Cars, Guitars, and Elliot Easton

[@jcdova29]

Elliot the perfect band member. No ego. Amazing guitar player. Very smart and knows music inside and out.

[@tonygallo1104]

well said!

[@jmldreamer]

Exactly ! And i think he’s underrated ! Elliot is an excellent guitarist !

[@snakefinger]

BIGTIME !

[@Musicman3832]

Ric is a great rhythm guitar player, but Elliot is one of the best lead guitarists and he is so criminally underrated.

[@Tracimoon2222]

I believe that Elliot Easton is the most underrated guitarist in the world 🙌🙏 Long live this amazing brilliant man we were blessed with 🙌🤩 along with his bandmates (with us or not) who will live forever in our memories of perfect halcyon days 🙏🙏🙏🎸🎸🎸🎶🏆🏆🏆 ✨️⚡️💫🍀🌻💛🌈

[@sparkybluefox]

Lisa was Key in this video for making it so great ! She brought out the BEST of these guys ! BRAVO ! Lisa sbf

[@tommym321]

Elliott Easton taught me the importance of note choices, especially how great a short 8 bar solo can be if carefully crafted. He is a great, great player.

[@54fighting5]

Tom Mulroy III Excellent observation. I agree %100.👍

[@reimourrpower9357]

Yes, "Since You're Gone" perfectly exemplifies Easton's mastery of minimalist artistry.

[@chrisjones6020]

All about hitting the thirds.

[@ZigbertD]

Yes, instead of just improvising minor/major pentatonic runs, I learned from Easton how to really *play* over chord changes, how to compose a solo that has a function in the song, how to do it briefly and concisely, and how to make it memorable. Of course I can't do it with his mastery, but nonetheless he's been a huge teacher and inspiration for me.

[@paulj0557tonehead]

@@chrisjones6020 Landing on 3rds in pentatonic. Also using notes from the current playing chord in the progression. And to get hooks that aren't cliche in the riff (those unexpected cool target notes coming out of nowhere) it takes rhythmic finesse as well. 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇👇 To get those countryfide rockabilly licks, instead of a playing a basic or even expanded pentatonic scale on the 12th fret in E ////A ////B// 12 bar blues, move that same pentatonic scale back to the 9th fret. Bend the Gb (11th fret 3rd string) up to G, hold it up while playing B (2nd string 12th fret) and E ( 1st string 12th fret), then _release that bent up 3rd string_ from G back to Gb.

[@bastidface]

As much as everyone was raving about Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Angus Young, Alex Lifeson, Brian May and others back in the day, Elliot Easton was one of my favorite lead guitarists. Out of all the others, Elliot was the most diverse player who could add so many different styles to the music. His feel for guitar solo improvisation is genius. Those Cars songs would be nothing without his solos.

[@wildbill2122]

YES, you are correct, Elliott Easton was/is a Classically Trained musician and, not that it matters to any1, one of Slash's primary influences..Fuckin Guy ROCKS, NO DOUBT !

[@alanlloyd9986]

Elliott Easton is a better guitarist than Jimmy Page

[@brandonbelongstocharlottef1798]

@@alanlloyd9986 bullshit

[@brandonbelongstocharlottef1798]

@@alanlloyd9986 bull fuck 😡

[@stevenkimsey7039]

@@alanlloyd9986 Elliott Easton is a great guitarist. Jimmy Page is a great guitarist.

[@mcgoodle]

I really enjoyed this film. The girl was sweet, kind, respectful, and asked intelligent questions. And Elliot was (and is) a terrific, un-assuming guy. Between 1979 and 1989 (give or take a year or two) you literally could not listen to the radio for a day without hearing at least one Cars song. Brought back good memories of when I was a kid.

[@bhdctn]

The Cars ushered in New Wave for me. In 78 I wasn't some hip rocker going to the lower east side NY. I was a 6th grader in Middle America looking for new music I liked. They made middle america and radio listen to innovative new sounds. Changed Rock n Roll!

[@tenbroeck1958]

I kind of hope they went on a date or something after the interview!

[@JeanmarieRod]

@@natashafatale6622 we all miss those days but very, very few can make the connections regarding who has divided and conquered Western civilization

[@shizuokaBLUES]

@@tenbroeck1958they had a seriously nice connection and she was into him!!

[@paulkillinger5915]

​@JeanmarieRod ..And more recently RUINED "western civilization!"

[@Johnthecomicguy]

What honestly makes this even more enjoyable to watch is that he seems like a genuinely nice guy. I always disliked rockers with arrogant attitudes...he is just a good guy making great music.

