2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony The Cars Acceptance Speech

[@eric829]

A few years before Ocasek died, he came into my Whole Foods and I waited on him at my prep foods counter. Knowing who it was, I playfully joked "hey, you kinda look like the lead singer of The Cars" and gave him a wink. He got the joke (that I was trying to keep his anonymity intact, just in case) and we went back and forth for a few minutes talking about The Cars... No one else suspected a thing. Hearing his talking voice again brought back that memory and how wonderful a person he was just to talk to.

[@flstffatboy3910]

What a cool story you are so fortunate for that encounter

[@joebutler3608]

That was a slick move! I saw him at EU Wurlitzer music store that used to be in Boston near Berklee around '80-'81. Hard to miss him. I was a customer so I just gave him his space but being a huge Cars fan I was pretty elated to be in the same store at the same time.

[@WhatsWrongWithTheStreet]

Can you remember anything specific about The Cars in that conversation?

[@denniswenrich6221]

You’re awesome for doing that!

[@giantsfan8872]

I woulda sang “magic” inconspicuosly and then look at him lol

[@lakerboy72]

I'm glad Ric lived long enough to be inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .

[@josearriola7537]

I wish you were still alive from do one more tour with the cars rest in peace peace Rick

[@thomasdonlin5456]

I wish Benjamin Orr had been alive for this as well. RIP Ben and Ric!

[@AllTheBestCO]

We're all mortal -- we move on to the next. . . unknown. Enjoy the moment.

[@TheJosep70]

The Hall of Fame is a joke.

[@matthewneufer1758]

I don't believe in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is very prestigious in truth they should have been inducted in early 2,000

[@randomcrap9857]

Seeing Benjamin's son in the crowd was so heartwarming. He looked genuinely happy to be there to support his dad. R.I.P.

[@tonymeehan7859]

he looks just like his dad too, great looking boy

[@elleericson2056]

For sure

[@Raven5563]

Benjamin Orr was ... just amazing. Great basslines, great voice, wonderful presence on the stage. I still miss him.

[@stpeterson7644]

Ben's son should be very proud of his Dad's great accomplishment's and contributions to the world of music.

[@trevgreg2]

What part of the video is he at?

[@philiponcale1820]

You never knew what to expect from the Cars. Every song was different, but yet there was no mistaking their sound when you heard a new song. There was no confusing them with any other band. They were almost their own genre of music.

[@MrWhite-sd1hl]

Elliott Easton wrote some of the most iconic guitar solos in rock history, and belongs among the great lead guitarist of his generation.

[@cirenosnor5768]

😂

[@57highland]

@@laurakelley1658 Yes, but the Cars were above "shredding." Way above.

[@laurakelley1658]

Ain't talking about Cars as a whole, just EE here.

[@FMorgigno1]

And is grossly unappreciated.

[@JJStetson]

Elliott brought the twang

[@ddbauer]

Criminal, absolutely criminal that it took this long. RIP Ric

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

It's criminal because the "Rock and roll Hall of Fame" is a big joke, run by a governing board of corporate idiots!

[@tonyyang4469]

Amen

[@coral4874]

The Cure just got inducted too. The best bands get recognition last as always.

[@tjlightningbolt]

Criminal is the fact Judas Priest still have not been inducted!

[@rowdynation1810]

Drew Bauer I totally agree the rock and Roll Hall of Fame have snubbed many a great band.

[@79goldmaster1]

After all the disco crap in the mid 70s, the Cars were a refreshing brand. Love them !!!!!

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Punk

[@altemose_prime]

I love the disco 'crap', The Cars and practically everyone else that made music in the 70's. The Eagles, Steely Dan, The Bee Gees, The Doobies, Skynyrd, Allman Bros, Boz Scags, The Trammps, Ohio Players, etc.

