Elliot Easton Remembers Benjamin Orr (Martin Guitars Q & A)

On May 22, 2020, Elliot recorded a Q & A session on Instagram for Martin Guitars. One of the questions he was asked was what his fondest memory of Benjamin Orr was. Because it's so sweet and telling, I've pulled that segment out to upload separately.
(You can view the full Q & A video here: • Elliot Easton: Martin ... )
This video is likely 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: / sweetpurplejune
Remembering Big People (Ben's last band) fan group: / 2505787479636429
Elliot Easton fan group: / 716108028554777
The Empty Hearts (Elliot's current band) fan group: / 1652365261749664
Rock on! ~ Donna

[@princesskitu]

What a sweetheart you are Elliot. We miss Ben terribly as well.

[@morrisonreed1]

its a video of" bye bye love" . Ben looks and locks up with Elliot for the final break down , it ends and Elliot spins towards the camera with a joyous grin and it cuts out . Thank you Elliot and Benjamin for spreading that mutual high

[@sherryjohnson2152]

No doubt, real caring people just do kind deeds, they dont look for attention from them. I got tears form Elliots last words about Ben, "I miss him terribly"

[@kipponi]

Yeah, me too. We all miss our lost one's.

[@dianegargano175]

It makes me so sad when i see him or david & greg alone in posts , it makes me think that they went from being together all those years to now being alone and that breaks my heart.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Oh Yes ..i miss him terribly..😢

[@bradfordrand1]

Those last words got to me as well... Elliot says "I miss him terribly" with such hurt, sincerity & sadness. He must of had countless memories with Ben, making music, touring, laughing, sharing their successful experiences together... I can't imagine being in a band with Benjamin Orr. Everyone loved him... and we ALL now miss him... Terribly. Rest in Peace Ben

[@dianegargano175]

Him tearing up , is making me tear up.

[@funkycandycool]

What a huge loss for the world. Imagine what he would have done during the past 20+ years to help others. It breaks my heart.

[@georgelentz920]

Hi Elliot - You and Ben had terrific chemistry onstage and it was obvious you were friends. It must have been so tough seeing him depart much too early. I feel so lucky to have enjoyed what you guys created together over the years. We will always love you for all of it. Cheers

[@danielcleary3914]

Elliot, not only are you a guitarist supreme, you gotta be one most genuine, sweet people in the public eye I’ve seen . Thanks for sharing your story about your incredibly gifted band mate Benjamin Orr. We miss him and Ric too. God bless all of you. Thanks for the great music.

[@paulaann7543]

Thank you E.E. Love You!!! ❤ 🎸 🏁 🚗💨

[@bushbeachlifestyle6721]

Elliot really moves me when he speaks. I can't i.d. exactly what it is but unguarded comes to mind, free with his words and expressive. Heart memories & thoughts. He genuinely loves people is what I get from him. When I hear him speak of Benjamin, I can feel the respect, the love, and the pain 100%. I wish he could know how much we appreciate his recollections of band life, & his appreciation of his band mates. It means so much to have a lil insight on their lives and their evolvement over all these years. The remaining Cars lads still have so much to give, & say....much love to all xxx And thankyou for keeping them alive @sweetpurplejune x

[@MissJensk1]

I agree with you, he's a lovely guy & so modest.

[@bushbeachlifestyle6721]

@@MissJensk1 💗💗💗

[@martyc2637]

Unguarded is the perfect word to describe Elliot. Just a straight from the heart guy. Met him in Vegas and he was so down to earth. RIP Benjamin

[@bushbeachlifestyle6721]

@@martyc2637 💓💓💓

[@susanwiggins7847]

Sounds like he was a wonderful man ❤️

[@thebandthatisDAVE]

My memory of Ben is of a fun heart felt guy that always chatted to me and made me feel very welcome on our heartbeat city tour. Along with ALL the guys. Great times opening for you guys. Thank you. DaZa. Wang Chung. Xo

[@bertram_oredrock]

What's sad is Benjamin and Ric couldn't overcome their differences and continue to do what made them so great. Create and play good music for all to enjoy. It doesn't matter now. May Benjamin and Ric rest in peace.

[@newavatar2947]

Elektra Records only wanted Ric's songs.

[@jacklawer6389]

Do you know why the cars broke up?

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

@@newavatar2947 - Calling 100% BS. It was all Ocasek's ego. Right... Elektra didn't want the great voice and look of many of their hits. Yeah, all they wanted was hiccup-boy.

[@newavatar2947]

@@sgt.thundercok4704 Ric knew how to write better songs faster. Plus his gold digging wife wanted to have Ric on his own so he wouldn't share royalties. Ben just had that one solo record with the Top 40 hit, then nothing. Ric was far more creative though Ben had the better voice

[@terrihilder8217]

@@newavatar2947 No doubt Ric Ocasek was a genius with lyrics. However, the great Benjamin Orr had the look and the voice. That's huge. Interesting that back in the eighties when Miami Vice show was so big, it was Ben Orr whom they wanted to make a guest appearance on the show. Unfortunately, Benjamin was out of the country doing Live Aid and wasn't able to do it.

