Vermont Author Event: "Let's Go! Benjamin Orr and The Cars"

[@maryuline2585]

I love to find these interviews because I always learn something new about Benjamin Orr and The Cars. Joe I really hope you read this because I think you might find it interesting and possibly informative. I had no idea about your book and I wonder how many other people don't know about it. I have just gone through some very trying times and wanted to go back to when things were happier when I was younger. I wanted music so one day I looked up Live Aid to see and remember that event. My 1st husband and I had actually taped on VHS the entire concert off MTV which I do still have. . So online the first group that comes up are The Cars! The music was so upbeat and happy I started dancing around the house. Now I have to tell you that back in the day I did not like The Cars. The only thing I remembered about them on MTV was that tall weird looking guy with black hair and bugs and who knows what dancing around and I thought they were really weird. Also about this time after 20 years of marriage out of high school my husband and I are heading towards a divorce and honest to God one of the things was that he was starting to listen to this "new wave" music which I hated. We had grown up with the Stones, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Tull, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues and on and on. I thought he was a friggin traitor. What was with these people with spiked up hair, weird clothes , etc. Anyway back to the present , 3 months ago, so here I am rocking to The Cars and of course I love the music and I see Ben!! OMG Now I have to find out everything I can about them. I found Donna's site and thanks to you and Donna I have learned so much about them , your book and especially Ben. I can relate to what happened to him a little because after that divorce, so long ago, I went into a horrible downspiral. I felt betrayed and devastated as I believe Ben did by the breakup of the band. I gained 40 pounds I was partying , drinking , over eating and doing reckless things. His story actually made me see that we're all just human and sometimes, no matter who you are, that's just your reaction to things even if you're not happy about it! Thank you for writing this book and for keeping Ben's legacy alive. All of the band were great musicians but I really believe Ben made the band. He was the rockstar and I believe the catalyst of the group. I now have all their Cd's and vinyl records too. It's amazing that their music is just as good today, it absolutely holds up!! Thank you and Donna a million times!!

[@lucy-texasgal3679]

Your book was such a moving tribute to Benjamin Orr. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about such a talented, thoughtful and humble man. He definitely deserved to be honored. Thank you and please continue to write because you are talented! Yes please put out the picture book, not because he's "eye candy", but so his fans (female and male), friends and family could remember him and his legacy.

[@sherryjohnson2152]

Ben was a great guy Joe and so are you for sharing all your hard work and dedication, in such a wonderful book that i love now just as much as I did a year ago when it came in the mail! congratulations again!

[@Bench485]

My brother... I am EXTREMELY proud of you....One Love always..... Truck...

[@joemilliken3438]

Thanks so much for your support, Truck! Love ya, brother!

[@denisem270]

Loved Benjamin with all of my ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiepayne40]

Wonderful, really great to watch 🥰🎸

[@joemilliken3438]

Thank you for your support, Debbie! #LetsGo

[@RandyPinkFloyd132]

Joe Milliken Did you ever get to meet Ric and get his thoughts on the book?

[@joemilliken3438]

@@RandyPinkFloyd132 Unfortunately, I never got to get Ric's thoughts on the book. When I approached him about contributing to said book, through a mutual friend, he gave his blessing and said that he was happy that Ben's story was being told and that Ben deserved it... he just declined to participate. This didn't surprise me, because for many years Ric wouldn't talk to the New York Times or Rolling Stone Magazine about his relationship with Ben, never mind a hole-in-the-wall Vermont music journalist like me. All Good! Rest in Peace Ben and Ric. #LetsGo

[@RandyPinkFloyd132]

Joe Milliken Thank you, sir. Never got the chance to read the book but it seems like a good one. All the best!

[@paulaann7543]

Thank you Joe and all involved so much for this book and all your hard work my goodness. I must admit even though I've always been Head Over Heels over The Cars, I just recently looked into everything Ben Orr I can find and this book is a MUST for Ben Orr fans. I'm in Northwestern Virginia, and when I found out that his Memorial site was a little over 5 hours away from me, I said "Let's Go!! Got to go there as soon as I can ( I take care of my elderly bedridden Mom and made arrangements for someone very qualified to sit with her) and have been anxiously waiting for "Spring" weather to happen, its March 2020 now finally and next week I'm going to visit Ben's Memorial site in Ohio, Lord willing, and I can't wait. I hope to do a little humble video to commemorate this AWESOME occasion, to my regret, I never saw him in person. 🧡🎸🚘🙏

[@paulaann7543]

I made it there Joe!!! I'm excited to share my Awesome visit to Ben's resting place xx kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqbOiHiAiragfaM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGXFqKN8oLx0g5Y

[@shorthandable]

Well done, Mr. Milliken! Your book was a thorough tribute to Ben Orr and such an enjoyable read. Keep up the good work. You are truly a gifted writer. ❤

[@carolmahoney2109]

What a journey Joe. Initially, I went looking for all the info I could get on Ben. Now I try to get everything I can on your events. You're amazing. This has been a wonderful ride, and you made it possible. Thank you Joe!!!

