The Cars - "Just What I Needed" | 2018 Induction

The Cars perform "Just What I Needed" at the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Looking for more Induction Ceremony memories from The Cars? Visit the band's official Hall of Fame online bio: rockhall.com/inductees/cars
Dive into the full 2018 Induction Ceremony video collection at rockhall.com/inductees/classes/2018 and watch all videos, read from the official Hall of Fame program bios and view image galleries from the big night and archival materials.

[@leokimvideo]

The most amazing aspect to this song is it's new wave pop from the mid 70's. When this came out it was like nothing else on the airwaves. The Cars defined the 80's sounds well before the 80's started.

[@dllaneza]

you are right. they WERE the new wave for several years, before others caught up

[@wesedwards1128]

Epic classic to this day my favorite rock song. I'm 73 and been through every era! Bravo Cars!!

[@hazor777]

Late 70’s - because that early 80’s “sound” started in 78 - notably with The Cars and a few other acts

[@BlueButterfly7777]

Facts.

[@AnthonyJones-qi1vq]

Elliott Easton always was and will forever be a beast! It is amazing that his playing ability has NEVER faltered!

[@alann5003]

He has some of the most iconic and memorable solos ever.

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

I hate to say it, but you can tell that Ben is sorely missed, his great vocals and bass helped drive the Cars, R.I.P. Ben and now Ric.

[@FacheChanteDeux]

I agree about the vocals, but their musicianship has always been tight. It is a huge element in their songs except for Drive. RIP Ben&Ric.

[@Fretless99]

Well said, man.

[@thomaslee2585]

Ric wrote all of these songs

[@thomaslee2585]

And also Ric is like 100 years old here 😂, ben rocks but people don’t give enough credit to ric

[@MrRugbyloosehead]

@@thomaslee2585 Well , yes and no, as Ric was the bands primary songwriter, ,yes all those songs Ben sang on? Were written by Ric Ocasek,as he felt the Ben looked and acted , and sounded like the prototypical rock star! So Ric had enough smarts to know that certain songs(some of the bands biggest hits) were more suited to him, including their only #1 hit Drive!

[@instantkarma8777]

I honestly didn't expect Ric to sing a Ben song, but what a beautiful inclusion of him! RIP Ben and Ric.

[@adrianreyes4702]

Yes, beautiful way to remember Ben. Back when this song hit the airwaves, most everyone only saw Ric as the singing front man. Many assumed it was Ric (myself included) for years until MTV, and the Midnight show set us all straight that it was indeed Ben all along. Their voices had a slight similarity, and Ben chose to sing it in the Ric, voice throttle up, and down fashion. Sure miss Ben, and his voice.

[@instantkarma8777]

@@adrianreyes4702 Lovely analogy. I'm not American. We did not have MTV. We had our own music shows that played vids. Funny, the only vids that come to mind were Ben singing lead...but absolutely, Ric was the oddly looking, standout frontman.

[@herchelleonwood7463]

who else but ric could sing this song almost as well as Ben, Ben really is the most underrated vocalist in rock history, i had thought i was a long time Cars fan but only this year realized Ben sings all the best Cars songs.

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

@@herchelleonwood7463 Oh yes, you're exactly right! Even though Rik was the "Odd-Looking-Front-Man" it was HIS TOTAL DECISION to have BEN be featured on the lion share of songs that were picked to be released as hit singles...and he was right on with that! "Just What I Needed", "Let's Go" & "Drive", the latter taking it all the way to #1 on Casey Kasem's AMERICAN TOP 40 program, based upon BILLBOARD MAGAZINE! Rik was a quirky sounding front man, but HE wanted BEN, to sing all their big notable, never-to-be-forgotten, best CAR'S compositions. BCRadio

[@donaldduck2139]

@@BolsaChicaRadio was a good thing Casey Kasem back in the 70s...used to look forward to the American top 40 back in New Zealand

[@adamkushner6793]

The last Cars performance ever. RIP Ben and Ric

[@ashe984]

Adam Kushner Legends never ever die

[@ashe984]

Benjamin’s spirit lives on

[@bgbassman3406]

😢☝#1 in New Wave music. ALWAYS were and ALWAYS will be.

[@DesertRainReads]

@@ashe984 and so does Ric's, Requiescat in Pace to the both of them. One of the best vocal duos of all time, two true legends, they are missed.

