Pat Smear, born George Albert Ruth Jr., began his musical journey in the late 1970s, playing in various punk bands around his hometown of Los Angeles. He first gained attention as a founding member of the influential punk rock band The Germs, where he served as the lead guitarist. The Germs, known for their raw and energetic sound, became a significant part of the early LA punk scene.

In 1986, Smear’s career took a significant turn when he joined the legendary rock band Nirvana. Replacing original guitarist Jason Everman, Smear brought his unique style and stage presence to the band, contributing to their massive success. He played a crucial role in the creation of Nirvana’s iconic albums “Nevermind” and “In Utero,” helping to define the grunge sound of the 1990s.

Pat Smear’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, Pat Smear’s estimated net worth is approximately $15 million. This figure takes into account his earnings from his music career, including his time with Nirvana and Foo Fighters, as well as his other ventures.

Career

Pat Smear, born George Albert Smeaton III, is a American musician and producer. He is best known for being the guitarist of the rock band Foo Fighters, which he joined in 1995. Prior to this, he was a member of the punk rock band Germs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also played guitar for Nirvana on their final tour in 1994.

Other Ventures

In addition to his work with Foo Fighters, Smear has also produced albums for other artists, including Leisha Hailey’s “The Story of a Fish” and Veruca Salt’s “Ghost Notes”. He has also made appearances in several films and television shows, including “The Doom Generation” and “Gilmore Girls”.

Assets

Smear owns a home in Los Angeles, California, which is estimated to be worth around $2 million. He also owns a collection of vintage guitars, including a 1960s Fender Jaguar and a 1970s Gibson Les Paul, which are valued at tens of thousands of dollars each.

Annual Income

As a member of Foo Fighters, Smear earns a significant portion of his income from touring and album sales. According to Forbes, the band earned $110 million between 2010 and 2015, with Smear likely receiving a share of this income. Additionally, he earns money from producing and session work.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Pat Smear

Frequently Asked Questions: Pat Smear Net Worth

1. What is Pat Smear’s net worth?

Pat Smear’s net worth is estimated to be around $16 million.

2. How did Pat Smear make his money?

Pat Smear made his fortune primarily through his successful music career. He is a guitarist and was a member of several prominent bands, including Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

3. When was Pat Smear born?

Pat Smear was born on August 5, 1954.

4. What are some of the bands Pat Smear has been a part of?

Pat Smear has been a member of several bands, including Germs, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and The Germs.

5. Did Pat Smear play in Nirvana’s original lineup?

No, Pat Smear joined Nirvana after the death of Kurt Cobain, as a touring guitarist and later as a full-time member. The original lineup included Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl.

6. When did Pat Smear join Foo Fighters?

Pat Smear joined Foo Fighters in 1995, after the band’s debut album was released.

7. What is Pat Smear’s role in Foo Fighters?

Pat Smear plays guitar in Foo Fighters and has been a full-time member since 1995.

8. Has Pat Smear released any solo material?

Yes, Pat Smear has released a solo album titled “Smear” in 2018.

9. What is Pat Smear’s height?

Pat Smear is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.

10. Does Pat Smear have any social media presence?

Yes, Pat Smear is active on social media. He has an Instagram account with over 100,000 followers (@patsmear).