Back in July, the band posted a photo of themselves in the studio on their Facebook page, with the caption “Anyone in the mood for a reunion by The Cars?” The photo showed bandmates Ric Ocasek, guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes and drummer David Robinson (bassist Benjamin Orr died of pancreatic cancer in 2000).
See “Reunion by The Cars?” here.
Billboard is reporting that the band has reunited to record their first album in 23 years and may support it with a tour.
Last week, The Cars posted a 73-second snippet of a new song, "Blue Tip," on their Facebook page, but provided no additional information.
Veteran engineer Paul Orofino recorded new songs with the band at his studio in Millbrook, N.Y. this summer; no details have been officially announced.
Sources tell Billboard the group is strongly considering touring, but dates have yet to be confirmed.
The original lineup of The Cars packed it in back in 1988, after a decade of hit-making. The Cars were hugely influential in their time: their polished 1978 debut set the mainstream tone for new wave’s arrival, with songs like “Just What I Needed,” “Good Times Roll” and “My Best Friend’s Girl.” It’s not hard to believe that a debut album can be a masterpiece – many bands have done it – and, even after all these years, The Cars’ first record remains the perfect blend of pop, punk, rock and new wave.
The Cars The Cars – Just What I Needed
The Midnight Special – 1978
The Cars – My Best Friend’s Girl
Rock Goes To College
University Of Sussex – Brighton, UK -January 13, 1979
The Cars – Let’s Go
The Midnight Special – September 17, 1979
7 comments:
GREAT news!!!
This is wonderful news. Can't wait to hear them especially the always brilliant Elliot. They will miss Ben so much and so will we. He was just fantastic and the coolest rock star ever!
You guys have to tour, I still have my T-shirt from '79 ( Poplar Creek in Illinois, the Motels opened for you) but for some reason it doesn't fit anymore, so will have to get a new one! Can't wait to see you again
Missing Ben like crazy. I have been keeping up on Ric's solo stuff. Hearing a record without Ben's voice will be a little weird, but better than no Cars at all! Can't wait!
Agreed. Ben was a huge part of The Cars and will absolutely be missed.
The Cars "sound" came more from Ric and Greg than from Ben (RIP). I'm totally excited about a reunion album and tour, count me IN!
Ben was a HUGE part of The Cars sound. His voice balanced out the quirkiness of Ric vocals when he sung background vocals. Some of their best songs were with Ben on lead. I wish he sang lead on much more than he did actually. He'll be sadly missed but I'm still really psyched for this cd and a tour. Hope they honor Ben somehow.
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