[@johngerson7335]

Elliot Easton is in that same category of rock & roll guitar players such as George Harrison and Mike Campbell. He _always_ plays _exactly_ the right part, phrase, or solo that's _exactly_ what a given song needs in order for it to be as good as it possibly can be. Phenomenal player with a phenomenal band.

[@reimourrpower9357]

Great comparison and I'd place him with Johnny Marr. Eddie Hazel and David Gilmour when it comes to immaculate phrasing.

[@johngerson7335]

@@reimourrpower9357 Right on. Thanks for the reply.

[@reimourrpower9357]

@@johngerson7335 salutes, thanks for the original statement.

[@veegee916]

I just saw Def Leppard and although I love them, they really didn't have that many songs that you could immediately identify from a guitar riff...Other than "Photograph" maybe. Queen was one of the best at it...The Cars have so many songs that are immediately recognizable and I find that a great talent. Like Joe Walsh was able to do...

[@careym3901]

Robbie Robertson!

[@kristenbeach6284]

Just the fact that Elliot was able to learn how to play left handed guitar shows how dedicated he was. Not only did he play left handed, he didn’t even have a “left handed guitar”. He simply turned the guitar around. Thats what you call pure talent.

[@PolPotsPieHole]

Their keyboard player(Greg Hawkes) is the most hip nerd ever

[@cds9000]

1000% 😃

[@Dick_Weapon]

I love his look and his moves. When I was five, I gave him the nickname "Mr. Noodles". 🤷

[@blueflowerchildrensyoga4987]

I was thinking, did they base Harry Potter's character on his style?

[@sararichmond8476]

Yo Greg!!!!!!! 😻

[@veltonmeade1057]

Didn't he graduate from Boston's MIT College?

[@johnreece9774]

One of the most underrated guitarists in our time. Really great playing that fits seamlessly.

[@nancy.lauderdale]

John Reece I agree. He rips!

[@nancy.lauderdale]

Slash knows a fenom when he hears it! Love EE!!!

[@Adrian-yl7oe]

Got that wright

[@stillnotwoke]

Love the creative spelling in these replies...

[@TwistedRiffster]

There you are, the “most underrated guitarist guy” - every great highly rated guitarist falls victim to your like-pursuing ilk. Hi!

[@craiglocicero7032]

For my money, the coolest and most complete guitar player maybe ever. Absolutely love Elliot and his choice of notes in all his compositions.

[@dgrundman7499]

Diggin that monster 'fro, bro! 😎

[@vimmo]

@@dgrundman7499 Agreed! Coolest, best. Ever!

[@evilpixiedance]

And Elliot is still rocking out. One of the greats. Thanks for posting.

[@jamesdaquistoii5198]

ELLIOT ENDORSED OUR STRINGS FOR A WHILE IN THE 90S WHEN D'AQUISTO STRINGS WERE IN BUSINESS. HE'S A PHENOMENAL PLAYER I LOVE HIS STYLE HE IS EXTREMELY UNIQUE AS WELL AS THE CARS MUSIC...NO ONE CAN EVER MATCH HIM. IT WAS A PRIVILEGE TO MEET HIM AND HAVE HIM COME TO THE SHOWS.

[@edwardglenn7162]

Yes i agree with james all the way ...

[@Resais]

Elliot Easton, a truly phenomenal musician. Thanks for sharing

[@ikesweat8749]

Resais Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Elliot Easton, now. A brilliant guitarist in an amazingly timeless band Okay, bye!

[@archiguitarchi]

I'm five years older than Mr.Easton and have been in cover tune bands the majority of my life. I've had some pretty difficult lead parts to learn, and as easy as he makes them look and sound, his solos are among the more difficult ones I've had to learn. Honestly, where many guitarists solos are not a perfect fit for the song, his always seemed to be. Really a special artist.

[@CusterFlux]

@@archiguitarchi Yeah, he's definitely underrated … his articulation and note choices are second to none.

[@zookytar]

@@archiguitarchihis playing in "Just What I Needed" is as vital to that song as the vocals and keyboards.

[@lostintime8651]

In this band, every person was an important member. No one was more important than the other. That's rare.

[@susanxyz5730]

Tell that to Ric, when asked to share song writing with Ben, that didn’t happen. Even in his speech Ric thanks the man that holds his “chips”. Money.

[@janetaldrich7747]

@@susanxyz5730 someone said "no ego" and it was true of everyone but Ocasek.

