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The Cars

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Band Timeline

1976

Formation of The Cars

The Cars were formed in Boston in 1976, bringing together Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar), Benjamin Orr (bass guitar), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums). Ric Ocasek emerged as the band's principal songwriter and leader, and both Ocasek and Orr shared lead vocal duties. The band members had previously played in different groups and had musical chemistry stemming from these earlier experiences. Their formation marked the beginning of creating a distinctive sound that blended guitar-driven rock with new wave synthesizer pop.
1978

Breakthrough with Debut Album 'The Cars'

The release of their self-titled debut album 'The Cars' was a major breakthrough for the band. The album showcased their unique blend of punk minimalism, rockabilly revival, art rock synth textures, and power pop, selling six million copies and remaining on the Billboard 200 chart for 139 weeks. It quickly established them as leaders of the new wave scene. This album included hit singles and garnered them the title of Best New Artist in the 1978 Rolling Stone Readers' Poll, propelling The Cars into mainstream rock stardom.
1981

Success with Hit Single 'Shake It Up'

In 1981, The Cars released 'Shake It Up,' which became one of their four Top 10 hits. This song reinforced the band's ability to create catchy, radio-friendly tunes that were imbued with both rock and pop sensibilities. The single helped maintain their prominence in the early 80s music scene and furthered their influence on the emerging new wave genre. 'Shake It Up' was also notable for its upbeat tempo and innovative production, bridging audiences of rock and synth-pop.
1984

Peak Popularity: 'You Might Think' and 'Drive'

The year 1984 was pivotal, with The Cars releasing hit singles 'You Might Think' and 'Drive' from the album 'Heartbeat City.' 'You Might Think' won Video of the Year at the first MTV Video Music Awards, highlighting the band’s creative prowess in music video production. Both songs reached the Top 10 on the charts, showcasing the band’s evolving sound with sophisticated synthesizer use and emotive lyrics. 'Drive,' sung by Benjamin Orr, became one of their most enduring ballads, expanding their appeal widely beyond rock audiences.
1985

Hit Single 'Tonight She Comes' and Continued Success

In 1985, The Cars released 'Tonight She Comes,' which became another Top 10 hit for the band. This track combined catchy rock riffs with pop sensibilities, keeping the band relevant during the mid-80s music landscape. The success of this single contributed to the band's commercial momentum during this period, capping off a string of popular releases that defined their legacy as pioneers blending rock and new wave sounds.
1988

Band Disbands After Over a Decade of Success

After more than a decade of creating influential rock and new wave music, The Cars officially disbanded in 1988. The members chose to pursue solo projects and other musical endeavors, marking the end of their first era. Although the band ceased activity, their music continued to influence artists and fans, and their legacy as a major force in the music scene of the 70s and 80s remained solidified.
2000

Death of Benjamin Orr

Benjamin Orr, the bassist and co-lead vocalist of The Cars, passed away in 2000 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 53. Orr was a crucial member of the band and contributed significantly to their vocal sound, especially known for performances on hits like 'Drive.' His death was a significant loss to the rock music community and marked a somber milestone in the history of The Cars.
2011

Reunion and Release of Final Album 'Move Like This'

The surviving original members of The Cars reunited in 2010 and subsequently recorded their seventh and final studio album, 'Move Like This,' released in May 2011. This album was a significant comeback, revisiting their signature sound with modern touches. Following the album's release, the band embarked on a short tour to support it before going on hiatus again. The reunion demonstrated the enduring appeal and influence of The Cars in contemporary rock music.
2018

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Reunion Performance

The Cars were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2018, an honor recognizing their important contributions to rock and new wave music. The surviving band members reunited to perform at the induction ceremony, celebrating their influential career. This event solidified their legacy and highlighted their lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture over several decades.
2019

Death of Ric Ocasek

Ric Ocasek, the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, principal songwriter, and visionary behind The Cars, passed away on September 15, 2019, due to cardiovascular disease at the age of 75. Ocasek’s death marked the end of an era for The Cars and the broader rock music community. His innovative songwriting and leadership defined the band's distinctive sound and paved the way for the integration of rock and synth-pop that remains influential to this day.

Albums

the-cars_1st_album
The Cars
9 tracks
1978
the-cars_2nd_album
Candy‐O
11 tracks
1979
the-cars_3rd_album
Panorama
10 tracks
1980
the-cars_4th_album
Shake It Up
9 tracks
1981
the-cars_5th_album
Heartbeat City
10 tracks
1984
the-cars_6th_album
Door to Door
11 tracks
1987
the-cars_7th_album
Move Like This
11 tracks
2011
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Benjamin Orr

1976
1988

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Lead vocals

David Robinson

1976
1988

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Background vocals

Elliot Easton

1976
1988

Background vocals

Guitar

Greg Hawkes

1976
1988

Synthesizer

Saxophone

Percussion

Keyboard

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Ric Ocasek

1976
2019

Background vocals

Guitar

Lead vocals

Story of The Cars

The Cars, Boston`s seminal new wave rock act, exploded onto the scene in 1976. The lineup – Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar, lead vocals, primary songwriter), Benjamin Orr (bass, lead vocals), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums) – masterfully blended the raw energy of 70s guitar rock with the burgeoning sounds of synth-pop, a pivotal moment in musical history.

Their innovative sound, described by Robert Palmer of the New York Times and Rolling Stone as a "personal and appealing blend" of punk minimalism, art rock textures, rockabilly revival, and power-pop terseness, quickly captivated audiences. This groundbreaking fusion earned them the Best New Artist title in Rolling Stones 1978 Readers Poll. Their self-titled debut album achieved platinum status, spending an astounding 139 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

The Cars cemented their place in music history with four Top 10 hits: "Shake It Up," "You Might Think," "Drive," and "Tonight She Comes." Their innovative video for "You Might Think" further solidified their impact, winning Video of the Year at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.

After a highly influential run, the band disbanded in 1988. The tragic loss of bassist Benjamin Orr to pancreatic cancer in 2000 served as a somber reminder of their enduring legacy. Their impact on the evolution of rock music, however, remains undeniable.

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