[@anthonycarr5514]

Disco was late 70's - '74 thru 77' - BTO, Boston, Frampton, Bob Seger, ELO, Tom Petty, Blue Oyster Cult, Eddie Money, Fleetwood Mac, Lynrd Skynrd, Eagles, Edgar Winter, Journey, Kansas, Aerosmith, ZZ Top, ......

[@Jack-eg1gw]

OMG what a humble band!!! They carry themselves with such class and respect. RIP Ben and Ric.

[@littleleague992]

They truly were! I cried when Ric talked about Ben. Ben seemed like he was a real humble guy too extremely talented!!!!

[@aceventurablaze]

😪😪

[@naaralima5182]

Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek are alive in my parallel reality, I refuse to listen to the CD they released in 2011 and I refused for a while to attend this event, because a band is not a band without a member, Benjamin Orr is my first favorite The Cars and Elliot Easton is my second favorite The Cars, that is my "crushes" within the band are the #Belliot partnership.

[@jdmensing]

@@naaralima5182 You are missing out if you haven't listened to 2011's Move Like This album. They couldn't help the fact that Ben had passed and they pointedly refused to replace him (Greg played the bass parts).

[@naaralima5182]

@@jdmensing I know, but I still don't listen to it and the songs on this CD sound like the songs on the solo CDs of the egocentric Ric Ocasek.

[@shawnuel]

Loved these guys. Elliot Easton is a CRIMINALLY under appreciated guitarist in my eyes (and ears). Excellent speaker as well! Sure missed Ben this night.

[@naaralima5182]

I completely agree with you, by the way The Cars was partly underrated and Benjamin Orr and Elliot Easton are my favorite The Cars and eye candy during my youth.

[@Bonedadyo]

Absolutely agree! I had the pleasure of meeting him years ago (he was playing with CCR) and couldn’t have been any nicer. Extremely cool and very genuine. I had the opportunity to tell him how much the band and his playing had a huge influence on me.

[@naaralima5182]

@@Bonedadyo How wonderful 🙏🏿🙏🙏🏾🙏🏽🙏🏼🙏🏻👏👏🏾👏🏽👏🏼👏🏿👏🏻

[@clintlightfoot2852]

So Agree! In my 40’s as a musician Elliot stands out so much when I listen to their Music.

[@daveg4236]

⁠stop with underrated bullshit

[@davidcammilleri5526]

This band is one of the greatest ever. Ben Orr had the best vocals. Great band. So Tight. Go listen to their greatest hits. You will be shocked.

[@MichelleQuintiaVLOGS]

I love ben orr! ❤️

[@lotstodo]

He was amazing.

[@Lucky_9705]

One of the greatest inductions ever. The Cars don’t get enough credit for how much they contributed to music and deserve far more attention than what they get.

[@66Bunn]

So hard to see them without Ben...and now with Ric gone 😞 Thank god their music will live on forever.

[@AnitaBarneycastle]

Ben's son was in the audience. He looks just like his Dad.

[@josefinagarza241]

He should of gone up since it's just son😢

[@donwoodward7944]

Eliot is so nerdy. Sign of a total genius. Such a great player!

[@StevenTierney-zj1ok]

Al of his guitar solos were little songs inside the bigger ones. Great guitarist.

[@jdmensing]

@@StevenTierney-zj1ok well said

[@gforce1930]

Wow. Elliot Easton. What a gracious and beautiful speech.

[@BassByTheBay]

Yes, really wonderful. It even got me teary at a couple of moments.

[@ChadBest-ug8uo]

The Cars first album is perhaps the best debut album on any band. I literally heard seven songs from that album on the radio this past week.

[@invaliduser9397]

Without Ben and Ric, The Cars would have NEVER had a voice. Damn I can't believe that they are gone, but they are still here in spirit.

[@paullamontagne1899]

Damn straight, baby!!!! ;-)

[@galengarcia2828]

It was a good band back in the day

[@seigfredancay4963]

🎯

[@elizabethmcleod246]

@@galengarcia2828 They were GREAT !

