Big People: "Bye Bye Love," live in Bottineau, July 1, 2000

Check out this amazing, never-before-seen footage of Big People kicking ass at the Rockin' the Hills festival at the Wild Rose Amphitheater in Bottineau, North Dakota. The band took the stage on Saturday, July 1, at 2:15 pm. Ben's health was declining and he was losing weight rapidly, but his attitude was strong and he was still jamming like a true rocker!
This footage was generously given to me by Joe Dlearo, and is shared here with permission. There is more to come as we approach the 22nd anniversary of this incredible bit of Big People history, so please stay tuned.
Did you know there is a Big People Facebook group? It mainly serves as a centralized collection site for all information, photos and memorabilia of the band, as well as biographical tidbits and current happenings of the various members. Join here: www.facebook.c...
This video is being uploaded as a supplement for an article I wrote about The Cars. Because the purpose is to non-commercially educate and offer a critical assessment, it is being uploaded under the terms of Fair Use. No copyright infringement intended.
To read my Benjamin Orr blog visit here: sweetpurplejun...
My Elliot Easton blog is here: ellioteastonbl...
I also co-host a podcast all about The Cars! / @nightthoughtsthecarsp...
Follow me on Twitter: @sweetpurplejune
I'm on Facebook, too; come find me!
Benjamin Orr page: www.facebook.c...
Remembering Big People (Ben's last band) fan group: www.facebook.c...
Elliot Easton fan group: www.facebook.c...
The Empty Hearts (Elliot's current band) fan group: www.facebook.c...
Rock on! ~ Donna

[@mariamalenta6574]

The fact that he decided to do what he loved till the end made him a real legend - devoted to his passion no matter what circumstances. I think he looks just beautiful ❤️

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

👏👏👌👌🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@sec.1154]

Meu crush.

[@izabelvieira3860]

Tadinho ele mesmo doente ainda cantava...Ben deixou um enorme vazio em nossos ❤❤❤.....😭😭

[@nancyfilingeri414]

Yes. Ben is beautiful.. my man ❤

[@sirchromiumdowns2015]

Lemmy did the same thing. Played until they couldn't anymore. Total respect.

[@kylepatrick113]

How insane he passed three months later terminally ill. And he sounds amazing. Definition of inspiration

[@Olivia_Sam-z9t]

2 months ?

[@nancyfilingeri414]

Yes...most definitely... Fantastic till the end.. ❤Love u Ben Orr ❤️

[@nancyfilingeri414]

​@@Olivia_Sam-z9tgo away!

[@lisaknell1809]

He still sounded great even though he was so sick. What a brave and inspirational man. He is forever missed. 😢

[@TheChef470]

Love seeing him but it breaks my heart.....

[@barbara5495]

@@TheChef470 Me too...He past 3 months after this show. I hope he knows what a well-loved man he was. Even by those whom did not know him personally. What was it about him that was so endearing to so many? Wish I could have known him...💕

[@jamaral81]

Wow, despite all odds with cancer, he still sounded great and wanted to entertain people with The Cars music. Ben was an amazing human being and I miss his so much

[@chocloditelensman]

He was born to be a performer and fulfilled more than most people do in a lifetime. Kudos to Benny.

[@tabithagamblin5117]

Yes he did sounded good I know he loved to entertain for the fans.

[@scottmatznick3140]

Despite what you might think, the pancreas isn't involved in the process of singing.

[@naaralima5182]

He is alive in my parallel reality and unfortunately the cancer has withered away he doesn't like to see him sick

[@beedeegee9374]

@@scottmatznick3140 You must have no idea what havoc pancreatic cancer wreaks on the body.

[@Scottieification]

wow dosent matter if your man or woman you just gotta like this guy,

[@robertanolan4876]

Benjamin Orr was a testament to strength. Amazing vocalist and songwriter. Always missed😢

[@void_rock]

This song is written by Ric Ocasek.