[@JP-pf1nj]

Wow.... thank you...I always felt Orr and Easton were quite empathetic.

[@sharonkennedy5536]

I miss Ben terribly myself…..😪

[@chacabraka2549]

Ben was my "Man-Crush". What a unique Guy. Thanks for sharing Elliot!

[@vivianmartinez5028]

Ben Orr sounded like an amazing man with a sweet spirt. RIP dear man.

[@Missgibson2u]

Elliot is a great guy. Love the memories he shared. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aimeepollock1579]

He sounds like the perfect man . It's so rare to see people like this anymore

[@moniaguerra8023]

❤️ Benjamin always in our hearts

[@jcdova29]

Hi Mr. Elliot! Thank you for sharing great memories of Ben.

[@rhemmie2825]

I read about this and have seen this clip a few times. Every time it gets me.

[@tmlenn9885]

sweet memories !

[@lindaperez9646]

Thank you Elliot for sharing your memories of Ben. This is sweet.

[@v.turner8465]

Love all the memories Elliot shares with us. He always tells a story with such animation and sincerity. This one is really touching and from the heart. Thank you for sharing.

[@jmm1817]

Thank you Elliot that was touching it means a lot to the fans as well. you seem like a very sweet guy yourself. Thanks for your music contribution and being part of my childhood memories

[@jeffreyrichard2575]

We all miss him.

[@mjklewin]

Ben was one of the all time greats! So were the Cars!

[@mamabear6403]

Awe!! Such a great story!! I miss Ben and I didn’t know him! Thanks for the beautiful story. I can imagine him jumping in his Blazer and plowing drive-ways through a storm. I hope his son has heard these beautiful stories.

[@notsure64]

I love Benjamiin Orr, thanks Elliot!

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Elliot is so articulate and well-spoken, and he had great memories of Ben who reminds me of the Polish guys who live around me. They’re hardworking and generous. RIP, Ben.

[@denisem270]

Love ya Elliot this really touched my heart

[@JozeeWalz]

A very sweet soul and awesome vocalist we will never forget 🙏🙏❤

[@yeahright302]

your a good guy elliot for sure!!you will always have better memories then people have in there real lifes!!

[@richardburton4635]

Thanks for telling us about your memories of Benjamin Orr, Elliot. This was one of the best memories of him that I've found. It also speaks highly of you. You and Benjamin have always been my favorite members of the Cars and I am so grateful for both of your contributions to the band. You are amazing musicians and obviously people as well. God bless you and thank you for all of the incredible music and memories over the years!

[@marycarroll9915]

Thanks Donna! Elliot is just an amazing guy himself!

[@sgt.thundercok4704]

Ben needed to be heard more. They would have gone on longer. Elliot created his own thing. Those lead runs and fill riffs. All so unique, and for the song first, but with hints, and full on tells here and there, of the various styles he picked up and used to make his own creations. Two of my favorite guitarists; Elliot Easton and Robbie Krieger. True artists.

[@MegaKillerwatt]

Thank you for sharing that memory of a selfless Benjamin Orr. It was wonderful hearing that caring for others was his medicine for the soul.

[@user-tg2fg9ry1s]

Love hearing someone talk about Ben and sharing with us of what he was like! I wish i knew where i could hear more of Ben in videos like this! I could listen for hours. But thankyou so much for sharing!

[@donnasweetpurplejune6335]

There are several here on my channel, if you get time to poke around. Stories from Jeff Carlisi, Liberty DeVitto, Leo Yorkell, and Joey Kurilec, plus there is a tribute video that features segments from several of Ben's loved ones. Hopefully there will be more coming.

[@user-tg2fg9ry1s]

@@donnasweetpurplejune6335 thank you so much!!!

[@briansauk6837]

what a beautiful take on a beloved musician - wonderful!

[@Jamestele1]

He sounds like he was a really good guy, and really good friend to have! Thanks to the great Elliot Easton for sharing this heartwarming memory

[@joyced277]

Wow. That's for sharing this!!

[@DetVen]

The Cars had 4 sold out shows in Detroit in early September 1980. I was at the second show and I remember it cuz the day after the concert, was my first day of high school in the 9th grade. The only reason my parents let me go was because my sister and her friends took me. I remember Benjamín Orr looking like the coolest cat on earth, total rockstar and what a voice he had!

[@donnasweetpurplejune6335]

Great memories! Thanks for sharing!

[@WavyMidnight]

Love hearing what a great guy Ben was. Loved his & Elliot's bromance performances on stage. Always playing to each other, smiling. You could tell they got along great. Thanks for posting this! Elliot is a class act - amazing musician. Miss The Cars terribly.

