Ric Ocasek dead at 75: The Cars lead singer remembered as gift to new wave
The rock frontman was best known for The Cars, as well as for producing albums for bands Weezer, Bad Brains and more.
Ric Ocasek of The Cars performs during the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ric Ocasek, most famous as the founder and frontman of the iconic new wave band The Cars, has died, the New York Police Department confirmed Sunday.
He was found unresponsive at his East 19th Street residence in Manhattan on Sunday, according to NYPD reports from. The NYPD didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ocasek released seven studio albums with The Cars between 1978 and 2011, beginning with their hit self-titled album featuring the singles "My Best Friend's Girl" and "Good Times Roll."
Ocasek also released several solo albums, including Beatitude (1982), Fireball Zone (1990), Troublizing (1997) and Nexterday (2005). He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 14, 2018.
Last year, Ocasek and supermodel Paulina Porizkova, his wife of 28 years, announced that they were separating after 28 years of marriage. The pair met while shooting the video for 1984's "Drive" and had two children together.
Fans and friends took to Twitter to honor the late rock star Sunday. "He was so kind and his music was a gift to us all," guitarist Brian Ray wrote. "Thank you for the hooks and the music, Ric." Added music writer Jason Woodbury, "What a career, what a body of work."
Oh man, Ric Ocasek. 😢
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) September 16, 2019
Ric Ocasek, one of the most gifted songwriter/ producers of the post-punk era has passed. He was so kind and his music was a gift to us all. Thank you for the hooks and the music, Ric. https://t.co/XFncilymB3
— Brian Ray (@brianrayguitar) September 16, 2019
When Ric & Paulina moved into the neighborhood, teenage me silently squealed with delight. I'd see em on the street - they both, y'know, stood out - but I could never muster the guts to tell em how much I loved 'Heartbeat City.' A small but lasting regret. https://t.co/43zJq85657
— Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman) September 16, 2019
Lost & loserly, I visited Jane Curtain in NYC in 1989 & she made me lunch. I was wrenched out of my myopic bullshit by the sight of Ric Ocasek over the back fence. Ric & P were her neighbors. RIP Ric - & RIP Benjamin. Moving in Stereo & All Mixed Up https://t.co/ax5xRmkAGD
— donal logue (@donallogue) September 16, 2019
I'm so heartbroken to read, Ric Ocasek has passed away. I was a huge fan of his music, especially The Cars.
— Peter Morley (@morethanmySLE) September 16, 2019
In 1987, I met him on the streets of Manhattan, and he was just the kindest, gentlest soul and indulged my teenage self in an autograph. Wishing your family much peace. 🕊️ https://t.co/2B0st7jgRl
Remembering #RicOcasek. pic.twitter.com/GOIYeDc8s9
— Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine (@RichardCheese) September 16, 2019
The Cars are an incredible anomaly. Ric Ocasek was humble and an amazing talented. The Cars fit in Pop radio, alt radio, classic rock, you name it. So unique they fit in everywhere. Rest in Peace Ric. Your legacy will never fade. pic.twitter.com/vphn2LC0cf
— Ken Reid (@KennethWReid) September 16, 2019
Holy moly the passing of Ric Ocasek of the Cars is a blow. Master of tight, melodic guitar pop; a through-line connecting Bad Brains, Billy Corgan, Suicide, Weezer, Hole, Guided By Voices, No Doubt & countless more. What a career, what a body of work. pic.twitter.com/txBwJ0oH4b
— Jason P. Woodbury (@jasonpwoodbury) September 16, 2019
Holy shit, Ric Ocasek died. I met him once, briefly. He was nice. He doesn't sing on it, but he wrote it, and "Drive" IS the year 1984 for me. https://t.co/gDiXd7yUZq
— James Urbaniak (@JamesUrbaniak) September 16, 2019
Originally published Sept. 15, 6:41 p.m. PT.
Update, 8:29 p.m. PT: Adds more details about Ocasek.