[@MarcRice]

Three months and three days before he died... and he still sounded great! For me, this is hard to watch, knowing what he was going through. I still can't watch his final interview with The Cars. What skill and talent!

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

👏👏👏👌🇸🇮🇸🇮😢😢🌹🌹

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

He actually died on October 3, 2000. It just took a little time to have him declared legally deceased because he died at home. That's why the death certificate shows October 4, 2000. RIP BENJAMIN ORR ❤️✝️🇺🇲

[@prii7968]

His voice never changed, same as in the 70's.

[@manurodrigues394]

Nunca será esquecido 😢😢

[@jacilenesantos4587]

Amo Benjamin que cara incrível descanse em paz

[@patrickmcgoldrick8234]

My mother died of this cancer, seeing Ben like that is really hard to watch but he still played and sounded great. Glad I got to see this. Thank you for sharing.

[@mnoir8888]

Yes, it is difficult to watch. I lost my oldest sister and my best cousin to PC. Yet, in some way I think I’m finding some healing in this too. Got to thank Mr. Orr for rockin’ till the end. Love him.

[@blackwingvalleylover]

My mum died a few years later of cancer in 2003- aged 53 also. It's a testament to his courage and love of life that he performed here. It's sad some people get so little time.

[@jujumulligan43]

What courage and determination Ben had to his last days. I survived the brutal chemotherapy and radiation, lost down to 94 pounds. What he is doing here is phenomenal. He was such a a talented and kind human being. His passion for his art shines through. RIP You Angel rock and roller!❤❤❤

[@gospos1]

Hope you are doing well!...

[@nancyfilingeri414]

Benjamin Orr.. Still sounded great.. Still looked hot and cool as ever 😎... Miss you so much Ben 😘 ❤️.. RIP 🙏.. in Rock and Roll Heaven

[@robertdeters6459]

Ben Orr is a legend. Doing what he loved to the end. RIP

[@LousFool]

Beautiful Benjamin , on stage, rockin' it as always. Even a smile or two. THAT is truly amazing. I just hope he knew how much he was loved and respected. Thank you for the music sweetheart.

[@blackwingvalleylover]

So wonderful he did this. Beautiful guy.

[@rosemarybaker8820]

No matter what band Ben played in, he was the star. Sorry I never got to see him perform live.

[@chadmears136]

Benjamin Orr had a Beautiful voice and still did even when dying of a terminal illness. RIP Ben thanks for making Great Rock Music Brother.

[@JF-NYC-NJ-Girl]

😢

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

😢😢🌹🌹🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

I had the chance to meet this wonderful man a couple of months before his passing ,what a wonderful human being I love him ,people like him are sourly missed,and never forgotten.. rest in peace Mr.Orr

[@donnasweetpurplejune6335]

Wow, that's so great! Did you meet him at a show?

[@KevlarVTX]

What did you talk about? What show was it? Any specific anecdotes you'd like to share?

[@lancecharlett1761]

My mother died of pancreatic cancer but she was 89 years old; lived a full long life. This is hard to watch seeing this beautiful man performing 3 months from death.

[@Shadowx011]

I had no idea these last performances existed until right now! Benjamin Orr one of most beautiful voices in music. It is sad seeing him ill here but he still sounds and albeit ill and very thin…looks amazing. RIP Benjamin Orr

[@AF-qv3ze]

What a great voice. This sounds so good. It's unbelievable how close to death Ben was at this performance. It's heartbreaking. He left this Earth way too soon. I'm sure he would have made a lot more awesome music if he were still with us. RIP

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

ОЧЕНЬ ХОРОШО СКАЗАЛИ! 😢😢🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@mamboqueen999]

I would imagine the first line had to be a bit harder to sing at this point. He banged the song out, tho. ❤️❤️❤️ Miss you, Ben.

