Ric Ocasek, Lead Singer Of The Cars, Has Passed Away At Age 75

Sep 16, 2019 by apost team

Ric Ocasek, lead singer of The Cars was found dead in a New York townhouse on Sunday. He was 75 years old.

Responders arrived on the scene on Sunday afternoon after a 911 call. The NYPD told AP News that there were no signs of foul play at the scene, and an official cause of death will be reported by the medical examiner. His death comes a year after The Cars were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

"...the Cars were the ultimate New Wave dream machine: a hook-savvy super-charged quintet that fused 60s pop, 70s glam and avant-rock minimalism into a decade of dashboard-radio nirvana," the Hall of Fame website says about the band.

apost.com

Ocasek had founded The Cars in 1976 with singer-bassist Benjamin Orr. The band obtained 13 Top 40 singles, including four Top LPs. Songs like “Good Times Roll,” “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed,” were some of The Cars’ biggest hits. 

After the band broke up in the late 80s, Ocasek went on to become a producer for bands like Weezer and Bad Religion according to the Hall of Fame website. Ocasek married model Paulina Porizkova, however, the couple announced their separation last year after 28 years of marriage together on social media.

Ocasek had told Rolling Stone Magazine about the band’s induction into the Hall of Fame, saying that he was grateful they were accepted. Looking back on the history of The Cars, Ocasek said:

"It's kind of weird because it's like a lifetime. I had three families during that time. They are like lives that go by and millions of people and things and artists and writers and business people and fans...It's a lot of stuff. It's been a pretty eventful life, I can say."

Rest in peace Ric. Spread the word about Ric’s passing to help keep his memory alive, tell us you favorite song by him below.