[@nocturnalme3549]

Yes, and although they had a large number of classic hits, I really believe they had so many more in them. Their range was so different and new that they could have continued on making different sounds year after year

[@randy6090]

​@@nocturnalme3549y

[@HungryH1951]

@@janetaldrich7747 Those who write the songs frequently are a bit (sometimes a lot) self centered. Without the songs there is are no hits and they know it. And share the money? Not so much. Although The Doors did it. Split the $ 4 ways regardless of who wrote the song. Rare. Ask Robbie Robertson (if you could).

[@foofoobear66]

It wasn't just Elliot who made the band....each player and each singer, the drums and everything just worked together so well....And made a fantastic band.....

[@bastidface]

Agreed! All were top notch musicians who worked well together. Elliot's licks just made it all so perfect.

[@mkilner]

they all get my respect, iconic sounds from real musicians who took it to their own level, i can appreciate everything they were saying all those decades ago, i love the mix of influences in their music, wish i had got to see them, ohwell i can fire up spotify and play all their albums, Magic! 👏🏻🎼🌟

[@randybonner9870]

Hilarious around the 36:00 mark . Hawks comes out with that toy looking keyboard . Lmassofffff. I love the Cars !!

[@PhilFeedback]

Just now heard that Ric has passed away today. 9/15/19. Rest in peace Ric, you were one of a kind!!!!

[@American-Dragon]

Was wondering why this came up. There is a great version of him playing drive solo on a twelve string after or passed.

[@jacksaintjack2844]

His tasty note selection is out of this world. Proves you don't have to dazzle with speed. He can touch so many things inside of us with his note selection, phrasing, tempo changes, etc. His solos are so unique in that no one comes close to his style. Eclectic. Crazy. Mind blowing. Listen to " Tonight She Comes" and the way he sneaks in and out of the main body of the solo by using feedback with his tremolo bar. Incomparable. My #1 fave.

[@ralphus555]

The Cars still sound fresh and new today. Roy Thomas Baker was a genius producer. Elliot is so articulate and thoughtful. Great video...

[@brianmccauley7711]

Been loving this band for over 4 decades. They are all to be appreciated, but Elliot is now the living face of what remains of them. May he finally get the recognition he deserves while still with us... as they did as a whole by finally getting inducted to the R&R HOF last year. If I only had 6 words to say to the remaining members of the Cars, it would be "Thank You!, Thank You!, Thank You!..."

[@veegee916]

Brian, I loved all their speeches at the RRHOF. A nice bunch of guys! The death of Ric was something I didn't see coming, for sure! Eddie Money and Ric in the same week...😞

[@randybonner9870]

I think Elliot's best lead guitar part is in the song Touch and Go . Couldn't have been more synchronized. Simply Beautiful

[@johnford5568]

I was seventeen when this would play at the athlete's foot shoe store on weekend nights waiting for the seven oclock closing, dreaming of touching and finally staying maybe. Yes, great songs then on the radio 1980.

[@chadapold1055]

No way I could agree more.....no possible way.....

[@Bingbing611]

My favorite too Always gives me goosebumps

[@maxfraga2883]

The Cars had a unique sound like non other. Their music was ahead of their time. I remember bring 14 years old and I knew then, that they were going to get big. Best band ever! R.I.P. Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek!

[@greggonzalez859]

For me it 1979 in NYC when I was 15. I never looked back. A soundtrack to my life. When I was in the army in the early 80s it was funny to see the reaction of friends when introduced to their sound. Still listening.

[@woodedape]

Great interview by Lisa Karlin.

[@guitarsncarsnart]

I have never heard Ric Ocasek give Elliot Easton any real credit. "He's a good person to have around" is the best he can do here. He may have given him a compliment somewhere, and he may agree he is a brilliant talent, but I have not seen it. I have seen the RRHOF Induction video where he thanked every member except Elliot. I've seen various Interview videos where he just can't bring himself to be magnanimous enough to say "yeah Elliot is a great player".. Elliot seems unfazed..I've never seen Elliot say a bad word about anyone.. Just my two cents..

[@Craigke1964]

Rik knew that Elliot could play circles around him. If you watch the film Rock Goes to College, there is a point when EE is riffing a great solo and Rik is seen enviously looking on. I didn't like the way Okasek talked all through Elliott's speech at the RRHOF ceremony with the guy from the Killers (forget his name). A great speech btw; the way he thanked so many people shows the person he is.

[@guitarsncarsnart]

@@Craigke1964 Thanks for the reply. "...A great speech btw; the way he thanked so many people shows the person he is." You are referring to EE's speech right? Yes. Elliot seems to be a gracious human being..

