Frontman was 70 years old
The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek was found dead in his Manhattan townhouse on Sunday (Sept 15th). Page Six reports that Ocasek was discovered unconscious and unresponsive at around late Sunday afternoon inside his Gramercy Park pad by his estranged wife, Paulina Porizkova. Sources say he died from natural causes.
The Cars shot to fame in 1978 with their self-titled album. It featured their hits “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed.” The band released five more records through 1987 before disbanding until 2011 when they released their seventh studio album Move Like This without late-bassist Benjamin Orr, who died in 2000.
Other hits include “Good Times Roll,” “Magic” and “Shake It Up.” The Cars were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year where the band performed for the final time with Ocasek. Ocasek was the primary songwriter for the new wave American band that formed in Boston.
Ocasek is survived by Porizkova and two children.
Celebs took to social media to express their thoughts on Ocasek’s sudden passing.
R.I.P. Ric Ocasek! What an innovator and amazing songwriter.
— Rikki Rockett (@RikkiRockett) September 16, 2019
I’m stunned and saddened by the loss of Ric Ocasek – he was a visionary who affected the lives and hearts of everyone who listened to music in the 80s. God Speed, Ric! Keep Moving in Stereo!
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) September 16, 2019
Wow, shocking news here and another tragic loss to the rock world just days after the passing of Eddie Money. RIP Ric Ocasek of @thecarsband . https://t.co/sSHQ3bySmk
— Eddie Trunk (@EddieTrunk) September 16, 2019
The Cars were born the same year as I, and I've always held them as a quintessential sound of my childhood, and so on. The sound of an era, while also timeless. Ric Ocasek is amongst the all time best. I encourage my younger followers to seek out this music. RIP https://t.co/6HlMb2NakV
— Prince Herb (@SalVulcano) September 16, 2019