[@TheBent139]

@@galengarcia2828 Great band! "Good" doesn't cover it.

[@michaelbujanda8785]

Elliot Easton is the man!!! I loved his catchy rememberable and melodic solos!!!☺☺☺☺

[@alann5003]

Criminally underrated guitarist.

[@Creaulx]

The man is the gold standard of economical solos that say only what they need to, and not a note more. Very inspiring.

[@cesarmiller5972]

Also Ric didn't mention him in his remarks

[@lizardlogic2564]

@@cesarmiller5972 I think Ric had a "senior moment" when he mentioned his band mates

[@Creaulx]

@@lizardlogic2564 I think I can cut him some slack. Missing this band terribly about now.

[@rileyr3545]

Benjamin would be very happy that Ric, Elliot, Greg, and David included his son Ben, not only to be there but to sit at the table with them. Rip Ben and Ric.

[@flstffatboy3910]

That’s just so incredibly thoughtful of the band and shows how close they really were

[@schnauzerears912]

I effing cried watching this - such a great band and they had such a positive impact through my teen years. Long live The Cars!

[@dr.williamparker5060]

Yes.

[@philf4086]

Crazy to hear a grown man (Elliot) still talking to his Mom. That's how important Mom's are, and how much we love them.

[@LivinClean-p9e]

I wouldn't be alive in more ways than one without my mom, I'm now 61 and her 87, call her twice a day from far away, visit often.

[@naaralima5182]

Really and without mothers or any mother figure or foundation any human being is nothing the same without spiritual growth and faith in God we are nothing, it's no wonder that Elliot Easton is one of my favorite The Cars, this event I usually refuse to attend.

[@naaralima5182]

@@LivinClean-p9e 👏🏿👏🏾👏👏🏽👏🏼👏🏻🙏🏿🙏🏽🙏🙏🏾🙏🏼🙏🏻🙌🏾🙌🏽🙌🙌🏿🙌🏼🙌🏻Mothers are everything to us.

[@philf4086]

@@naaralima5182 Well said!

[@naaralima5182]

@@philf4086 Obrigada.

[@marcuscompton3772]

I'm 49 years old and my childhood was brutal and unbearable at times, just like so many others. The cars were my favorite thing in the entire world and for a while each day they took me away! I love the cars so much for making things a lot better for me.

[@TimTheMusicMan]

👍👍👍🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@jdmensing]

Music is awesome like that, and in many other ways. Rock n Roll y'all.

[@PhilFeedback]

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

[@aceventurablaze]

Just a week before my bd

[@greensombrero3641]

I don't care about the RRHOF but I do care about the Cars - what a great band.

[@ryanbruneau1197]

Green Sombrero It's just sad how Damn phony and pretentious the show really is.

[@greensombrero3641]

@Hotwings andbeer Thanks and Cheers to you and the Cars! Take care in these crazy days!

[@greensombrero3641]

@Hotwings andbeer it's only 99!

[@greensombrero3641]

@Hotwings andbeer someone did it on purpose! what a rat! haha. take care, have a great weekend

[@shonaosmond4886]

I’m heartbroken........first Benny eleven letters and now Ric........thank you for decades of amazing wonderful music 💔💔😢😢

[@jamesmiller1501]

hello

[@kzinful]

The cheers as Ric stepped up was telling, and it's eerie watching this after his recent death, quite touching how Ric spoke about Ben his presence was there, what a great band they truly are. Goodnight Ric

[@quuhodjones8125]

I cried

[@salahtounsaoui9172]

Me too I really cried

[@MrsBlaileen1]

And now they are both riffing together again…

[@zaga2131real]

I was floored when I heard Ric Ocasek died. They were an outstanding band and had a chance to see them on the Shake it up and Heartbeat City tours. You will be missed Mr. Ocasek.