[@mollygalloway6750]

I don’t think many people would have done what he did I am just so proud of him it’s bitter sweet courageous man i don’t admire too many people but Benjamin i do ❤️

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

ХОРОШО СКАЗАЛИ! 👌😢😢🌹🌹🇸🇮

[@oatnoid]

He passed away October 3rd 2000, so three months later. He was deathly ill at this time. Courage in the face of the Grim Reaper. What an amazing video. I'm going to try to stop complaining about life.

[@eily_b]

I survived cancer and had four rounds of chemo plus radiation. Sometimes I couldn't even lift my finger so tired was I from all these procedures and he was still able to sing and perform! Much respect!

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

You Bless ...

[@rosemarybaker8820]

Hope his son knows what a great dad he had. Sorry he didn't get to see him grow up.

[@rosemarybaker8820]

Every time I watch this I want to cry. He loved performing and was taken WAY too soon.

[@LousFool]

The strength and courage that it must have taken to get up on that stage, is mind blowing. And he sounded great! I admire Ben so much. His talent was amazing. A truly beautiful man, gone too soon.

[@leemcclements8889]

He was a gorgeous man with a great vocal...

[@neilouellette3004]

3 months later he was taken away from us. Ben was a brave man to perform right up to his passing.

[@monialcid3144]

Golden voice even if he’s truly ill . Such talented with a great spirit . Missing him much .

[@aimeepollock1579]

What a Brave and beautiful man! Shows how much he cared about his band mates and fans

[@jester99sch]

Ben was a fellow Ohioan and an all around great human being! His energy never waned, even up to his final days! May you entertain heaven forever my friend!

[@scotttimothy64]

One of the greatest songs of all time!

[@steevieel]

A True Rock and Roll Legend.. all the way until the End of his Incredible Life's Journey .. RIP BENN ORR ❤

[@cherylb5680]

The eternally beautiful Ben Orr. The grace this man had not feeling his best is an inspiration to us all. He was the epitome of a true rock star, great looks with a voice to match. Ben left this world too soon💔 Thanks for posting Donna ❣️

[@eddiemichaels6285]

Beautiful words.

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

😢😢🌹🌹🇸🇮

[@tx_1]

I'm in love with this man. A true gift to us all.

[@anndriggers6660]

This BROKE MY HEART!! Ben Orr! What an absolute legend! Right up until the very end. I miss you Benjamin. I hope you're somewhere performing your heart out. It was what you loved most and were so passionate about. You are missed.

[@mandystewart8613]

Wonderful to see Benjamin doing what he loved, although it’s bittersweet. RIP Beautiful Ben 💙

[@julenepegher6999]

Great Performance! High praise for you Ben. 2:35 that picture perfect profile, nothing can take away your beauty. Thanks, Donna.

[@debmutter4586]

This is incredible. He was so sick, I can’t imagine performing while so ill. I’ve been a Cars/Benjamin Orr fan since 1978, it broke my heart to watch that last interview and it haunted me for years. Thank you for posting this video, I can come to terms with how he coped with his illness.

[@ImreKatona-ro5cc]

Szomorú, hogy ilyen hamar az égbeszált Olyan helyes és tehetséges volt.!maradtak e gyerekek hátra, nemtudom. Remélem, hogy a sirjára virág kerül...!

[@susanxyz5730]

@@ImreKatona-ro5ccI go almost every year, I went in September and his book, guitar plus many “cars” are left. It’s in a cemetery in the middle of farm areas and it’s very Ohioan. He is buried next to his brother. ❤

[@whome1299]

This is wonderful! The band sounds great. Ben's got drip in his do-rag and sounds really good. What a brave, inspiring and talented man. Still so sad he's gone. Rest in Paradise, Ben. 💜

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

👌👌👏👏🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@jeanieburbage]

RIP Ben 😭❤

[@bonzology322]

my uncle passed away from pan C, absolute brutality that no human should have to endure, donate to cancer research, RIP Ben

[@phyllisloving5069]

Such a talent ! so much charisma & stage presence! He was one of a kind.❤

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

ЭТО ТОЧНО! 👌👌🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@nadezdagrishenko2964]

Thank you Donna and Joe Dlearo! Oh, dear Benjamin, how long have I dreamed of seeing you in these difficult days, to express my admiration for you, your self-control and self-sacrifice for the sake of the group, for the sake of your fans! You are my hero, Ben, you are forever the best, unforgettable and unique!

