Pat Smear facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pat Smear
Smear performing in 2023
Background information
Birth name	Georg Albert Ruthenberg
Born	(1959-08-05) August 5, 1959 (age 66) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Alternative rock punk rock hardcore punk death rock grunge post-grunge
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1976–present

Georg Albert Ruthenberg (born August 5, 1959), known as Pat Smear, is an American musician. He was a lead guitarist and co-founder of the Los Angeles punk band The Germs. He also played rhythm guitar for the grunge band Nirvana, joining them for tours in 1993. After Nirvana ended following the sad passing of frontman Kurt Cobain, drummer Dave Grohl started a new band called Foo Fighters. Pat Smear joined Foo Fighters as a guitarist. He left the band in 1997 but rejoined as a touring guitarist in 2005. By 2010, he became a full-time member again.

Early Life and School Days

Pat Smear grew up in West Los Angeles, California. His father was German Jewish, and his mother was African American and Native American. He started piano lessons when he was young. A few years later, he taught himself to play the guitar.

At age 13, he left home to live in a commune. He later attended an alternative school called Innovative Program School (IPS). It was part of University High School in Los Angeles. There, he met Darby Crash, who would become the singer for the Germs. Both Smear and Crash were asked to leave IPS because of concerns about their behavior.

Pat Smear's Music Journey

Starting with The Germs (1976–1980)

Smear was inspired by guitarists like Joan Jett, Brian May, and Steve Jones. He also found inspiration in the guitar playing of John McKay from Siouxsie and the Banshees's first album. In 1976, as a teenager, Smear and Darby Crash formed the band Germs. They were joined by bassist Lorna Doom and drummer Dottie Danger. Dottie Danger was actually Belinda Carlisle, who later became famous with The Go-Go's. Pat Smear was the only one in the band who knew how to play music well at that time. He often borrowed guitars because he didn't own one.

Belinda Carlisle was soon replaced by Don Bolles. In 1979, the Germs released their first album, (GI). It was produced by Joan Jett. This album is now seen as a very important record in punk rock history. Smear received praise for his guitar work on it. Critics noted his "clipped, catchy monster riffing" that was pure punk.

The Germs, including Smear, appeared in a punk documentary called The Decline of Western Civilization (1981). The film was directed by Penelope Spheeris. Sadly, Darby Crash passed away before the film came out, and the band broke up.

Other Bands and Projects (1981–1992)

After the Germs, Smear played with Paul Roessler and his sister Kira Roessler in a band called Twisted Roots in 1981. This band was popular in the Hollywood punk scene, even though it didn't last long. He also briefly joined the punk band the Adolescents in 1981.

Smear was also a member of the band 45 Grave with Don Bolles, the former drummer for the Germs. They recorded a song called Black Cross. Other songs from this time appeared on 45 Grave's 1987 album, Autopsy.

During this period, Pat Smear also acted in small roles. He appeared in TV shows like Quincy, M.E. and CHiPs. He was also in movies such as Blade Runner, Breakin', and Howard the Duck. While working on Breakin', Smear became friends with Courtney Love. He also appeared as an extra in the music video for Prince's song "Raspberry Beret." Prince himself chose Smear for the video.

Smear released two solo albums: Ruthensmear in 1987 and So You Fell in Love with a Musician... in 1992.

Joining Nirvana (1993–1994)

In 1993, Nirvana's frontman Kurt Cobain called Pat Smear. He asked Smear to join the band as a second guitarist for their upcoming tour. Smear thought it was a prank at first. However, Courtney Love had told him a few days earlier that Cobain might call. Smear quickly said yes. He played his first show with Nirvana on Saturday Night Live on September 25, 1993. He toured with Nirvana for about six months. Smear can be heard on their live albums MTV Unplugged in New York and From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah. He also appeared on other compilation albums and the concert DVD Live and Loud.