[@johnbarrington2526]

Elliot Easton is such a special person

[@scottzuccone3023]

Elliot has been an AMAZING lead guitarist since I first heard the Cars in '78. Unbelievable licks and hooks and riff designs! Thank you for learning guitar and 'oh boy ', the way you learned! You have always been in a league of your own. Thank you.

[@ruthrandall9393]

I am British, and I love the Cars. Have done since the 80’s. They were collectively ‘pure genius’, and unashamedly different. I don’t think we shall ever see their like again. RIP Ric & especially Benjamin ❤️x

[@jamesmiller1501]

hello

[@LordKenebutch]

And I thought they were British when I first heard them, ha!

[@gittahfiend]

The 80's BEATLES!!

[@ЛорОРР]

Привет!!! 🤞🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@guyrobinson7857]

After watching this video, I am really happy that the first Cars LP was the first album I ever bought.

[@Danteelias08]

Benjamin Orr... the most sadly unfortunate loss ... he deserve it a much more words in this moment... Thank yo BO.

[@ЛорОРР]

Согласна на все 1000000000000%!!!!

[@gabriel222]

Cried for Ben even though I never knew him. Hope he is proud because he absolutely should be. Thank you and Rock on forever, The Cars

[@ЛорОРР]

😢😢🙏🙏🌹🌹🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@scottbrandts610]

Rick Okasek + Ben Orr = Their BEST damn song... "Drive" Eternal. Timeless.

[@mark11967AD]

It just shows that there are politics, misperception, and some injustice in every arena. Rock pedigree is no different. The Cars were a giant of a band in cultural relevance, dynamic music as art, and captured much of the spirit and essence of their time. Certainly a sad affair that they weren’t inducted long ago. Still, their music and it’s soul will love on. RIP Ben and now Ric

[@paullamontagne1899]

WOW!!!! VERY BEAUTIFULLY STATED & COULDN'T AGREE W/YOU MORE!!!! ;-)

[@deanwilliams867]

The Cars first album will live in infamy !!! Along with Benjamin Orr the best singer of the band !

[@aceventurablaze]

Rip Ben.. Maybe change Ben & Jerry to Ben & Ric 🙌

[@mournblade1066]

Infamy?

[@ЛорОРР]

Согласна на все 1000000000000%!!!!!

[@rickattard2339]

One of the best bands the 80s produced rest in peace Ric you and Ben are making music in heaven

[@godcomplex2105]

Rick Attard 70’s. The 1st four records were the best! Sadly everything that came out after that kind of sucked. But I would say the best band in the 70s and very early 80s for sure.

[@aceventurablaze]

😓

[@mournblade1066]

@@godcomplex2105 Are. . . are you implying _Heartbeat City_ sucked?!?

[@Cacaraqu]

Cuando muera quiero y espero conocer a Ben Orr ya que en vida no tuve la dicha y el privilegio, y aún así lo ame a distancia, es mi gran amor platónico. Te mando un fuerte abrazo y todo mi amor desde la tierra al cielo mi adorado Benjamín Orr

[@McCready12]

Sad that he is gone only 1 year later. RIP Ric.

[@doreenevanssaintclaire5855]

I am so happy the Cars made it in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame They are so very deserving. I bought the book about Ben's life. I know he must be singing up in heaven

[@ЛорОРР]

😪😪🙏🙏🌹🌹🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@denisem270]

Touched my heart seeing Benjamins son May god bless him always

[@ronanrogers4127]

First time I heard The Cars I just assumed they were from England because their new wave sound and guitar riffs were just like UK bands, and there really weren’t any US bands that sounded like them (Blondie, a little, but different). Great band. Killer riffs. Supercool.

[@chocloditelensman]

Ronan Rogers talking heads?

[@LordKenebutch]

Same here, when i first heard them, I thought they sounded English especially the singing. I was 16 and they became my favorite band. I bought their 1st album the next day after I heard a few songs played by a local DJ. This is the time when all you heard was disco on the radio (no rock stations where I lived) and they were very refreshing.