[@pgamezp2112]

The powerful voice from Ben drove the cars to the top. RIP BEN

[@amywilkins543]

And his Gorgeous looks! He had beautiful eyes! When he sings Drive as he looks in the camera, no words!!!❤️

[@scottdaley1672]

Rick writing every song, what a potent combo

[@thrlllckr6244]

Sadly Rick is with Ben now R.I.P. ..Such a great band and I’m glad they were huge part of my youth 🙌🥰👍🏻✌️

[@scottdaley1672]

What a great plan!

[@planeandsimple431]

@pgamezp2112.. He was also one of only a handful of bass playing front men- although my top list only includes two... Benjamin Orr and Phil Lynott.

[@darrengogel9157]

how good was it being a teenager in the late 70s early 80s when we had the best music coming out from bands like the cars,cheap trick,steve miller band,tom petty and the heartbreakers and van halen think my generation was surely blessed and sadly we are losing so many of these guys like Ben and Ric,Tom and now Eddie van halen RIP guys

[@gdwwt8303]

exactly. as a sixteen year old, i want to go back to the 80s as a teen so freaking bad.

[@tutlemaster7097]

@@gdwwt8303 being the same age, I wish I was born in 1970 so this stuff was coming out in my teen years

[@texocalistation6049]

@@tutlemaster7097 I was born in 1970 and started listening to music seriously right around 1981, also the same year MTV came out, and it was a glorious time of music and movies and TV, and the Cars where everywhere then, especially on MTV and Radio and they owned the mid 80's when that Heartbeat City album came out. It's too bad that a lot of that music is disappearing into the vortex of time as many of the musicians are starting to die off now, and other forms of music are starting to take over as the most popular, (thats even more sad to me, that rock is not as big as it once was) but it will always be alive in our hearts and on our stereos when we drive our cars and listen to the great tunes and keep the Rock alive.

[@saigawesnovember]

Yeah, I loved that era.

[@user-rr1ct9iu4r]

Cranking the Cars on my 8 track at Lynn Beach as a teenager. Life was great!!!!

[@rogautier]

Benjamin's charisma and his performance on stage are so missed.

[@chrisjamessfsd]

This band overall just doesn't get as much recognition as they deserve. Ben was an incredible singer. The drummer is amazing. EE is unreal...his solos are some of my favorite ones of any other guitar player (and I'm a guitar player myself). Ric is another part of The Cars...vocally and instrumentally. Really miss these guys and wish I would have had the opportunity to see them live.

[@StupidBeagle]

I sincerely believe they are the most underrated unappreciated rock band ever.

[@adriantomlin2902]

They are all good in their own way to make it a kickass band!

[@TheRealMaxWolf]

@@StupidBeagle FINALLY! Somebody else says what I’ve been thinking for years! The Cars is so freaking underrated man. It’s a shame, I honestly think they should be looked at on the same level of, say, Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2.

[@TheRealMaxWolf]

I wish I could have seen them live too. My favorite song of theirs is Let’s Go, best song featuring Ben on vocals imo. My favorite song with Ric on vocals is probably You Might Think

[@ccrider8483]

​@adriantomlin2902 Exactly, one the few bands who actually sound as good or better live than their records.

[@johntrotter4338]

Perfect song to honor Ben and the cars on this major event

[@emancaindec9731]

I swear every time I hear the synthesizers part like 2:23, it always makes me smile in nostalgia and think that everything's gonna be fine...

[@laertixc5]

The second time hits harder than the first

[@martyjones2679]

I had a Mini Korg synth like that when I was a teen. I'm glad he pulled out the old original for this performance.

[@amywilkins543]

I hear ya. It’s the synthesizers that set this band apart. I definitely miss Ben. He was GORGEOUS and had a beautiful voice!!! Their unique look and Rick’s unique vocals. They were like an English band and I thought they were for many years. Altogether a unique sound that I grew up to. One of my favorites for sure ❤️

[@9716248]

I have heard over the years the hook was from keyboardist Todd Anderson. An original member of Captin Swing with Ben, Elliot and Rick.

[@I.G.S.A.N.A.G.M]

I love it as my first job was full of old heads and this was 1 of the songs playing all the time.

[@jamescampbell4661]

Ric did a great job on this song. Folk forgot he was very old and not well. He actually passed away after they were inducted.

[@kaiyalee5778]

right!! i remember seeing the post about it from his wife. i was shocked it happened so soon after this. we are lucky we got to see them like this in the band and Ben’s honor ❤️

[@fredkeske7169]

Elliot Easton is in fine form. Nice try from Ric doing Ben's vocal.