[@loumonte658]

What a beautiful soul he was/is.

[@christinegp]

My eyes are sweating 💔

[@robnation2475]

Yep, that makes sense

[@erikakathleen509]

God thank you so much for the glorious music you all created. Just moves me in ways no other band does.

[@veronicalane1458]

We All Miss him Tearably!

[@abelyerikaguerra1540]

What a sweet person RIP Benjamin.....both him and Ric had beutiful songs RIP Ric ....loved the cars...

[@iwantthe80sback59]

Thank you Donna for this and all the others you’ve uploaded. Knew/heard much more about Ric over the many years but very little about Benjamin (or Elliott, Greg and Dave for that matter) so it’s really nice to see vids like this. RIP Benjamin and Ric.

[@donnasweetpurplejune6335]

You're very welcome!

[@davidrice3337]

i grew up during the late 70s and 80s - always appreciated Elliot - I'm a lefty - but was never really In to the Cars - I have a new respect for them and their music - Mr Ben - it sounds like he was an Angel on Earth - He sure sang and played like one -

[@doubleuplsst3149]

We all miss Ben. I would so go back to the seventies...

[@doubleuplsst3149]

Thanks, Elliot. I'm sure that Ben misses you, also. I'm also sure that friendship survives the passing of a person. True friends. Bless you...

[@AnthonyJones-qi1vq]

Wow! What a great guy Benjamin was! He was neighbors with my younger brother, in Atlanta, when he ,unfortunately, passed away. When I see their videos, I compare The Cars to The Beatles. Benjamin is Paul McCartney, Elliott is George Harrison and Rick is John Lennon.

[@ElectricAngel181]

Thank you Elliott, Your kind words about Ben will stay with me forever. Hes a forever Star 🌟.

[@Longisland95]

Great story. You guys are and we’re all amazing with all your talents you brought to the table. Also all sincere real People. Your one of the most underrated amazing guitarists ever and in my opinion Ben was one the best vocalists/bass players ever. I’m 53 play bass and am still trying to emulate his style and Vocals but there was only one Ben.

[@thecarolinashreds196]

Just stumbled onto this video. It makes me thankful that I was able to be around when this better than most bands called the Cars released their first album. It changed the game for sure. I miss them and the wonderful music they played. What a great video talking about Ben. He left way too quick. Thanks Elliot for sharing this with us, oh and by the way you my brother are one helluva guitarist.

[@b.wiggins714]

I’m so glad I found this tribute to Benjamin Orr on here. I grew up with the Cars and play guitar to as many songs as I can learn. Thank you for sharing this. We miss you too, Ben.

[@donnaleone3818]

I appreciate you all. Your music takes me back to some of the most important times of my life whenever I listen.

[@Orrphan]

Nice. For some reason I knew about the snow plow thing but missed the first half. Maybe I had read it and never saw this video.

[@kenlandon7803]

What a guy. Proving the good die young. God love you Ben. Success didn't corrupt his good nature.

[@darkhero781]

Great, distinctive guitar player…sounds like he’s even a better friend.

[@marydillon1329]

Elliot is one of the greatest guitartist who ever recorded/played-amazing he and Ben Orr arent as well known as they should be. Thankfully theres always a new generation that discovers as my 12 year old nephew can attest. He heard the Cars music in some movie he watched & now wants to know/hear all about them

[@laurelwood791]

22+ years after his pssing....almost a quarter of a century gone from This place....I hope he knows, ass the crowds dwindled....that he wasn't forgotten. I hope he sees now....the thousands that still seek, listen, watch and appreciate this very talented multi-instumentalist, with a voice unlike any other. Benjamin Orr. Sorely missed.

[@ВераДУХ-л3д]

БОЖЕСТВЕННЫЙ ГОЛОС БЕНА БУДУТ СЛУШАТЬ ВЕКАМИ! ТАЛАНТ И ЛЕГЕНДА! СВЕТЛЫЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК-БЫЛ БЕН! И СПАСИБО БОЛЬШОЕ ЧТО ТРОГАТЕЛЬНО СКАЗАЛИ О БЕНИ! ВЫ ТОЖЕ ВЕЛИКОЛЕПНЫЙ ГИТАРИСТ! 👌👏👏👏👌👌🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮2023г.

[@robinshepard4571]

Want you to know Elliot I grew up watching you and the cars I was a lot younger so in 1977 I was in the seventh grade I grew up in Alameda California across the bay from San Francisco so you guys were my first rockstars I fell in love with and of course I didn't get to see you only a day on the green with Bill Graham presents in a field of people all over the place and as a tight as a youngster in the seventh grade I thought you guys are brilliant men I just wish that I would have came and seen you as a grown up girl at 21 I'm in love with all of you from the Cars I just want you to know you're my first rockstars I fell in love with love you all so much you'll always be in my heart and my dreams thank you Elliott for keeping the dream alive❤✝️💪🕶️😊💖🎸🌹👍🥰💕🌟🕊️🙏❤️👁️✌️🇺🇸

[@morpher44]

who's gonna plow your driveway, when your snowed in? Thanks for all the great music Elliot.

