American power pop band formed in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980. Long-running lineup: Pat DiNizio (vocals/guitar, 1955-2017), Jim Babjak (guitar), Mike Mesaros (bass, until 2006), and Dennis Diken (drums). Distinguished by their Beatles- and Beach Boys-influenced melodic songwriting.
Released 11 studio albums between Especially for You (1986) and 2011 (2011). Commercial peak: 11 (1989, featuring "A Girl Like You" and "Blues Before and After") and Blow Up (1991, featuring "Top of the Pops"). Pat DiNizio died in 2017 of complications from a fall.
