Ric Ocasek - from the band The Cars - sadly passed away this morning. They were one of my all time favourite bands and helped define my early adulthood. I played their ‘Heartbeat City’ album tape in my car until the tape snapped. Orr passed away earlier in 2000 so that’s both lead singers now gone
Bought their debut album simly called The Cars back in the late 70's after they released a single from it - either "Good times roll" or "Just what I needed" - I stand to be corrected. Ocasek and Orr were the driving forces often sharing the lead vocals. Innovative and a fresh sound at the time, though I have to say I came around to thinking that that first album was never bettered. After they broke up I remember Orr passing away the best part of 20 years ago now, and lost track of Ocasek. Both are a sad loss to the world of music that relied on inovative performers and not the techno wizardry that currently dominates.
Another good old boy gone from the golden age of rock. Just like Lemmy, Tom Petty, Phil Taylor, 'Fast' Eddie Clarke, and so many others over recent years. The Cars were a fine band with a sound and style all of their own. And they made great videos too.
