OT-Cars REunion

[Angiekay]

Given the fact that Styx and Journey fans have been down this road and are maybe more accepting(some of us anyway)now of new leaders, how do you feel about this? The Cars have always been one of my favorite bands and it's one of the reunions I've been hoping for for a loooong time, but without Ric and Benjamin, I don't know...feelings?


The rumors are true, and the Cars will ride again. Todd Rundgren and Cars lead guitarist Elliot Easton have joined together in a new lineup of the band, and they've already started working on new material together. If all goes well, the plan is to release a new greatest-hits album with some new songs next year, and then to tour, but no dates have been announced. The rest of the band hasn't been set, and it's not known whether Cars drummer David Robinson and keyboardist Gregg Hawkes will take part.

Cars singer-guitarist Ric Ocasek has already said that he's not interested in a reunion, but he won't stop his former bandmates from playing.
Singer-bassist Benjamin Orr died of cancer in October 2000.

[jrnyman28]

Yes, you would think "we" might be more tolerant of this because of our experiences with Journey and Styx. But you would be wrong on my part. I think this is a TERRIBLE idea and a groosly obvious money grab. Who were the key songwriters for the Cars. I may be incorrect, but I thought it was Ben and Ric (and probably Eliot). One of the reasons I felt Journey could continue was because of the contributions by the other members. Neal and Jon were a very large part of the successes of Journey so I felt they would be able to carry on without the other large part. But if Ric and Ben were the biggest part of the Cars success and they are not there, than the name should not be the Cars.

Funny thing, even if I am wrong about the songwriting contributions, I still feel this is wrong and Ric and Ben were the biggest part of the image success as well. That is a little hypocritical of me since Perry was the biggest part of the image of Journey to most, but he wasn't to me so I could look past that.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Angie, I have to totally agree with jrnyman on this one. I think in this case you would need Ric, the original keyboard guy and drummer. Otherwise it sounds like the same thing with Foreigner.

I guess as these guys are getting older, the medical expenses and insurance is rising, they really do need the money.

I didn't realize that most musicians have to pay for their own medical insurance, only a few of the record companies have policies for them.

[Angiekay]

I feel much the same way. In Styx and Foreigner's cases and well, sometimes in Journey, there was more then one lead singer. The two singers and songwriters in the Cars were Ric and Ben. Elliot did write quite a bit also though. He has been touring with a revamped CCR in the last few years and drummer David Robinson is out of music all together. I don't think Greg Hawkes has been doing much of anything either. I think he worked a little on Ric's new album. I know they did actually ask Ric to join them, but he just released a new album last month and actually has a "real" job working for as a VP for Eleckra records now. As for Todd Rundgren...I have never really liked him.

[Fernando Ramirez]

Ocasek was integral to that band. In my mind, he was the CARS. He is certainly who you think about when people remember the CARS. Without him, you shouldn't call it THE CARS. They need to re-name themselves... they can still do the same material, but just call themselves something else. THE AUTOMOBILES? THE VEHICLES? THE CARZ?

Conversely, if Ocasek decided to tour as THE CARS, then I would say it's alright. Isn't that interesting?

[ohsherrie]

Ocasek was integral to that band. In my mind, he was the CARS. He is certainly who you think about when people remember the CARS. Without him, you shouldn't call it THE CARS. They need to re-name themselves... they can still do the same material, but just call themselves something else. THE AUTOMOBILES? THE VEHICLES? THE CARZ?

Conversely, if Ocasek decided to tour as THE CARS, then I would say it's alright. Isn't that interesting?

I think this entire conversation is very interesting. But that's all I'm saying. I know nothing about the Cars.

[Angiekay]

I think this entire conversation is very interesting. But that's all I'm saying. I know nothing about the Cars.

You're missing some GREAT music, girl!

[ohsherrie]

I think this entire conversation is very interesting. But that's all I'm saying. I know nothing about the Cars.

You're missing some GREAT music, girl!

My kids may have some of their stuff. I'll see and give it a listen.

[sadie65]

Yes, you would think "we" might be more tolerant of this because of our experiences with Journey and Styx. But you would be wrong on my part. I think this is a TERRIBLE idea and a groosly obvious money grab. Who were the key songwriters for the Cars. I may be incorrect, but I thought it was Ben and Ric (and probably Eliot). One of the reasons I felt Journey could continue was because of the contributions by the other members. Neal and Jon were a very large part of the successes of Journey so I felt they would be able to carry on without the other large part. But if Ric and Ben were the biggest part of the Cars success and they are not there, than the name should not be the Cars.

I think it demonstrates what "we" value. Using Styx and Journey as examples, it's clear there are different mindsets and values. For instance, I have always liked Journey and liked immenselt what Steve Perry brought to the table...however when Journey went forward without him I was fine with it because I didn't see it as an abandonement by anyone.

Conversely, while I accepted the changes in lineup with Styx, I had a problem with how it came about. For me, the situations were not similar, though I know for others they are. I have seen them in concert and for me only, I find them lacking.

We attach our own emotions to things. It doesn't make it right...just makes us human. I think sometimes we honestly accept things and others we bend our own beliefs to accept things.

Funny thing, even if I am wrong about the songwriting contributions, I still feel this is wrong and Ric and Ben were the biggest part of the image success as well. That is a little hypocritical of me since Perry was the biggest part of the image of Journey to most, but he wasn't to me so I could look past that.

And that's the point I'm trying to make here. You rationalized (and I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that here) to accept the change in Journey. You don't feel you could do it here.

I like some of the Cars material. I have no personal bias here. Not crazy about the new lineup as I think the sound will change, but hey, when has that ever stopped anything.

[Andrew]

Total crapola.

Check out Ocasek's new studio album - he IS The Cars.

Pointless without him. And Rundegren? Give me a break.

[Greg]

Total crapola.

Check out Ocasek's new studio album - he IS The Cars.

Pointless without him. And Rundegren? Give me a break.

I agree 100% with you Andrew! You cannot have a Cars reunion without Ric Ocasek. Actually, why even call it a reunion? Call it Cars 2006 or something, but it isn't the samething.

[NealIsGod]

Total crapola.

Check out Ocasek's new studio album - he IS The Cars.

Pointless without him. And Rundegren? Give me a break.

Uhh... I guess now would not be a good time to ask for a Cars forum?

[ohsherrie]

Total crapola.

Check out Ocasek's new studio album - he IS The Cars.

Pointless without him. And Rundegren? Give me a break.

Uhh... I guess now would not be a good time to ask for a Cars forum?

I'd think that would be a safe bet.

[usedtobadnews61]

I bet Ocasek views it more as a Creedence Clearwater Revisited situation then anything else. But, having always heard what a control freak he was, I am surprised that he would give his blessing on this. I am assuming of course, that he owns the Cars name.

Total crapola.

Check out Ocasek's new studio album - he IS The Cars.

Pointless without him. And Rundegren? Give me a break.