[@williamhucker7797]

Brilliant response, you covered it all beautifully. From Patricia H. not William H.

[@nadezdagrishenko2964]

@@williamhucker7797 Thank you for appreciating my thoughts! You and I think of Ben the same way. I wish you all the best and brightest!

[@CatsInaCradle]

I loved him so much. Such a beautiful person inside and out. He is truly missed....Benjamin ❤️

[@GinoPrimeau]

Wow 4 months later we would have lost a LEGEND 😢 RIP 🎸BEN🎸🙏✌🏻

[@ny4weezie]

it was actually 3 mos later that we lost this amazing guy ! Rest in Eternal Peace Ben

[@ieronimo18]

Outstanding performance by a true rock legend!

[@matthewronson5218]

This multi-talented musician would pass barely over three months after this performance, which would have been outstanding had he been in perfect health, but here was Ben, taking it to that absolutely astounding level, a heroic level in its own right, given the circumstances and driven by his sheer passion and love for what he was and what he did in life - right up to the end. There could be no better finale than the example set here by Benjamin Orzechowski.

[@klausrain111]

I love Ben and I love the Cars and was lucky enough to see them up in Chicago in '79 or '80. But he didn't die of cancer, almost nobody does. HE DIED OF CANCER TREATMENT!

[@klausrain111]

Definite Stones vibe going on here.😂

[@davidhall744]

Been waiting over 21 and 1/2 years to see this. Knowing the entire time it was going to sound great! Definitely has to be the most inspiring video in the history of KZbin. Further proves how much Ben kept on rocking to the very end!

[@m.a.marquez7640]

It makes me sad to see this video where Ben looked so thin but at the same time I'm glad to see how he showed his passion for music to delig us with his beautiful and sweet voice until the Last moment. Ben!!! I love you much forever and ever, thank you for your great legacy! Your wonderful music. 🎤😇🎼🎶🎵🙏😘🤗🇪🇨🤗👍💞💞💞💓💓💓❤️❤️❤️❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@meliawhite2499]

So bittersweet to watch but cool to see. To still see him smiling and having fun made me happy. And he still rocked those songs as well as his signature leather pants and boots.

[@TonysMusic1974]

He still had the voice!

[@swampfizz]

Ben still lives on....I'm listening 2023

[@rosemarybaker8820]

This is my favorite performance of Bye Bye Love. You can tell Ben is having a lot of fun doing this.

[@KowalskyLeon]

I didn't know that he was so tough and brave. Despite the deadly disease he still performed on stage and sang like in the best years. He must have loved it. What a pitty that The Cars split up in 1987 and Ben left too soon.

[@kathycooper4642]

A consummate professional, always sounded like an angel 💗

[@TraceyL.ByeByeLvTheCars]

Bless his heart.. What an amazing man and performance.

[@syfman6]

One of my all time favorite vocalists. 💚🎸

[@cheryldestras9148]

Benjamin Orr…The Ultimate “Electric Angel Rockin’ Roller” 😎🎶💖💯 Nothing but Love for this man 😇

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

He had class and he was dressed so elegant ..Ben was a truly rock star ..i miss you Benjamin Orr 😢 and i miss your perfect voice ..you will never be forgotten...!!

[@WannaB321]

Ben was such a big part of what made The Cars great. It's great to see him here still doing what he loved so soon before his death. I had a friend die of pancreatic cancer, it was terrible, but swift. RIP Ben. We miss you.

[@reneechristopher2121]

Absolutely brave to perform. Sorely missed.😢😢😢😢

[@terencem8795]

Mad respect for Benjamin Orr. RIP

[@seeburg220]

This is the way you live: Every. Day. Thanks for reminding us, Ben.

