The Smithereens Pay Homage to The Beatles With Lost Recordings

Just in time for Ringo Starr’s birthday week celebrations, The Smithereens have released a lost gem with back-to-back Beatles classics.

The New Jersey Hall of famers today (July 6) released a 45 RPM of The Beatles’ “Love Me Do” and “P.S. I Love You” featuring original Beatles’ drummer Andy White.

Guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, bassist Mike Mesaros, and the late Pat DiNizio recreated The Beatles’ first hit single with drummer Andy White, who played on the original Fab Four record in 1962. White–who had been had been living nearby in NJ with his American-born wife for some years–had a long list of credits, including playing on recordings by Del Shannon, Hermans Hermits, and Tom Jones. 

The recording marks the first time, White–who passed away in 2015– played these two numbers since the September ’62 session at Abbey Road.

Smithereens drummer, Diken, dutifully played tambourine, in an homage to Starr, on the recording.

“For the record,” Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken “I was honored to abdicate my drum throne to Mr. White,” Diken said.

The songs are on a beautiful Tollie label 45 RPM vinyl single with picture sleeve, paying tribute to the original American release.The special vinyl edition is available now via The Smithereens website https://www.officialsmithereens.com/store.