Playing with Foo Fighters (1994–1997)

After Kurt Cobain's death, Nirvana's drummer Dave Grohl started a new band. This band became known as Foo Fighters. Pat Smear joined the group right from the start in late 1994. The Foo Fighters' first album was made up of demos recorded only by Grohl. So, Smear's first appearance on a Foo Fighters album was The Colour and the Shape in 1997.

Soon after The Colour and the Shape was released, Smear left the band. He later explained that he was very tired from the band's constant touring. His departure was also linked to some tensions within the band. Dave Grohl asked Smear to stay, and Smear agreed to remain for a short time to finish scheduled tours. He stayed until a new guitarist could be found. Grohl then invited Franz Stahl, his old bandmate from Scream, to take over.

Smear announced he was leaving Foo Fighters during a live performance at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. He played part of the show, then introduced Stahl, who finished the performance.

Time Away and Germs Reunion (1997–2008)

During his time away from Foo Fighters, Smear kept a low profile. He produced an album for the band Harlow and made some TV appearances. He also worked as a creative consultant for a movie about the Germs and Darby Crash. The film was called What We Do Is Secret. It was released in 2007 and is now available on DVD. In the movie, actor Rick Gonzalez played Smear. In 2005, Smear started performing reunion shows with the Germs again. Actor Shane West, who played Darby Crash in the film, sang as the lead vocalist.

Back with Foo Fighters (2005–Present)

Smear performing with Foo Fighters in 2017

In late 2005, Pat Smear began playing some shows with Foo Fighters again. For the next five years, he continued to play with them off and on as a touring musician. Smear appeared on their live acoustic album, Skin and Bones (2006). He played acoustic and electric guitar on it. He was also a guest musician on their sixth studio album, Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007). He played rhythm guitar on the song "Let It Die." Smear said this was a unique recording experience because he didn't help write the song.

In August 2010, Foo Fighters started recording their seventh studio album, Wasting Light. Butch Vig produced the album. Smear was present in many photos posted during the recording sessions. A press release in December confirmed that Smear was a core member of the band again. He became the band's third guitarist, alongside Grohl and Chris Shiflett. The album was released on April 12, 2011. It was the first Foo Fighters studio album with Smear as an official member since 1997. Wasting Light reached number one in twelve countries. It was also the first Foo Fighters album to top the United States' Billboard 200 chart. The album and its songs received five Grammy Award nominations. It won the Best Rock Album award. The song "White Limo" won Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance. "Walk" won both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song.

Smear continued to work with the band on their next album, Sonic Highways (2014). Each song on this album was written and recorded in a different city across the United States. Guest musicians with ties to each city's music history also played on the album. The process was filmed for a TV series called Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways, which aired on HBO. Sonic Highways was released on November 10, 2014. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2017, Foo Fighters released their ninth studio album, Concrete and Gold. Smear played guitar on all tracks and also added percussion to some songs. The group's tenth studio album, Medicine at Midnight, came out on February 5, 2021. It won three Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album. Five days after its release, Foo Fighters were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They were officially chosen for induction on May 12, 2021.

On October 30, 2021, Smear was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Foo Fighters. His former bandmate from The Germs, Belinda Carlisle, was also inducted that same year with The Go-Go's.

Smear appeared with his bandmates in the comedy horror film, Studio 666. The movie was released on February 25, 2022.

Nirvana Reunions

On August 29, 1997, during a Foo Fighters concert, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic joined Dave Grohl and Pat Smear on stage. They played together to honor Kurt Cobain. Grohl played drums, Novoselic played bass, and Smear played guitar. A spotlight shone on the microphone stand for Cobain. They performed a cover of Prince's "Purple Rain."

On December 22, 2010, the remaining members of Nirvana played together again. This happened during a Foo Fighters show in Tarzana, California. The performance was recorded for a documentary.