[@davidwhitehouse94]

Damn. R.I.P Ben rocker to the end. Gone ....not forgotten

[@susangordon7087]

I watch the videos over and over again. And I have to say that even going through he still looked handsome to me. And he shows the type of man that he is. You are so loved and missed 💔💔

[@esiprecision7504]

Literately have tears running down my eyes. RIP Ben.

[@nancyfilingeri414]

I know 😢

[@drumsport]

The courage to continue to press forward and live his known brief life is such an uplifting feeling for his fans. He passed away only a short 4 months from this performance. Benjamin, you were superb. RIP.

[@richardladroga2161]

Actually only 3 months later......How strong a man of character he was..... So thin here, so weak, and still he fought on. I was very fortunate to see him play live and he always brought it big. RIP to a true rock star.

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

ЛЕГЕНДА ТАЛАНТ! 👌👌🇸🇮

[@anndriggers6660]

You can definitely tell that he feels awful and that he's just there to fulfill his commitment. What an amazing performer! THATS SO FUCKING ROCK N ROLL! The guy gets up out of his deathbed and performs for his fans! Hell yeah! Benjamin Orr, you are a bonafide Rockstar of the highest degree! You are sorely missed, sir. And still beautiful right up until the end.

[@SamanthaRunion-s5p]

If Heaven truly exists, after I see my mom, Benjamin is the next person I want to see.

[@legadomitico1377]

He passed away on october same year incredible this power

[@ernestkaiser6893]

Man, this was filmed three months before Benjamin Orr passed. Much respect!

[@melissasalvatore2831]

I just lost my sister to pancreatic cancer and let me tell you she suffered terribly. That being said I Commened Mr. Benjamin Orr for standing here singing like nothing is wrong. So humble. God Bless you Sir 🙏💕⭐ Rest easy.

[@miguelinacastillo3423]

Son ya 23 años y sigo siendo su fans escucho su música a diario su legado es maravilloso Benjamin Orr me fascina su música talentoso y bello hombre besos al cielo Ben

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

Я ТОЖЕ СЛУШАЮ! 👌👌😭🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@williamhucker7797]

The marvellous, brilliant, fabulous Benjamin Orr, his character shining through to the end, and supported by his beautiful friends and bandmates. From Patricia H. not William H.

[@florencehodges-moore2909]

So sad to see him but he still got the same voice bless him xx

[@tevieray123]

He rocked all the way to the end

[@mobobb3555]

Sheer grit and determination on the part of Benjamin Orr. My heart breaks for him when seeing him in this stage of his battle. We miss you Ben.

[@terryhorton817]

Love Benjamin Orr !✔ He is a Amazing Spirit !✔✔✔ Doing what He Loved !✔ So very Missed .....RIP B.O. ❤️🙏

[@BarbaraB-kp6np]

Love him. Always will. He looked and sounded amazing. There’s no substitute. Bye bye love.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Yes true words...unique man unique and perfect voice

[@law8263]

Thanks, Donna...this is bittersweet. Ben never gave up. Beautiful man...and his band members were great with him. Thanks again for posting ❤️

[@WolfRun59]

What more could I possibly say than has already been said here except I miss you brother. I can hardly wait for the big concert in the sky so I can hear you and the other legends who have passed once again.

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

БОЖЕСТВЕННЫЙ ГОЛОС БЕНА БУДУТ СЛУШАТЬ ВЕКАМИ! ТАЛАНТ ЛЕГЕНДА! НЕДООЦЕНИЛИ БЕНА.!😢👌👌🇸🇮🇸🇮

[@izabelvieira3860]

Esse foi o último shou dele ..?? Ou teve outro ???