[@CBGB_1977]

Damn it! Just heard Rick Ocasek passed today. R.I.P. This one hurts. 💔

[@dressshoeguy]

Totally with you I was crushed when I first found out. Damn you Grim Reaper! He and Ben shall be reunited

[@mr.x8391]

Fuck yeah it hurts! This effen sucks!!!!

[@michellerjackson5776]

Danielle Covey~ Loved Rik since the beginning of The Cars.. RIHeaven Mr.Ocazek...🙏😎💔⚘

[@Raven5563]

I learned to play drums and bass guitar listening to the Cars. I owe them a debt that I can never repay.

[@julieevans3426]

Yeah,him and Eddie Money passed away!That really sucks!

[@erichirsch583]

All the guys looked amazing there.. RIP Ben and Ric.

[@hensmom6473]

Rest in peace Ric Ocasek. Still listen to The Cars today, brings back great memories and fun times from the 80's.

[@leoderosia9279]

I did not realise RIC was 75 .....they had some great songs and it makes me think about how fast time has gone by. Ben Orr was only 52 when he passed and i am now 54. I still remember how popular they were in late 70s and early 80s ....RIP to both of them

[@traydaniel0403]

Ben Orr was actually 53 when he died

[@barbaramcintosh8581]

part of the soundtrack of my life...you'll be missed Ric...

[@deanwilliams867]

Yes it's sad I remember the cars will live in infamy !

[@chrisb75]

Me too. Perhaps he and Ben are playing together again somewhere. I hope so and hope they can hear me when I play their stuff.

[@paullamontagne1899]

@@chrisb75 gr8!!!! I hope they can hear me when I sing their stuff!!!! ;-)

[@MaryBrace]

I'm just happy that Ric got to make his speech. This was so overdue.

[@jamesmiller1501]

hello

[@JohnLouisBishop84]

I don't keep up with social media, so hearing Ocasek again after his passing is a huge gut punch. A songwriter and producer of everlasting genius. RIP

[@HD-er2cq]

I love The Cars work, but one of my favorite songs is Emotion In Motion by Ric Ocasek. For some reason it brings me to tears.

[@docnasty74]

Very sad to watch this. Love you, brother Ric. R.I.P. with Benjamin Orr. The Cars were the best new wave band ever.

[@MalcolmDesigns]

The Cars first two albums were played 2000 times easily in the 1970s as a teenager. Their New Wave cutting edge music shaped me into adulthood. RIP Ric and Ben and thank you for the amazing music that will be forever. What great speeches and tribute.

[@williamblair9597]

Elliot and Greg did a great job expressing how grateful they were to finally be included. About time.

[@rebbeshort]

The Cars should have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame long before this. Took way too long for the Moody Blues to get in too. Points to something not right going on down at the Hall.

[@costa1788]

Moody Blues rush and the cars should have been indicted waaay before

[@herbs275]

Run DMC got in quicker. Guessing , not sure tho

[@michaelbujanda8785]

In a time when punk rock was the trend and Van Halen was on the rise of popularity, Elliot chose to play in a melodic way!!!! In the early 80s there were all these flashy shredder guitar players trying to be guitar gods!!! Elliot stuck to his guns and chose to be unique and original!!!!☺☺☺☺🎸🎶🎸🎶🎸🎶🎼🎼🎼

[@dannyhernandez265]

Michael Bujanda Van Halen is so mediocre in my opinion. Cars all the way.

[@tellyhennessey5422]

BOSTON REPRESENT!!!! ONCE AGAIN!!!!

[@tellyhennessey5422]

BOSTON HAS SO MANY MUSICIANS THAT HAIL From The City of Greater Boston.... Aerosmith, J. Geils Band, The Cars etc

[@morris2450]

Bought their first album in 78, The Cars were an instant hit with me then, still love their work today

[@jdmensing]

Greatest debut album ever? Gotta be a top 3 at the very least. That first record was amazing.