[@veronicalane1458]

I have trained my voice to be able to sing Ben’s Songs. He is/was more than an Inspiration to me, he was my muse.

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Elliot is brilliant, so polite and fine guitarist...And Ben was too much for this earth...a gentleman with a perfect voice ..a special man . We miss terribly Benjamin Orr..

[@gracewolf16]

I love hearing these kinds of memories. ❤

[@nobodythatyouknow305]

Aweeee I love Elliot 😍😍😍

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

Great Singing BASS PLAYER❤

[@mjp96]

This is so genuine!

[@shudarschway9479]

Very interesting. I did the same thing in the 1980's and 1990's with my snow plow. Never told anyone no one ever knew i just did it for about 18 people and 2 churches

[@jenniferbielitz2179]

Awwwww you are a sweet lovely man too ! xxxx

[@jimray2281]

Love this story about Ben (snowplow guy) and I’ve repeated it on different platforms. It really speaks to what a beautiful soul Ben was.

[@carl_anderson9315]

Ben’s “baby-face” was deceiving. It surprised me to know the was the second oldest member of the band after Ric. He was 6 years older than Elliot.

[@spaztekwarrior]

The Cars will always be one of my favourite bands. Heartbeat City came out in my grad year. Fun music. Fun times.

[@adamcotton2121]

Beautifully sad. What a chap!

[@jamaral81]

I just finished reading the book "Let's Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars", a fantastic book about him. To my suprise, I found out Elliot Easton declined to be interviewed on the book. Would anyone know why he would decline? My guess is that it might have been too painful for Elliot to re-live the past like that. You can tell in this clip Elliot starts to cry when talking about Ben. RIP Ben and Ric

[@jasonwhite7452]

Need a ❤️ button for this!

[@kevinkhoy7171]

Met Elliot Aug. 1998 back stage at a music Festival in Meridian Mississippi. The Coolest Guy! Great Ben Orr Story! Just a regular guy at ❤️ Snow Plowing neighborhood Drive Ways! ✝️ 🙏 👍 All the Best Elliot! Hoy

[@Cutter-jx3xj]

It's called agape love. Matthew 6 talks about the right way to do things. Glory to God.

[@mariaisabelgarciamoncada6391]

Que lindo... Dios mío ....guitarrista te admiro hoy mañana y siempre

[@alexnutcasio936]

Elliott, real nice guy, great guitar player.

[@veekatore8983]

In 78 my sister gave 2 tickets to ss the Cars. She worked for the concert co and big fm rick station. I often got back stage. But I was seeing a insanely hot girl. Almost living w her. When my dad 1st met her he almodt dropped his drink. She was 3 yrs older. I was 17 and she was 20 21. Well she thought Ben was the most beautiful musician she ever saw..lol I remember her wanting me to get black leather pants? I was a young drummer. Well she MAULED me that night at her apt..lol I will say Im 100% hetro no doubt..in fact women have been my kryptonite..lol But I can honestly say he was a stunning man.. There are a few, Elvis, McCartney, Prince and Ben is one as well. So sad we lost Ben and Rick. Best of times and again Thanks Ben!

[@helena20000]

❤#BenjaminOrr@#TheCars❣️

[@josephcollins628]

Wow Ben was a great guy

[@fcbassman]

Did ben Own a white Spector NS-2 Bass? I was told he did and I think I have it.

[@tinkdust1632]

❤❤❤

[@aliasmith0425]

Awwwwww🥺❤️

[@westfield90]

We miss Ben too

[@antonellaminecraft2715]

Puedes colgar otro que este subtitulados al español porfavor

[@DJ-ALIXX]

Thx for posting this Donna ! We made an "Drive" Cover , check it out ! Greetings Alex

[@antonellaminecraft2715]

Sigue en inglés 😔 no funcionó donna

[@fromalongtimeago]

Elliot looks like one of those Halebop cult people from San Diego

[@antonellaminecraft2715]

Donna soy de Perú puedes subtitular en español por favor 😍🖖

[@donnasweetpurplejune6335]

I changed the setting to add Spanish subtitles. Please let me know if it worked. :)

[@googoo-gjoob]

Henrietta Lange was in the Cars _?!!?_

[@stacyward4309]

Could you imagine looking out your window and seeing Ben plowing your driveway? "Oh, you must come in and warm up with some hot chocolate," hot chocolate with the date rape drug in it, for sure! Just kidding, maybe.