alternative rock genre, receiving heavy rotation on MTV and college radio stations nationwide. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, the band continued to enjoy success with hits like “A Girl Like You,” “Blues Before and After,” and “Too Much Passion.”
Throughout the years, The Smithereens have maintained a prolific touring schedule, performing over 2,500 live shows where they have shared the stage with rock & roll titans including The Ramones, Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders.
For upcoming shows, special guest vocalist John Cowsill will join The Smithereens. See below for October-November tour dates.
Speaking on the signing, UAA Rock & Pop agent Ryan Slone said: “The Smithereens are rock and roll royalty. We are all proud to work with a band with an incredible legacy and a loyal fan base that spans generations!”
Upcoming Smithereens Shows
10/9 – Brookville, NY – Krasnoff Theater
10/10 – Saybrook, CT – Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
10/17 – Ardmore, PA – Ardmore Music Hall
11/7 – Falls Church, VA – State Theatre
11/8 – Richmond, VA – Tin Pan
11/14 – Boston, MA City – Winery Boston
11/15 – Greenwich, RI – Greenwich Odeum
Tickets for upcoming shows can be purchased at: officialsmithereens.com
About The Smithereens:
Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 45 years. Jim Babjak (guitar), Dennis Diken (drums), and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret, and the lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The band paid its dues in clubs all over the NYC tri-state area, from Kenny’s Castaways in Greenwich Village to the Court Tavern and Stone Pony in NJ. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O’Brien, and Saturday Night Live.
The Smithereens have resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and more than 2,500 live shows. Their most recent release, “The Lost Album,” features 12 previously unreleased songs recorded in the fall of 1993 when the band was in between contracts with Capitol and RCA.
After the 2017 passing of Pat DiNizio, the surviving members have decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy. Utilizing guest vocalists such as Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), Marshall Crenshaw, and John Cowsill (The Cowsills/The Beach Boys), they continue to entertain and rock fans throughout the U.S. and the world.
About Universal Attractions Agency / UAA:
Celebrating 80 years in the music business and founded in 1945 by Ben Bart, Universal Attractions Agency (UAA) is a leading talent agency headquartered in New York City. With a rich history that includes launching the career of legendary soul singer James Brown and representing him for over 40 years, UAA has been at the forefront of the entertainment industry for decades.
Today, UAA continues to guide the careers of prominent artists and entertainers. The agency represents over 250 artists, facilitates performances worldwide, and maintains its status as an industry leader under the leadership of Jeff Epstein and Jeff Allen.