[@saraheart2804]

David and Greg doing a great job too.

[@Fretless99]

He gave it all he had...

[@blowingsmokewithtwistedrico]

He wrote the song. He can sing it anyway he likes.

[@squibby5114]

Ric did do really good with this in my opinion, but Benjamin sings it better probably because he was the one singing it in the actual studio recording so we just got used to that

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Elliott's Jackie Mason wig is ridiculous.

[@fawnlliebowitz1772]

74 years old here and he still sounded great

[@Boykukok.]

ur a teen ager during the late 70's?

[@heroesofhogan233]

@@Boykukok. ; Are you $Tup!D???

[@pdunc1976]

a very solemn performance as it was intended to honor ben also.he was a big driving force..RIP ben and ric

[@pamoros7939]

God Bless you Benjamin Orr! Rest in peace Ben and Ric!

[@rogerallen77]

Love Elliot's guitar work

[@jimmyk2616]

Elliot has kept up his guitar chops well still ! 👍👌

[@Magnetron33]

@@jimmyk2616 Sounds great! Still sounds engaged and interested.

[@jimmyk2616]

Yes ! He's always been very talented & stayed in the game ever since ! One of the best southpaw guitar masters for sure 👍⚡🎸🎸

[@Magnetron33]

@@jimmyk2616 absolutely

[@cat3rdcaraccident726]

Scott Shriner of weezer must have been SO HAPPY TO PLAY WITH THESE LEGENDS. honestly jealous

[@valerieva1544]

Greg Hawked set the standard for keyboards for all 80s bands.

[@larryronkq586]

THE CARS are a 70s band ,,, ENOUGH SAID ,, THIS WAS FROM 1978

[@iwantthe80sback59]

Musta been kind of hard for EE to play without Ben there to his left. They always chummed around on stage. RIP Ben and Ric.

[@doloreskozlowski]

Unless Ric weaseled his way in - Ben would mostly acquiesce and move back a bit - I always wanted him to stay put but that wasn't Ben's way

[@Sol_Cabbie]

Ric was a music poet, besides of being the best voice ever. We will never forget him. Up there in heaven he’s enjoying his friendship with Benjamin Orr. Long live The Cars!!! Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱

[@brianmccain6302]

Perfect guitar work,melodic not stepping on vocals and great solo,short and effective ,thanks Elliot Easton

[@doloreskozlowski]

No nonsense musicianship - perform your craft to your best ability every time

[@tripzville7569]

Thank you THE CARS, it has truly been a privilege to have been born into this existence [1962] in a period where you graced this world with your brilliant songs.

[@Magnetron33]

One of the most iconic pop leads of the 80s performed to perfection. One of Easton's best!

[@markcarrillo2445]

It's actually from 1978, but they were hip to be there ahead of the decade.

[@ssm445]

​@@markcarrillo2445agree, the song is 5 years or so ahead. It's so sad The Cars are so little known today here (Germany, probably Europe).

[@crunchyblack2224]

Love this! RIP Ben and Ric. The Cars are such a class act and played the best music!

[@kenyonjones5527]

That was truly an amazing performance by Elliot Easton! I bet he loved the immediate ovation from the audience following his solo (2:06)!

[@christopherstanger2880]

That solo was a wake up call!

[@johndeaux83]

Elliot don't mess around!

[@joejones9520]

I heard some little things in it that Im missing when I play it, damn, someday I'll get it perfect.

[@Revolution1117]

Elliot is truly a great guitarist. One of the most underrated players in rock.

[@ATalkingBadger]

@@joejones9520 no one cares.

[@terifarris7680]

Benny Eleven Letters, gone 20 years today. Rest well Ben Orr. 🎶♥️

[@stacygross8279]

Saw these guys in the 80's. It was a good decade for music.

[@rockit3422]

RIP Ben 🕊️ What a huge loss!💔

[@rosemarybaker8820]

Ric does a fair job, but no one can sing this like Ben. RIP both of you. Can't wait to see you in Heaven.

[@joedecker3900]

Ric was the key writer, don’t forget that.

[@jaymike3302]

And Rick was 74 here...and passed away within a year.

[@kevinlangley9644]

One of the veey best of the 80's (70's too i guess since they came out in the late 70's). Had the best keyboardists ever.

[@RadWorlock]

The Cars #1 - No other band in the 61 years of my life has a sound or style that can even come close. Magnificently arranged band working precisely together with having each member just as good as the other. Every song has a certain spot for every vocal and every instrument that hits right on target. Again, 2022 and no band like them to date.

