Image Credit: Everett CollectionThe Cars have prompted speculation that they are set to reunite by posting a photograph of the band rehearsing on their official Facebook page. The legendary pop-rockers enjoyed a string of hits in the ’70s and ’80s—including “Let’s Go,” “Shake It Up,” and “Drive”—but split after their 1987 album, Door to Door.
The photograph shows Ric Ocasek and Elliot Easton with guitars, David Robinson behind the drums, and keyboardist Greg Hawkes standing in on bass for Benjamin Orr, who sang many of the band’s best-loved tunes and died from pancreatic cancer in 2000.
According to the Boston Globe, Greg Hawkes has acknowledged the photo does show a band rehearsal, but he was coy on the subject of a Cars reunion. “I hate to be vague, but I really can’t say,” said Hawkes. “It’s a crazy world.” Ocasek’s spokesperson was unavailable for comment.
Would you go and see The Cars if they reformed? And what song would you most want them to play? I’ve embedded some vintage clips after the jump to help jog your memory.
Orr is dead, the cars are dead, great, great band please don’t sully image and memories (ie. INXS) change name ala The Dead that still intones original but does not to try and make like it is the real deal (i.e. Journey)
Agreed — it just wouldn’t be the same without Ben.
Would love to hear some new music from them.
The cars were a favorite of mine in my youth, but it’s hard to imagine them performing songs like ‘Just What I Needed’, ‘Let’s Go’, and, especially, ‘Drive’ without Ben Orr. Ocasek wrote all their material, but his vocals are very choppy and talky. At least Orr could hold a note. Ocasek’s done well as a producer for other bands- I’d definitely be interested in hearing new material, at any rate, but Orr gave the band a welcome variety, vocal-wise, and it’d be hard to accept a replacement.
The New Cars, fronted by Todd Rundgren, sounded pretty good….dare I say better than the original band. He was able to hit both Ocasek and Orr songs decently. The key to any reunion would be how they would handle the Orr songs.
I’d like to see them in a club, like the recent Psychedelic Furs are doing in the US (with half a new band, I might add). So let them reform and do them early hits, like “Let’s Go.”
Wow! That brought some good memories! I LOVED the Cars! I was devastated when Benjamin Orr died. If the rest of the guys feel like givin’ it another go, why not? I’d be interested in hearing what they sound like!
Man, you just can’t replace Ben Orr.
is it me, or does Ben Orr & Jude Law look alike?
I wouldn’t go see them if they were playing in my back yard. Absolute worst live band ever! IMO
Having never seen them live..I definitely would. Even with the gaping hole absence of Ben Orr.
I dont see how they could do it without Ben Orr. He sang most of their best songs in my opinion. If they did, they would need a replacement…maybe Kasim Sultan, who was with Todd Rundgren’s Utopia (he sang their hit “Set Me Free”), and played in The New Cars.
First, I love the Cars. They hold a special place in memories of my youth. That being said, they were never known for the quality of their live shows. In fact, I have always rated the time I saw them as one of the most disappointing concerts I have seen. They barely looked like they could be bothered…. No Ben. Never had much chemistry. Don’t go there boys….
Great Great Bank, one of the 5 best every IMHO. Would go to venue that was small, club type venue. W/0 Orr would be tough, but small venue would be a success for them I think. Arena’s in this economy would be a mistake I think.
Side 2 of The Cars debut album is perhaps the greatest side of vinyl ever bar none.
I would definitely go see the Cars. I hope they come to Houston Texas. I LOVE THE CARS!!!!!