[@anthonysilva5312]

I stumbled upon this by mistake. A wonderful summary of an incredible career with a heaping side order of wit. RIP Rik and Ben. Your work touched many lives. That doesn’t happen much anymore. Props.

[@Woodwerker]

One of the best bands ever - I really mean it. I have all their albums on my USB flash drive in my car and listen to it all the time....

[@bsparr614]

about time! sorry Ben couldn't be there, RIP

[@wendythomas1673]

When I think of The Cars, Ric was The Man ... Always elegant and super cool. My Best Friends Girl is constantly playing throughout out our house. We have downloaded every bit of The Cars video to be found and even our grandchildren have become fans. Ric may now be gone but he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Ric Ocasek.

[@dallastimt]

What a tremendous speech! Followed by another tremendous speech, followed by another tremendous speech, followed by another tremendous speech.

[@TFfolkes]

Ben Orr made the group

[@ladydisdesire6083]

I keep watching this and crying...…..so happy for these guys...Ben is also smiling up there ….Congrats to The Cars, so WELL deserved! Thank you all for the great memories

[@susanbezio6708]

David Robinson is such a classic, humble man. He's the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I love you David and your artistic ability is wonderful. Stay strong my friend.

[@57highland]

His drumming was *perfect* for the Cars. He made every song better.

[@Wee162]

Was looking like Bob Weir that night!😂

[@2008PLS]

The Cars were a pretty amazing band, and so original for the time. They really made New Wave music popular. They had the sensibility and the talent to cross over to the mainstream, because they were that good! A great talented band so deserving of many awards. RIP Ben and Ric

[@tonymeehan7859]

total disbelief hearing this. I grew up being a huge fan of this group. R.I.P. Ric, Thank you so much for all the memories....

[@AllTheBestCO]

My heart goes out to the surviving members of The Cars. The universe loves your music!

[@robertdillon9989]

Graduated HS in 1978 , Cars were the shit here in New England, I was a guitarist in a local band, we immediately covered them. Required stuff. Fast forward , 2014, my last professional gig, we played “My best friends girl”, the dance floor was filled ...people love the cars, their music had elements from 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s ,,,, hooks, harmonies, keys, guitars.... you name it, always a groove... Ric was a mastermind around here , along with, Aerosmith, Boston, J. Geils , etc ..etc... everyone had to be able to sing good backing vocals plus play an instrument back in those days...or no bands wanted you... RIP Ric 🙏🙏🙏

[@realRonStubbings]

David is so moved - it means a lot.

[@vicshrily]

AWESOME! The stars sure can beautifully glitter in Cleveland! Yes, thank u to Elliot's mom..to Ric's grandmother..Greg's dad! Such humbleness from a GREAT band that have impacted our lives forever! 🎸☯️🎶

[@Jack-eg1gw]

During the summer of 1978 I was 14 years old and my parents took my brother and I down to the Jersey shore for vacation. I remember being at Seaside Heights on the boardwalk and playing the wheel of chance and I won. Of all the prizes I could of picked I pick a record album that had a picture of a beautiful girl holding a steering wheel,it was the Cars first album. I never really knew anything about the Cars but being 14 and seeing a pretty girl on an album cover was the start of my love for the cars and their music. Their music holds a special place in my heart and fond memories. It was with me through my high school years,my first girlfriend,listening to them on cassette in my First car and watching them when MTV first came out. The loss of Benjamin Orr was a tough pill to swallow and now the passing of Ric Ocasek. Their induction into the rock and roll hall of fame was long over due and truly deserving. Congratulations and thank you for the great music and the amazing memories. Rest In Peace Ben and Ric.

[@ryankc3631]

Happy to have grown up with The Cars.

[@pilotpete405]

RIP RIC OCASEK.....one of my favorite songwriters that wrote a ton of extremely catchy songs solo, and with my favorite band THE CARS!