[@airhead3333]

Have you listened to weezer? Ric produced their albums blue, green, and everything will be alright in the end.

[@flashcracker1]

We all remember and try to hang on to the past; it is not possible to do so. Bands change, friends die, we have to accept this. Live for the moment and enjoy it. All things must pass.

[@julenepegher6999]

Aww, Ben I miss you so much, they did the best they could without you. I still love my Cars!

[@BM-vi5hk]

LOL, Greg still does that funky head bob 40+ years on...

[@hannibalanthrope4045]

Holy crap is Greg playing his original Korg synth?!?!?! That's friggen awesome! Wish they did Bye-Bye Love tho!

[@supermariooliver3350]

Yep

[@BolsaChicaRadio]

Yup! Look closely, you can see some small, over the decades "dings, dongs & scratches" around the corners & all, when really zooming in on that beauty of a super nostalgic keyboard. No doubt Greg brought out his "original gun" to play that song. NOTE: At the VERY LAST NOTE OF THE SONG, Greg with one of his fingers, presses down on what it looks like to be a sustaining oscillator hard switch, to give that last moog note, that classic, one of a kind, "warbly" end-off lick!!! Just like it was recorded on the record, back in 19, friggin', 78...!! BCRadio

[@rockit3422]

Yeah, I have always LOVED Bye Bye Love❤️ 💔 RIP Ben and Ric🕊️

[@angelavalentyne7948]

Bye Bye Love .. best song .. fabulous lyrics .. sung by the best .. Benjamin Orr RIP 💔

[@nazmoking3171]

Ric doing his best Roy Orbison here! Elliott with his unique solo's. Just masterful art!

[@codylaning4124]

It's always sad to see Bands inducted when missing members, especially those I feel were the heartbeat of the band. I am lucky to have seen them live many decades ago. They were the tightest band I had ever seen at the time. One of my favorites of all time.

[@RLJmusic4life]

Amazing what an elixir of youth picking up the guitar can be. Magically the Cars return in all their shiny luster and they rock just as they did during the Live Aid concert.

[@TheDomRyder]

Great job by David Robinson …. It seems nobody ever mention him ….part of the Cars sound for sure ….

[@J0Y.]

what a great band nostalgia for my youth

[@lanemeyer9350]

Top 10 rock n roll debut albums ever, it’s basically a best-of record

[@glynisjones8128]

Tysm for blessing us with your AWESOME music!!!! RIP Ben and Ric.

[@marw5276]

Scott killing it🙌

[@flashbrito6]

Amazing them still being able to jam like this fucking Amazing rest in peace Ben and Ric god bless you guys and thank you.

[@barbarasomers8534]

This makes me cry

[@jeffduggan387]

Awesome guitar solo!

[@startervisions]

So many bands owe them...

[@pgamezp2112]

This song remembers me only happy moments in my youth. Rip Ben and Rick

[@none11ification]

That lead was flawless and perfect. Such an underrated guitarist

[@angelpatino6575]

Benngy we miss you

[@yescali]

I miss you Ben, I grow up listen such amazing music when I was in Colombia late 70’s

[@sherwingosine9721]

Brilliant band the Cars!

[@mizzpink98z24cavi]

Love these guys!!! Love Ric, Elliot & Greg

[@susansmy867]

RIP Ben and RIC 🙏🙏

[@Ferda1964]

Always loved that base in this tune

[@fabiansanhuezazamora4624]

Nostalgia ,Gracias por todo....The Cars!!!!

[@hectormiguel3112]

Gracias Ric. Gracias The Cars...

[@Joaquinteixeira567]

Love this band!! 🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗🚙🚗

[@fivestring65ify]

No one before or since has been able to mix rock and new wave like the Cars. They were pioneers. Easton and Hawks were an amazing team. Then, there were the two lead singers. They are legends.

[@isabel1983]

Forever a wonderful band ❤️

[@stevestarr6395]

So many great memories this brings me and also reminds me of how great the Cars were!! ❤️

[@hyperacid2196]

One of my fav. This band really makes me feel good really brings me to a classic all of their biggest hits are memorable rip to ric and ben

[@mikemiller6628]

Wow ,I got chills ,Great band.

[@luannabbate2624]

I wore this album out back then

[@sky1hawk988]

Always loved The Cars. God Bless them.

