Ric Ocasek was best known as the singer, prolific songwriter, guitarist and producer behind the new wave band The Cars, best known for their hit single 'Drive' from the album 'Heartbeat City' in 1984. The band had seven platinum albums between 1978 and 1984 and, as their songwriter, Ocasek was known for his originality and flair.
After The Cars disbanded in 1988, he went on to write and produce for a wide range of other bands, including Bad Brains, Guided By Voices, Weezer, Suicide, Bad Religion, No Doubt, The Wannadies and The Cribs. He also released several solo singles and albums. His debut solo album, 'Beatitude' in 1982 was a more experimental version of the new wave rock which was the hallmark of The Cars. This was followed in 1986 by 'This Side of Paradise' on which the use of synthesizers was much more prevalent. His next album, 'The Fireball Zone' was released in 1990, including the hit single 'Rockaway'. In 1993, he released two solo albums, 'Quick Change World' and 'Negative Theater'. These were followed by collaborative album 'Getchertikitz' in 1996 with Alan Vega from the band Suicide. Ocasek embarked on his first tour since the break-up of The Cars in 1997 to promote his album 'Troublizing'. His next album release, 'Nexterday' was not until 2005.
In 2010, Ocasek reunited with the remaining surviving original members of The Cars to release their final album 'Move Like This' (2011). The band were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. On September 15th 2019, following surgery, Ocasek passed away at home in Manhattan, New York. A resurgence of interest in his music followed, along with an outpouring of tributes from many musicians who had recognised Ocasek's individuality and influence on the musical world.