[@mournblade1066]

Greg Hawkes: "And I'd like to say 'thanks' to Kraftwerk and DEVO just. . . for being so good." Absolute best line from this induction. Benjamin Orr and Rick Ocasek, R.I.P.

[@davidgarris2513]

Kraftwerk yes .

[@lizardlogic2564]

Hahah! So typical for Greg! I've seen him play with Todd Rundgren and he's truly an amazing force on stage.

[@mattjurgens9423]

Ric didn’t mention Elliot Easton. What the FUCK ?

[@patcola7335]

@@mattjurgens9423 I caught that too. How could he forget him ? He was right on stage with him ? Maybe he didn't see him as a major contributor ?

[@mattjurgens9423]

pat cola I just found it very odd ! He was also talking the whole time Elliot was speaking ? Oh well ! Love em ALL !!!

[@mylovesongs2429]

They were such a good band. The harmonies were awesome! May Ric and Ben RIP.

[@moggie100th]

Wonderful acceptance speech Elliot - so well deserved Cars!

[@perrybeyer7531]

This band hit the charts BIG when I was in high school. They have been a large part of the music track of my life. I was so sad to hear of Ric's passing. I'm sure you and Ben are already jamming together. Heaven must be really rockin right now.

[@MusicZombieGirl]

It was difficult for Ric to hold it together when speaking of Ben. It was difficult for all of us. Congrats to THE CARS! RIP Ben and Ric.

[@acemanz]

I grew up listening to these guys, I love them dearly, Rest In Peace Benjamin Orr and Ric Ocasek, Rock on!!!!

[@michaelbujanda8785]

What a nice speech!!! From all the members of the band!!! Sad to hear that Ric Ocasek passed away!!! Recently. God Speed Ric!!! You will be missed!!! May your music live on for ever!!!☺☺☺☺

[@supobostarman]

Elliot Easton had the best 15 second solos in rock history. The master!

[@goneflying140]

Elliot Easton is such a class act and a GREAT guitarist! I was just learning the solo from Just what I needed, and my fingers are almost bleeding from all those great bends in the solo. I can really appreciate his work.

[@miscellanyman263]

“Who’s gonna drive you home... tonight...”. R.I.P. Ric-O 😎

[@mikemclintock3893]

I don't think Ric forgot Elliot on purpose. As you watch, when listing the bandmates he stammers at the end like he's trying to think of the guy he is forgetting. You can see he was very nervous, noticed he was touching the left side of his jacket a lot. And as for talking during the speeches, during Ric's Elliot talks to David on and off, and so on. I don't think they would have got back together for "Move Like This" if they didn't like each other. RIP Ric & Ben, you were the gas and engine of the band respectively. Hope Greg, David and Elliot can hang around for awhile yet.

[@BassPlyr23]

What a great amount of humility in that each of them chose to pay tribute to a parent or grandparent. Long overdue. Congratulations, boys, and RIP to Ric and Ben.

[@drums4b]

Benjamin Orr was the Cars! I might get chastised but it's the truth.

[@susangordon7087]

I agree totally he was the cars

[@joeblow26]

There is no cars without a songwriter

[@tracyjacoby2382]

I totally agree. He was the best looking, great voice and songwriter.🥺💕💕 I love the band still.💓

[@sherri2463]

It’s so very true. The keyboard player Greg said it best WITHOUT Benjamin there would not have been The Cars. RIP Benjamin ❤🍾🌹❤️

[@timothytucker6657]

@@joeblow26 I thought Rick wrote most of the Cars songs.