[@Fresh-tw7ev]

I studied the on-stage chemistry between Elliot and Ric and it virtually didn’t exist. The interaction between Elliot and Ben is a totally different story. They played off each other and actually enjoyed each other. Just an observation.

[@kimhannan4892]

Totally agree...not sure why Ric found it so hard to give Elliot credit for being an amazing guitar player...???

[@wvufreak56]

Ric Ocasek.....who obviously was a great songwriter, was a complete narcissist according to his son. This seems believable as he left his super-modle wife out of his will. Hmmmmmmm.......

[@Elshonio]

Massive thanks for putting this up. Can’t believe my algorithms have only just brought it up! Immense player, super talented, and beyond humble. Right up there for me, The Cars got me through many a year stuck in hospital when I was younger, and Elliot is massively behind my love of guitar

[@jujumulligan43]

Very nicely done here. I appreciate this well tuned, informative approach to the history of the great band the Cars. Loved them from the beginning and still listening 46 years later. ❤❤❤

[@fingersmagillicuddy4322]

The solo in " Shake it up " is a lesson in awesomeness in a pop song..........Everything this guy played on was made better by his presence. A truly great, and criminally underrated, player.

[@MsZoedog66]

Makes me want to take up the guitar but I am afraid my plinky plunking would be most unsatisfactory in comparison

[@fingersmagillicuddy4322]

@@MsZoedog66 lol...... Never let that stop ya from going for it

[@charliebloom9243]

You’re totally correct. In my opinion, there is no guitar solo I’ve heard that is better than Elliot’s tasteful AND flashy solo on Shake It Up. It’s a masterpiece of melding distinct styles into one awesome solo, a solo that is over before I want it to be over. But it would not be an Elliot Easton solo if it was longer, and that is also part of his genius as a guitarist.

[@michaelaiello9525]

This is just fantastic. Elliot Easton is simply brilliant. He reminds me of Harrison in that every note he plays is absolutely perfect. Nothing is superfluous. I mean he’s a wizard with his chops, and his note selection just couldn’t be more concise, compelling and lyrically rich. Every solo is distinct to each song, finely crafted and composed. He’s really an unassuming master. One of the best. (A side note, is the interviewer swooning and starstruck or is it just me?)

[@albertomartinez2479]

Lifelong guitarist here. Elliot Easton's playing was always several cuts above the crowd. His musical talent arranging guitar is amazing and usually carried the song.

[@laurelwood791]

These 5 guys combined were, are and will forever remain a part of our youth beginning in 1977, thru our mid life, marriage, kids, and now were senior citizens on AARP. Go figure. Life's way way too short. THE CARS. infamous on film and recording immortal forever. Wish we had more time.

[@rolandi9638]

Great band! Never seen an 'in depth' documentary on The Cars, loved them in '78 & all the way through the 80s,& Elliott Easton is an unsung guitar hero for alot of us he has a very unique approach to playing that broughtThe Cars to the masses. Cool guy, very unassuming & no ego.

[@SaxJockey]

Agree 💯%.

[@IrisWatts21]

Perfectly put!

[@shinethelight01]

A true master of his craft. I'll never forget when the Cars first album went big. What an amazing, new sound. We absolutely loved it.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

definitely an underappreciated musician! quite a brilliant player.

[@WolfRun59]

Eliot Easton and Neil Geraldo are 2 great guitarists whose guitar parts defined the great songs of The Cars and Pat Benatar. You take those guys out of the mix with their out of the box playing styles and you are left with a whole lot of nothing. Amazing guitar players that deserve more attention than they have received.

[@TheSpicerD]

This video is just a treasure. I never knew of its existence, but what a find! In my opinion, there is simply no guitarist in pop/rock music more versatile and eclectic than Easton. His solos are the most memorable and disparate that I have ever heard. Ridiculously tasteful and melodic. Just stunning really. But it is really (always) about the SONGS. Their first record is essentially a greatest hits package. Roy Thomas Baker clearly had an influence on these guys. Thanks for putting it up Calvin Thomas. Best to all of you out there, and of course, of COURSE, rest in peace dear Ben and Ric. Thank you for these wonderful tunes.

[@joerobinson2538]

This is awesome! Elliot has always been overlooked but is so versatile and up there with the best!

[@lyndonpack8048]

Joe, my sentiments exactly! Well said!

[@rubyhabs]

Their humility is so refreshing. Other bands could learn from this. Their professionalism is on a different level. Great video.

[@mboyer68]

I grew up with the cars and never really considered them a rock band. But I'm older now and play the guitar, so with a new perspective i can see they were definitely a rock band! Thank you to whoever posted this to KZbin!

