The Smithereens perform with Robin Wilson at Infinity Hall, 32 Front St., Hartford, on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. $49 to $69. 866-666-6306 and infinityhall.com.
When Smithereens frontman Pat DiNizio died in 2017, there were tribute concerts and events to honor his career, singing and his life. Gin Blossoms singer Robin Wilson performed at one, and he hit it off with the surviving members of the New Jersey band, telling them, at the end of the night that he’d love to work with them again. That’s how this match came to be, with Wilson singing for the Smithereens. (The surviving members of the band have gone out on tours with other vocalists fronting the band, an approach that offers interesting possibilities.)
This pairing is strangely apt — listen to “Blood and Roses,” the 1986 hit by the Smithereens, with its mix of low-end muscle, jangle and wounded pride. Then jump forward to 1992 and the release of the Gin Blossoms’ debut with hits like “Hey Jealousy.” The lines of connection may not have ever been so clear before, but one can hear the relationship. The Smithereens made rock that pointed back to the Beatles with songcraft, hooks and harmonies, but there was always an added element of burly rock thump. Describing them as New Jersey power-pop just about conveys what you need to know about the Smithereens.
