Any info about the group The Cars would be great! I live in Detroit, Michigan.

Didn't Benjamen Orr die a few years ago?

Only rumor I heard was that the lead singer died, but I know thats not true.

The Cars had two lead singers: Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr.

Ocasek is alive and well.

Orr PASSED AWAY of cancer in October 2000.

I thought Benjamin Orr had died but I couldn't emember the details. Has it been that long already. I know Orr sang too, but wasn't he primarily the guitarist?

Ric Ocasek played guitar and sang
Ben Orr played bass and sang
Elliot Easton was lead guitar
Greg Hawkes was keyboards
Can't recall drummers name

Ocasek and Orr both released solo albums. Ocasek is active as a producer now. Elliot Easton shows up on occasion on Fender Forums and discusses guitars and technique under an alias.

Thanks for the update BC. Long time no see post from you. How are ya?

Good as gets, thanks for asking!

Elliott Easton and Greg Hawkes released solo LP's too. I never bought the Hawkes one, it was more of an instrumental album I think.

I did buy Easton's though, it was called "Change No Change" it came out in 1985. A song from it (released as a single) was called "(Wearing Down) Like A Wheel" and it hit #36 in March of 1985 on BB's Rock Tracks chart. The follow-up single (uncharted) was called "Shayla".

Mullymull -- As a Cars fan, I can say that there is rumours that they are supposedly getting ready for a reunion and tour. As we know, their bassist, the lovely Ben Orr, has been dead since Oct 3rd, 2000, so the rest of the band members have been rumoured to have held a 'try-out' for a new bassist last week. Ric Ocasek has left his job at Elektra, if I am not mistaken, and recently decided to start his own record business. He is also supposedly releasing a new album soon called "Nexterday". David Robinson, the drummer, has not touched the drums in about 15 years, so it will be interesting to see his reaction towards this 'reunion' idea. He has recently been into buying and selling artwork, and has supposedly aged gently. People say he looks great for his age -- then again they say that about Ric as well, lol. Greg Hawkes recently played at a concert by the ones who starred on the new Cars tribute album (Substitution Mass Confusion) and has been into the Ukelele as his instrument. Lefty guitarist Elliot Easton is the one who has been spreading the rumours about the reunion, he has been on radio shows in places like California and NY and whatnot; he just recently parted from Creedence Clearwater Revisited on his own suggestion, and that is the last I have heard of him.
There is a place I visit for Cars fan, it is a yahoo group site -- amazing; we have so much fun there and we are always gabbing about the latest news. But, please, if you want more information about any one of the members, feel free to contact me. I hope that was a pretty overall discussion on your "Where are they Now?" question. :)

Hi Rissa! I am new to this list, but am a die-hard Cars fan like yourself! In fact, you probably have heard of my wife's website- "Heartbeat City- A Guide to the Cars"... Its great to know that someone your age is into the Cars and the best part of it is that it sounds like they are truly getting back together (although, the "silence" is deafening as we havent heard anything for a few weeks)... Ric is probably deciding what they should say and not say, as usual :) Anyhow, if you hear anything about the reunion, please let me know as I am on "pins and needles" for information....Nice meeting you!

Any info about the group The Cars would be great! I live in Detroit, Michigan.


Welcome to the boards man. Since you're a fellow detroiter like me, I gotta help you out.


Benjamin Orr(who did lead vocals on many notable cars songs, including"drive") passed some years ago.(oct 3, 2000)

I've heard Ric Ocasek doesnt tour anymore(that could've changed though). Im sure they're could be a cars "reunion" but without Orr, the reunion wouldnt be complete. I know that the band was really shaken up by his untimely death. Great band, I really miss them. :bigcry:

Only rumor I heard was that the lead singer died, but I know thats not true.
If you consider Benjamin Orr, their "lead singer"(which most do), then YES! he did infact Die. Orr and Ocasek "split" vocals for many cars tracks. The Duo also co wrote alot of wonderful music.

I know Orr passed away from comps of cancer but 2 members are together and starting a new tour with former Frehleys comet singer Todd Howarth, calling themselves the new Cars w/o Rik Ocasek

Actually, Tod Rundgrin is their new lead singer. They've put a new CD and I believe they are touring. I've heard a cut from the new disc, and it's not too bad. This is funny, considering I posted a coment in a thread in another section a few months ago saying that I didn't think Tod could do the job as lead. Guess I was wrong. I don't know if the disc is in stores yet, but I'm sure it will be interesting to see how it sells.

The article below may help explain whats happening with The Cars or The New Cars as they're being called now.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/ledger/index.ssf?/base/entertainment-0/115008694174730.xml&coll=1#continue

I read somewhere, that Ric Ocasek wasn't happy with the sound/ direction of The Cars these days and wanted nothing to do with touring with them. What a top band, listening to the greatest hits cd right now. If you want to see see good footage of them, watch the 4 disc Live Aid Dvd, awesome! Vintage 80's all the way. As far as i'm concerned, there is no "New Cars", there is only "The Cars".