[@se9f282]

The interviewer was great in this, engaging, good technical questions. EE is so-NORMAL and sensible. One of my fave guitarists. In a song, he plays everything you need, nothing you don't. That is incredibly hard to do.

[@terryguire1321]

True. I don't think I could pick a single note that he's played and say, "Take it out, that's unnecessary."

[@boataxe4605]

And cute too!

[@owenwilberforce6138]

“As musicians they are probably even more fragile- “ paraphrasing Elliot who sums up the conundrum of surviving fame. Ultimately they were a brilliant band that like Devo or other late 70’s pop rock bands had to get through the whole album-tour-album cycle without going crazy. Having lost Ric and Ben now, I remember how much Elliot’s playing meant to me. He just played so bitingly and tastefully but best of all he just plain rocked better and meaner and smarter than average players. Great period video, great insight into their whole story.

[@genius-no5sl]

The cars were my favorite band growing up thanks to my dad . Easton is amazing and the cars wouldn’t have been the cars without him .

[@willfade7994]

Every time I hear 'My Best Friend's Girl,' I'm transported back to High School days... My boyfriend's best friend asked me if I knew the song and told me it was my song because he thought of me whenever he heard it. I was his best friend's girl and he wished I was his. Why he always offered to walk me home finally made sense. Ah memories. I've liked The Cars my whole life thanks to my Mom having one or two of their records. They have a very unique sound. I listen to 'It's All I Can Do' and 'Heartbeat City' often. Thank you for sharing this fun little blast to the past. Elliot's a great guitar player! 🌹

[@chatter7653]

Fascinating video....filmed just before their biggest selling album apparently, Heartbeat City. As rabidly into Eddie Van Halen and all the hard rock and metal guitar gods in the 80's as I was , this was one guy that always grabbed my attention and I couldn't figure out why he wasnt getting the same amount of accolades for his superb playing but clearly, the world has come around to recognize him as one of the greats

[@funkster007]

Elliot, pure class and a fantastic guit-artist. That Lisa chick was definitely smitten interviewing him.

[@jasonstultz954]

Me and lisa have at least that much in common lol.

[@funkster007]

@Buddhist Priest I just like the word smitten, so I used it in a sentence. 👍🤪👍

[@boataxe4605]

Yeah, I get the feeling that she learned a lot about his fingering technique.

[@rapman5791]

I’m sure he showed her the rest of the house . 😉

[@glennhavinoviski8128]

A musician first, a star second. The Cars were absolutely the tightest band around because they served their songs first and foremost.

[@tekis0]

I love, love, LOVE the woman who is interviewing Elliot. She's an actual fan, with no snarky attitude.

[@blueflowerchildrensyoga4987]

she's such a beautiful woman from the side. She actually looks like Snow White and I love the way she leans in when she's interviewing someone and really cares about what they're saying.

[@irafranklin5370]

Me too !!!

[@stevecallagher9973]

I needed this after the news today. Brilliance is often under appreciated...but I loved these guys, a true cooperative!

[@ZenDriveSeven]

I love how the woman interviewing Elliot asks about the best friends girl rockabilly riff! She is laser focused when he plays it. Really solid interviewing on her part.

[@michaelpaul5801]

man, you could cut that sexual tension with a knife!!... she's a perfect interviewer.. I wish chicks were still on this wavelength, this cool, into the real stuff

[@aquamarine99911]

Yes, as a guitarist, i thought the same thing. She's more than a typical interviewer. But he should have admitted he stole it from the Beatles.

[@VanielDeeform]

Andrew James He pretty much did earlier when talking of influences “The Beatles” and if he heard something he liked, he’d steal it right away:)

[@jamessadler8759]

@@aquamarine99911 He did. Easton said later that his inspiration was George Harrison in "I Will"

[@nashdrifter3629]

Actually she called it " my best friends girl-friend". So sweet.... It made me smile.

[@jbspack007]

This past week I was rediscovering the Cars 1978-1884 albums. I put together a playlist of over 35 Cars songs with the intent of getting back in touch with their lesser known tracks again as well as enjoying their more recognizable songs. In doing so, I realized more than ever how amazing and creative Elliot Easton's guitar playing is. It's what led me to find and watch this video. Thank you for posting, it's a real treasure and helped me appreciate Elliot and the entire band even more.

[@boopah4365]

It's been over 40 years now and you literally could turn a radio on right now and most likely find a Cars song playing..That says alot about how incredible they were and are.

[@sparkybluefox]

Lisa Karlin was an awesome interviewer ! BRAVO ! sbf

[@raymondanthony8651]

Such a great guitarist, he seems to play so effortless, smooth, tight and easy. They were amazing live, one of the best I've ever seen.