[@jayhansen9705]

Rest in Rock Ben. Addendum: Rick, what a class act. He knew what Benny did for him. Bravo for carrying Ben up there with him. I thank god I got to live on this earth at the same time as these guys and live through the incredible music making years of the 70's, 80's and even the 90's. We are very lucky to have witnessed first hand these guys lives as we lived our own. It's an honor to just witness what those of us in our 50's and 60's have. I heard The Cars first album when I was in elementary school, about the 5th grade. I have carried the memories of The Cars music through my entire life. Even now while in my early 50's I hear The Cars first album, I am transported back to a time long past . So many years. So many years. Enough to make a grown man cry.

[@thomaspalazzi7795]

Genius Musicians all of them!! Saw them 3 times plus Orr solo once just before he died. "Drive" is one of the great Rock Ballads of all time, heard Ben sing it on solo performance & Heartbeat City Tour😢

[@ignitor53095]

RIP Ric! One of my favorite bands of all time! What amazing memories you guys have given me!

[@keithsmith-ic8qu]

Another all time great band that will never be forgotten...

[@sethlamanna7996]

What a sincere loving Family the Cars are makes me sad Ben and Ric left us way to early but there music will never leave us, thanks for all the great music Guys

[@stevecallagher9973]

A great one has fallen...thank you for the music!

[@dressshoeguy]

Rest In Peace Ric. You and Ben shall be reunited

[@campbeja001]

This band was a lot closer to each other than many realized. They supported each other through thick and thin and never let fame get to their heads. They eill always have my respect and admiration for creating teally melodic and fun songs of my youth. It was just what I needed...

[@cherylyoke4872]

Rick Ocasek, Rest In Peace.

[@newyorkgiantsfan5440]

I now know what my parents felt when their hero’s or people they loved as children are passing on. It breaks your heart.

[@traceypowers4341]

I absolutely love this band! They were the type of performers that you could buy an album and love every single song on it! AND they sounded like themselves live, which is a rarity these days!

[@jtmichaelson]

I was 10 when the debut was released. I thought Ben sounded like Dracula on "Just What I Needed" (I was 10, gimme a break). My older brother brought that first album home soon after and it was cranked nightly for the first 8 or 9 months since June of that year. I literally loved every song on that album (yes, even "I'm In Touch With Your World" and "Don't Cha Stop") and, true story, the love of that first album only dissipated only because exactly one year later Candy-O was released and it tore me away to a new height into fandom. I worked rock radio the day Ben died and that late-night shift I managed to play several Cars songs back-to-back, getting (almost) yelled at by my PD, who happened to be a Cars fan, too. I was spared the "talk" but had to promise not to do it again. That night I played only Ben songs, including "Stay The Night", "In Circles" and "Skyline" from The Lace and maybe "Drive" 4 times between Midnight to 6 am. I work at a Pop station now and managed to once again play Cars back-to-back the day Ric died. And again, no being yelled at as I luckily have a PD that is also a Cars fan and took the news hard. Giving me a little leeway to give tribute, including the gem, "Something To Grab For". Ben and Ric will be sorely missed, but also, so will The Cars; the first band that took me out of my childhood disco/Pop phase into the world of real music. They inspired my love for Punk and New Wave and just basic downhome Rock. Thanks guys. Goodbye Ric and Ben.

[@arcade85_]

I've been a loyal Cars fan since 1978, but I've seldom made it through I'm In Touch With Your World. You have my respect.

[@johnniehoney6561]

That was beautiful. Thank you.

[@starshroud8674]

It's ok, Don't Cha Stop is the best cut IMHO.

[@cesartoledo5621]

That was very sweet, emotional, thank you.

[@paulbrown2681]

Well said

[@comsense9638]

Back in the day i never knew Ben was singing and Ric wasn't. Great band im catching up now that im 63

[@pl6035]

RIP music men that have passed...you made our journey a happier one.🎵🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼

[@brendaatkins2450]

I've loved the Cars since I was a teen in the early 80's n ever since. This is such a great historical moment for them, many beautiful blessings to each of them*

[@coral4874]

Ric was an incredible musical artist. My heart is crushed since I've heard of his passing. My childhood memories are flooded with moments of magical music by The Cars.