On December 12, 2012, Smear, Novoselic, and Grohl reunited for a televised benefit concert. It was called Live Aid Hurricane Sandy. This time, Paul McCartney sang with them. They performed "Cut Me Some Slack", a song from the film soundtrack for Sound City.

They performed "Cut Me Some Slack" again on Saturday Night Live on December 15, 2012, with Paul McCartney.

On July 19, 2013, Smear, Novoselic, and Grohl reunited on stage once more with Paul McCartney. This was during McCartney's "Out There" tour stop in Seattle. They played "Cut Me Some Slack" and several Beatles' songs.

On April 11, 2014, Nirvana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Although Smear was not inducted as a Nirvana member, he joined Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic on stage. They performed Nirvana songs with guest singers like Joan Jett, Lorde, St. Vincent, and Kim Gordon.

The surviving Nirvana members reunited again on October 6, 2018. They played with Joan Jett, John McCauley from Deer Tick, and Brody Dalle from The Distillers. They performed a six-song set to close out Cal Jam 18 in San Bernardino, California.

Musical Instruments

Pat Smear is known for using Hagström guitars. He bought one when he was with the Germs and used them for many years. He even helped design a special guitar with the company. Now, Smear mainly uses Gibson guitars. He uses classic models like a White SG Custom or a Les Paul. He also uses custom versions of the rare Johnny A model. Smear also plays a Gibson Barney Kessel model guitar with the Foo Fighters.

For the MTV Unplugged in New York performance, Smear used a Harmony Buck Owens acoustic guitar. This guitar belonged to Krist Novoselic.

Personal Life

According to the 2011 documentary Foo Fighters: Back and Forth, Pat Smear was married at that time. He also has at least one child.

Music Recordings (Discography)

With the Germs

• Forming/... (1977)
• Lexicon Devil (1978)
• (GI) (1979)
• The Decline of Western Civilization Soundtrack (1980)
• What We Do Is Secret (1981)
• Live at the Whisky, First Show Ever (1981)
• Germicide (1985)
• (MIA) The Complete Anthology (1993)

With The Martyrs

• Pig Pen Victim / Social Sacrifice (7") (1979)

With 45 Grave

• Black Cross/Wax (1981)

With Twisted Roots

• Pretentiawhat (1981)
• Twisted Roots (Comp.) (2004)

With Tater Totz

• Alien Sleestacks From Brazil (Unfinished Music Volume 3) (1988)
• Mono! Stereo: Sgt. Shonen's Exploding Plastic Eastman Band Request (1989)
• Tater Comes Alive! (Tot Live! If You Want It!) (1992)

With Gary Celebrity

• Diary Of A Monster (1992)

Solo

• Ruthensmear (1987)
• "Lazybones" – Every Band Has A Shonen Knife Who Loves Them (Various Artists Shonen Knife Tribute Comp.) (1989)
• So You Fell in Love with a Musician... (1992)

With Deathfolk

• Deathfolk (1989)
• Deathfolk II (1992)

With Belinda Carlisle

• Real (1993)

With Hole

• Circle 1 (1993)

With Nirvana

• MTV Unplugged in New York (1994)
• From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah (1996)
• Nirvana (2002)
• With the Lights Out (2004)
• In Utero 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (2013)
• Live and Loud (2013)

With Skull Control

• "Electric Church" – Radio Danger (1994)

With Mike Watt

• Ball-Hog or Tugboat? (1995)
• "Ring Spiel" Tour '95 (2016)

With Foo Fighters

• The Colour and the Shape (1997)
• Skin and Bones (2006; additional player)
• Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007; guest player on track 2)
• Live at Wembley Stadium (2008; additional)
• Wasting Light (2011)
• Sonic Highways (2014)
• Saint Cecilia (2015)
• Concrete and Gold (2017)
• Medicine at Midnight (2021)
• But Here We Are (2023)

With Paul McCartney

• "Cut Me Some Slack" (2012)

With theHell

• Southern Medicine (2013)

See also

In Spanish: Pat Smear para niños