[@54fighting5]

Like the Cars or not, Elliot Easton's solos are ALL perfect for the song. His talent and ability is always on display during the solo but NEVER at the expense of the melody or vibe of the song. I happen to like the Cars music and for my money E.E. is one of the coolest and most underrated and tasteful players ever.

[@grimlyfiendish5579]

But did he write the solo's or did Ocasek?

[@54fighting5]

@@grimlyfiendish5579 I've seen articles back in the day where E.E. discussed how he thought out his solos. Pretty sure Ocasek realized it wasn't his own strong suit.

[@garthlocklin6355]

I woke up this morning from a hard sleep and a Cars song from 40 years ago was the 1st thing that came to mind. I actually lived in Cambridge MA in '77-78 and never heard of this band until '79 when I moved back to NJ. I realized I never saw a "behind the music" video of this band so this is what I found on the Tube. Great documentary and I saw so many concerts in my youth and had every Cars album which I played over and over on the turntable or my 8 track in my car. I regret never seeing this band live. I love how they seem to have very little ego about themselves and get along well without drama and BS.

[@seangrexa4707]

His choice of effects was SO COOL and actually benefit the song, whereas many players in the 80s just used effects because they were there and everyone was using them. Elliot made good use of those effects, showing a lot of foresight and thought went into his playing, and the effects made his sound more musical and memorable. You never felt he was overdoing effects on his tone. A sign of a truly great player is one who finds you humming his solos 40 years later even though you only heard the songs less then a handful of times since! Genious!

[@sourkrautracing8108]

absolutely one of the most under appreciated guitarist.

[@tswrench]

This is a very cool window on Elliott Easton and his incredible musicianship and contributions to the Cars. If I only I could play like Elliot, I'd have given up my day job long ago. Wish they had filmed it, but the video lends its own type of patina to the time capsule quality it now holds.

[@dannylharper6889]

Elliot is a great and original guitarist.. Very Talented!

[@MrSuperMoran]

What a great documentary. Lisa brought a sexy enthusiasm to it that put everyone at ease and enabled the interview to become very insightful. The mix of live footage interspersed with questions that ran the gamut from the obvious to the introspective was really well done. The Cars were a really great band. They were defined as punk, new wave...whatever the flavor but underneath they were really skilled musicians. Really close to the bone of original 50's rock and roll more than anything. Very friggin' cool indeed!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

A right handed player Switching to playing left handed for aesthetics is a heck of a feat. Then becoming one of the best players in rock just blows my mind. Pure talent

[@rickvenlo1362]

Thx for pointing this out.

[@senorpuma]

Elliot was always a lefty. There are pics of him as a little kid holding a guitar lefty.

[@rickvenlo1362]

@@senorpuma Did you not hear him say it himself? He said his manager retaught him?

[@klausrain111]

​​​​@@senorpumaWell, when he was little he may have been just holding the guitar, not actually playing it. It's possible he didn't even know what it was.😂 Elliot doesn't seem like the type of guy who'd lie, what would be the point of that?

[@Pluvio624]

It was a joke! He's always played left-handed!

[@richalderson6069]

Elliot is a likeable combination of geekiness and rockn'roll swagger. He is a truly gifted guitar player as well!

[@ShabuyaRoco]

So happy this hasn't been taken off of here. Alot of these legit documentaries youtube has removed.

[@richalderson6069]

Elliot makes it look so easy but it aint'. He's one of the best pop/rock guitarists ever.

[@TomGuerra1]

A great documentary about a great player!

[@Bix12]

. Elliot has a genius for writing very catchy hooks that fit the song and are very musical sounding, and his 16 bar solos are always amazing in that they make a concise musical statement in an inspired, articulate and fun way. For that band, his playing couldn't be more perfect. I said he has a certain genius, and I meant it. Genius is a word used far too often...so much so that it's become nearly meaningless, but in Elliot's case, it is entirely appropriate.

[@Creaulx]

Yes! Underappreciated genius and can make a good song great. He's a master.

[@rman52]

He's not even close to being a genius. Stop using that word when you don't know what it means. He is however a terrific rock guitarist. Up there with Harrison. Maybe even better technically.

[@MrGuitarHack]

Elliot Easton is such a fantastic musician. Thanks for the video.

[@ZumaDogg]

At 13:25 Elliot putting down the iconic solo, we know so well, for, "Shake It Up." Wow. A glimpse into rock history, for sure. He's so f'ing chill and makes it look so easy. I quit!