[@peterbilt-bo1vy]

​@@izabelvieira3860There was at least one more, six days before he transitioned. I'd say there were other performances as well but I don't know how many. RIP BENJAMIN ORR. We love you so very much and miss you everyday. You are a legend for many reasons. What a unique, beautiful, kind, humble, talented, amazing man you are. You will Never be forgotten. We miss you so so much. ✝️💟🌹💖⭐🎸🔥🎶🎵💔🇺🇲

[@theislandtrust]

Amazing. Just fucking amazing. Gone 3 months later. Cancer sucks. RIP

[@R.POWELL]

He's STILL beautiful !!! Miss ya, Ben 💔

[@greggnumme299]

DEAR GOD I REALLY MISS BENNY! MY FIRST CONCERT IN '78 - I SAW EVERY TOUR & WAS 30 FEET RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM AT LIVE AID... HE MADE MY HAIR STAND ON END! HIS SPIRIT WAS HOVERING OVER THE CARS AT THE RRHOF! 🙏 I ALSO LOVED THAT THEY DIDN'T EVEN TRY TO REPLACE HIM ON THE LAST SHORT TOUR FOR "MOVE LIKE THIS!" GREG PICKED UP THE SLACK & AT SOME SHOWS THEY HAD A BASS IN A STAND AT THE BACK OF THE STAGE... RIP MY BROTHER ❤✌💫😪 NOBODY ELSE EVER CAME CLOSE MAN!!! YOU'LL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN 🙌👏🙌👏 😘💋💋💋 BIG BIG LOVE ❤

[@Missgibson2u]

What a great performance 💕❤️💕❤️

[@Peche01]

Omg😞he was an extraordinary guy🙏🏼my Angel and favorite singer forever and ever 🙏🏼

[@florencehodges-moore2909]

Beautiful Ben what a voice bless him wherever he may be ❤

[@funkycandycool]

This is incredible. Benjamin Orr was born to rock and roll and he did it beautifully till the bitter end. I'll always be in awe of this incredibly brave, strong, talented, and gorgeous musical icon. Thank you for sharing this amazing performance with us.

[@williamhucker7797]

Love your response, Ben deserved every word. From Patricia H. not William H.

[@cookiehill2549]

There will never be another Benjamin, Tks again Donna

[@92548dannyt]

Pretty darned good if you ask me. Bravo!!!!!

[@michellesoler-canton8405]

God bless Ben!Fantastic.💖💗

[@Jorvic7]

Wow, Amazing What Couraje and strengh, 3 months before he die. The music of my childhood!. Thank The Cars, Thank you Benjamin Orr!

[@stevendiblasio3573]

All i can say is this truly breaks my heart.What a performance! Ben i hope your son sees this footage .

[@BlueButterfly7777]

July 1st and Ben is dressed for a Boston winter day. God bless him. And God bless the band.

[@nancyfilingeri414]

Well he was very sick and cold... plus I think he was down to skin and bones...😢... Its so very sad 😮

[@BlueButterfly7777]

@@nancyfilingeri414 Sadly agree with you.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

​@@nancyfilingeri414...Yes i agree ..And anyway He dressed so elegant, beauty.. We miss him and his perfect voice

[@sherri2463]

@@nancyfilingeri414My husband passed away from cancer in ‘21 and I can remember him getting cold a lot. Forget ac being on, he would get cold. I hate that C word and what it does to the human body. RIP Benjamin. Thank you for allowing the world to hear your incredible voice ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulaann7543]

Thank you Donna, I wouldn't have missed these precious but totally heartbreaking videos for the world.....I Love You Benjamin 💔🧡🏁🚗💨💯 FOREVER‼️

[@sues3466]

Grace and style to the end. I miss his voice so much.

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

ШЕДЕВР! НЕДООЦЕНИЛИ БЕНА!ГЕНИЙ, КРАСИВЫЙ ГОЛОС! 👌🇸🇮2023г

[@MG-jp5ij]

Probably my favorite Cars song. "Its such a wavy midnight and you slip into insane"...classic

[@terrihilder8217]

Wow what an entertainer. Ben Orr you are beautiful. He sounds good. Doing what he loved. ❤

[@mk5224]

My favorite Cars song after Drive. He did a great job on this song. Thank you for posting!