[@denisem270]

Loved this video and the book!!!! Thanks so much Joe!!!!🥰

[@cabindweller8454]

Glad to find this, very glad. Will watch this video when I get home tonight and buy directly from the author.

[@joemilliken3438]

Thank you! [e-mail]

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Excellent video. Thanks.

[@jasonnoonzio3473]

Well done mate

[@benjaminorrelectricangelro5493]

Wonderful to watch this dear Joe :) Thank you. Your niece asked a perfect question, this is something I would love to ask him about, his music , as you said. How sweet that your daughter asked a question

[@joemilliken3438]

It was a great "first book event" Tia! Thanks so much! #LetsGo

[@benjaminorrelectricangelro5493]

@@joemilliken3438 :) Thank you , I really enjoyed watching this. #LetsGo

[@VUrban-yr5ch]

Joe do you know if they will ever release the other songs he recorded? If you know alot of us fans would be interested. Thanks 😊

[@benorrbook3630]

I know of nothing definite, no.

[@sherri2463]

Oh I’m gonna purchase this book about my beloved Benjamin however would you or someone else please tell me as to why there isn’t any live performances of Benjamin with his earlier bands?? Surely that tv show would have known Benjamin would go onto bigger and better things. Did they not record any please tell me. As a true fan of Benjamin and the Cars, this would be a treasure to watch. Thx. RIP Benjamin ❤

[@chocloditelensman]

I’m really happy that this book was written but after I read it I had more questions than answers. I don’t think it went in deep enough into who Ben really was. I’d like to know more about him during the ‘Big People’ period. I would have liked to have more interviews from friends. What about school teachers ? Townspeople who grew up around him ? However, I’m glad it was created and kudos to the author for trying. I would like to see this book updated someday.

[@amourinaioane9633]

Yes and it would have been nice to see so many more photos of Ben as Joe said he had 500,we'll maybe a photo book next time.

[@chocloditelensman]

Amourina Ioane exactly. That’s the kind of stuff fans want to see. Would like to see a revised version.

[@April-pw5ub]

@@chocloditelensman I read the book, and agree with you. It should have gone into more depth I felt he could have asked more from his bandmates about his family life, and what his parents were like. Where did Ben develop his love of the outdoors and hunting and fishing? How did he reconnect with his half-brother etc. I don’t get what appears some kind of secrecy.

[@kimberlyholzerland4599]

Everyone involved was very worried about exposing Ben to personally. However, I think you can dig a little deeper in someone's life without being disrespectful. The fans want to know some details, but I don't think in doing so you have to disgrace that person. I was going to buy the book, but I've read elsewhere that you're still left wondering about things and still have unanswered questions. I can get basics about Ben on the internet... oh well....

[@ea532]

I want this book so bad! Where can i geg it? I love Ben Orr, for years I always ghought that Rick Okasek was the only singer of the Cars until Rick Okesek passed away. Then I noticed Ben Orr sang the majority of the songs. So ever since then I've been obsessed with Ben Orr, I watched Rock goes to college,and almost every video on you tube that I can find. I watched his last interview he did before he passed away and man he looked so sick, poor guy man. He seemed like such a really nice person super down to earth and friendly. Anyway I want this book!

[@benorrbook3630]

Hi Elisa! You can order it through www.benorrbook.com.

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

@@benorrbook3630 Thanks! Ordered. You should offer some signed by the author.

[@rosemonteiro3537]

E muito triste para mim não ter conseguido esse livro pois não sei como fazer pra adquirir. Por favor se alguém puder me ajudar ficarei muito grata pois Benjamin é muito importante para mim. Obrigada

[@VUrban-yr5ch]

The book is on my Christmas list. I hope I get it. ❤️🤞🎅

[@joemilliken3438]

Thank you for your support of the book!

[@VUrban-yr5ch]

@@joemilliken3438 I've been telling people about it. I've seen your videos and I think you were the perfect person to write about Benjamin. I like that you took your time to make sure you got it right. Thanks because that means a lot to the fans like me. I didn't get to even see them, but reading about him I felt like I knew him. The more I read the more I wish God made more like him Thanks for replying and I know I will love the book.👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@woodychadick5905]

It is most curious how someone dies like Ben. I am an old man now. And he would be now. Time and death is a funny happenstance. Dont you agree?

[@kimberlyholzerland4599]

Ben was a wonderful talent and a bright light to the world. Unfortunately his smoking, drinking, and all around bad lifestyle shortened his life. Some people get away with more and others don't. My grandmother smoked heavily well into her 80's. She had issues and eventually died, but not at 53. Go figure...

[@analiajimenalopez4666]

Still ..i don't have the Book !! 😢😢