[@DrTomoculus]

13:36 - thank you for this upload firstly. And thank you for uploading video footage of Elliot Easton performing one of his best solos, the solo on "Shake It Up." Such a great guitarist.

[@davidmohr1920]

Man who doesn't love these guys I grew up with their albums coming out they have so many deadly songs but I think Candy-O was my all time fav Thanks for posting :-)

[@keithsa41]

My Goodness, what a magical time to have these so talented musicians together in the heyday of unabashed era. The Era of Records and CD , a time when record companies groomed invested in their talents, before Napster stole and decimated the record industry.

[@JerryCalvert-x9u]

Extraordinary interview. This is the type of reporting that inspired me to write and journal. Miss those days a LOT!

[@bearknuckles100]

Wow! Loved this video. Never realized just how good he was until now. Love the Cars and miss that sound.

[@davidmack4495]

so glad I saw the Cars live when they first came out.....universal ampitheater with Boston in 1979....

[@suzimajor9532]

This was excellent. A real “must see” for any Cars fan.

[@patlrampros]

Young female interviewer: can you play a blues lick that would make me take my clothes off? Easton: Yes I can!

[@whatevershebrings]

Dunno how young she is, but you're certainly right... she's totally into her subject.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@whatevershebrings And he was probably "into her" later that day.

[@sejrec56]

Patrick Lynch , what was her name?

[@sejrec56]

Batphink Reynolds , I actually did see it at some point, and tried to look her up to see what’s she’d up to

[@lostintime8651]

@Michael H. nope/ grow up

[@drumminsonlive9199]

I think they are all pretty damn special even the little keyboard guy! Thanks

[@DetVen]

The Cars had 4 sold out Detroit shows on consecutive nights in September 1980 and it was right when school started and I remember the first day of school, everyone was talking about it. I was only 15 and didn't have my license yet, but my friend just turned 16 and his dad let him take the station wagon on a school night to see The Cars...so me and 3 of my friends went to see them and none of our parents liked the idea and why should they lol. Good times! Awesome band!

[@timhoovermusicman]

Man,to be back in those days...

[@JustMe-gx6ul]

No kidding! Take me baaaaaaccckkk............pleeeeeese !!!

[@l.thegirl2581]

Thanks for posting this. He makes it look so easy. Really gifted. Still down to earth, too.

[@THXx1138]

Class.

[@mattheweldredge9880]

Elliot Easton is a phenomenal player.

[@toekneeshields]

Elliot is awesome, so humble and a truly grcious person. I was working in guitar center in San Diego in 91 when he came by for some event and I had the opportunity to play guitar with him for the people at the event. And he was totally the coolest dude. Just nice, a great player and a good hearted person. but I thought at the time and even now with his accent he could do a hilarious Woody Allen impersonation. I mean he could nail the sound of Woody Allen exactly.

[@pandarooyou]

Surprisingly, Elliott Easton never gets mentioned in The Top 20 Best Guitarists Lists, but he is an incredibly melodic, prolific, innovative player, he has produced some of the nicest complexities i have ever heard ...., i really love his skill, he is in my top 5 all time best Guitarists list, and he should be in yours too.... The problem is..., the people who compile these lists aren't Advanced Guitarists, so they cant even begin to delineate the degree of difficulty involved in Easton's superiority...., Although he has mass appeal, so much of what he does isn't able to be heard by the average-ear, which is why he really is a Guitarist's Guitarist,

[@RosaC9999]

Very interesting interview, with personal questions and fun and sincere answers. Elliot and the rest of the band are so down to earth, no ego, no greed, no drama, only good feelings, coolness and tons of musical talent. I love Elliot's sense of humor at the end, packing his jacket and throwing his guitar over his shoulder.

[@mikeyj.3605]

Really cool that Elliot plays the guitar left handed. It made the Cars even more unique to watch and he matches perfectly with their unique sound.

[@mkfmkf55]

Nice video, I wish the date it was made was shown.

[@rtbrain]

This video gave me great joy. God do I love the Cars. RIP Ben and Ric!

[@rblauson]

Elliot is a truly superb guitarist. Absolutely ranks amongst the greatest of ALL TIME.

[@randallthomas9481]

I love how (at 45:40 ) he puts his jacket in the guitar case and leaves carrying the guitar over his shoulder.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

He’s right up there with Harrison, his parts can’t be separated from the song. You sing along with them, they’re crucial and bring the song up to a higher plane.

[@Mark_Ocain]

Elliot Easton is one of my all-time favourite guitarists. eloquent and interesting in his lead phrasing.

