Jim Babjak
Latest about Jim Babjak

Jim Babjak reveals he once bought a ’70s Les Paul without even trying it – and how it would go on to shape one of The Smithereens' biggest hits
By Phil Weller published
The guitarist reveals that he's “kind of embarrassed” when it comes to trying out guitars in a music store – but his faith in his engineer was well-placed

“It’s the Kinks meets AC/DC”: Jim Babjak revisits 5 classic Smithereens riffs
By Joe Bosso published
New Jersey's finest have had their share of killer riffs. Here Babjak walks us through the catalog, talks trials by click-track, and reveals how A Girl Like You nearly ended up at the movies

The Smithereens’ Jim Babjak on how they went from broke to touring with Tom Petty – and became Kurt Cobain’s tonal reference for Nevermind
By Joe Bosso published
Babjak reflects on the remarkable career of the Smithereens, competing with tribute acts, and why he was too scared to speak to Pete Townshend

The Smithereens’ love affair with The Who goes way back – yet when guitarist Jim Babjak got the chance to meet Pete Townshend, he turned it down
By Janelle Borg published
The Smithereens even released a covers album that pays homage to The Who's 1969 record Tommy

“Butch Vig told us that when Nirvana were working on Nevermind, they were A–B-ing my guitar and trying to replicate that sound”: The Smithereens' Jim Babjak looks back
By Joe Matera published
The power-pop guitar hero talks embarrassing moments onstage, what makes the perfect guitar solo and what it’s like to have influenced Kurt Cobain
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