[@hazor777]

‘Just What I Needed’ is pretty much the PERFECT Pop/Rock 🎵 🎶 song - I don’t think there’s anything about this song that anyone would not like. It’s simply a Classic , just like The Cars - what a great time for them and to be coming up back then

[@hyperacid2196]

For all the famous band that I know the cars is the best for me because all of their best songs are very memorable that you can't never forget rip to ric and ben but the music will remains forever

[@diggersouth]

All their albums are each like a greatest hit albums. Great listens though every track.

[@Orrphan]

So great

[@pgamezp2112]

CARS Always great band!!!

[@AY-sp4nn]

Rest in peace Ric and Ben....much love and appreciation to Elliot Greg and David....

[@2ndsspz]

these guys rock

[@chrishaps6846]

I really like this band

[@johanndaart7326]

I love them :(

[@DesertRainReads]

The Cars were such an amazing band, and both Ric and Ben were legendary. I have many fond memories of listening to these guys growing up as a kid. Anytime I was in the car with my dad and his then girlfriend, their Greatest Hits tape was in the tape player cranking. Then I discovered their Door to Door album on a tape that was in a collection my mom had. Safe to say that listening to their songs brings me back to happier times. Wish that both Ric and Ben were still with us, wherever they are now, I hope they are making wonderful music together once again. Requiescat in Pace to both of you, and thank you for those happy memories.

[@mitchjohnson9240]

You just don’t know what you have until it’s gone…. The Cars were such a cool band. I love their music!

[@mastersmb]

One of my favorite bands!!

[@ilianasapien8904]

The Cars un grupo excelente y con gran estilo.

[@brianpedersen4714]

Best memories ever.

[@goldblatalex7516]

i miss Benjamin Orr so badly... you will never be forgotten

[@barackobama5304]

He was a talented dude. He could have gotten acting roles too. Whenever he was asked if he wanted to do a part in TV shows, the band was on tour so he couldn't commit.

[@goldblatalex7516]

@@barackobama5304 oh didn't know that. thanks for the nice comment. such a great guy he was

[@barackobama5304]

@@goldblatalex7516 If I remember correctly one of the shows that wanted to use him was Miami Vice but that was right at the time they were playing the Live Aid concert. I think he would have been great on TV.

[@goldblatalex7516]

@@barackobama5304 thats true! he could be amazing on TV!!

[@iwantthe80sback59]

@@barackobama5304 I have had that passing thought recently that Ben would have been great on Miami Vice. But I didn’t know he actually had the opportunity. Thanks for sharing the info!

[@rickybub1]

these guys so proud , as they should be

[@lirpayojrodacsep606]

cool i love u both to performed

[@alexanderperezcastro5360]

Por siempre = Forever The Cars 👍

[@archibaldlothar1084]

Groupe mythique The Cars ! ❤

[@matedonskie5337]

Still listening this undying song 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Aug. 2021

[@terrymokihana1421]

and a year later Rick died . Great band for me growing up and dancing. The cars were great Music to dance to. Always got meLaid ; - )

[@julianho7672]

amazing song..............

[@jaxsman1531]

Ben Orr was the bomb... RIP :(

[@dianne6155]

i saw these guys, well heard them, in ‘79 at the cow palace. we were at the left back well before concerts had big projection screens. it was like being in the next town that facility is so huge. loved them

[@JMAC-rs6ey]

Ahhh poetic musical genius worldwide sensation brilliant man. Ur legacy will live on forever

[@rights.2384]

Love🤘

[@jimmysapien9961]

AWSOME

[@alexandervaga9185]

Какие же они крутые! Жаль уходят один за другим. Достойнейшие мега звезды,они это заслужили по праву. Я просто счастлив быть их современником. Они открыли мне дорогу в мир достойной музыки. Cars💝🅿

[@vilmonepereira115]

Top de mais !!!

[@Tom-rr4rk]

When I was a kid, these guys right here helped me to realize just how much I loved music and how music could enhance your life and your appreciation for art. I remember staring at that beautiful woman with the red lipstick behind the steering wheel of that cassette that I had and bought with my own money. One of my favorite groups of all time and that is saying a lot cause I mostly refuse to keep such lists but their they are at the top with Led Zep, AC DC and the few others. I could really use some new Cars music right now in my life. To any band member that might run across my comment here, thank you so much. Tom in Kansas City

[@robertcorrie3194]

Banger

[@desastretotalrock]

Grandes

[@sidvicious4760]

Rip ric 😢, Rip Ben ! 😢

[@satyrangel2730]

RIP CARS MISS YOU GUYS

[@ELVENGADOR858]

MI GRUPO FAVORITO