[@rapman5791]

The segment with Elliot at home was filmed at his house in Weston,MA. The house is still there but it’s been renovated since Elliot sold it. The live band segment was filmed at the cars own studio Synchro Sound on Newbury st Boston.

[@ZigbertD]

Awesome seeing that the solo from "Shake it Up" was played on a 335.

[@bsnyder921]

Yes! I always thought it was on a strat since he was using that pink one so much at the time, and that's what's on the video. Watching him play that was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. That's probably my favorite solo of all time, or at least top three!

[@dgrundman7499]

Ha ha, the 'Cheesecaster' "and yeah, it shreds." Too funny!! Elliot, what a awesome player.

[@nazmoking3171]

Elliot was a unique and exceptional guitarist - didn't get enough credit for his skills. Nice video here!

[@hansbrinker3578]

Brilliant...what chemistry. Watching Elliot rip it up in the studio was really something...

[@PrintNewsFogey]

This doc is a kind of foreshadowing of the beginning of the end for The Cars. EE says they're getting along OK, but they aren't in constant touch with each other, like they were in the early days of the band. There's a lot of discussion about separate solo projects the members are embarking on. (This is at the time the "Shake It Up" album was in the charts). Roy Thomas Baker's saying he can see them shooting off to do different things... The Cars are a launching pad to do things they want to do without sacrificing the band. All very diplomatic and retrospectively not true. What was actually happening was the Cars manager (who's in the doc) was trying to get Ric launched as a solo star and getting him to do loads of publicity without the other Cars. Fairly suddenly, all the focus was on Ric and the other band members were increasingly seen as superfluous to requirements. It was the start of the MTV era, and Cars videos would heavily feature Ric. This was in contrast to what had gone before where the whole band did the publicity. Where once Ric and Ben shared out the vocals more or less equally, now Ben wasn't singing on the new stuff very much. Checking out the print news to see what they made of all this in real time, what's striking is that some of them seemed notice The Cars problematic dynamics before the band did. Ric's happy to describe himself as being controlling and needing to be in charge (which must have been an OK thing to admit in the late 1970s), and it's got to be only him that writes the songs. Some of the papers suspect trouble ahead. Are two virtuoso graduates from the Berklee music college (Elliot and Greg) and an old time buddy who spent the best part of a decade starving with him in search of success (Ben) satisfied with having virtually no song writing royalties and (credited) input? Well of course they weren't and in the end it was a large part of what broke the band up. And the real reason for the solo projects. (EE says it was worse for Ben Orr, because he had seen himself as Ric's partner and was "mortally hurt" by the turn of events and started withdrawing himself from the rest of the band. It's possibly significant he's the only one there's no new footage of in this doc). No matter what happened, all Cars were always publicly very supportive and polite towards each other. The three surviving Cars have been working on a new Cars bio with rock writer Bill Janovitz, which may shed some (polite, no hi jinx) light on these things.

[@bellestarre8589]

Fantastic interview/mini film. A must see for any Elliot Easton/Cars fan. Elliot trained himself to be a lefty ? That says it all ! Great humour, had me going for a while, Greg & the Manager in on it. So much insight into Elliot's passion for his guitars & musical creativity. Elliot is grounded & funny. "The Cheesocaster.....of course it's a lefty." Haha. Lisa Karlin a great interviewer. Her questions were right on time. ROCKABILLY ! Elliot's persona shows he did not take himself seriously. His reflection about fame & fast fortune - the reason he is still in the music scene today. Elliot Easton, the quintessential example of humanity & humility. ELLIOT EASTON - MASTER ELECTRIC GUITARIST !!!! Many thanks Calvin Thomas ! Elliot has left the building, jacket in case, guitar slung over shoulder.

[@jeremywanner4526]

I used to be a righty as well,then I switched and gained a stroke.

[@TraceyL.ByeByeLvTheCars]

Thanks again so much Calvin for sharing this.....Awesome video, it was great to listen to Elliot, and see some new "old" footage..

[@calvinthomas2814]

You are welcome.

[@BingoBabyO]

Yes thank you… :)

[@mariamalenta6574]

Phenomenal documentary which definately increased my already very high opinion about The Cars. It is also really good to know that the guys were just lovely, humble human beings with immense talent and great persistence to keep on shaking the world of music ❤

[@stdio44.32]

Interesting documentary, was just watching live Cars vids and I kept thinking how Elliot Easton's guitar was like a 3rd vocalist in the band, his parts are integral to each song. RIP Ric Ocasek

[@Chuckles6042]

The songs never fade with age. In many ways, they just keep getting better