What the Cars did was brilliant and yet so simple. After playing clubs in Boston and building a fan base, the Cars knew which original songs the fans liked and were the most popular. They took all of their most popular songs and put them on their first album.
Yep, for sure. Thanks to CZcams, I now realize a lot of other people think that. Their debut album "Cars" was like a greatest hits album, with one great song after another on that first album. At least 5 or 6 radio (stereo) friendly songs became top 20 hits. Phenomenal album, would still hold up today, if it was released in 2022.
Ben was an excellent vocal stylist. He did so many great twists and turns and tricks with his voice and made every song he sang better. Life is unfair.
@@57highland You got that right. Not only did his fans lose, this guy toured, spent many hours in a recording studio. That is rarely fun. Granted he wasn't digging ditches his whole life but my point is, he earned enough money to live quite well for a long, long life and was snuffed by a undefeated killer. Sucks for all of us.
they ended up using it, and in the studio went crazy with unnatural effect to fake you out. One can clearly hear the weak stuff here too. It is a VERY easy song, other than that lead vocal. He is great. But out of tune also... and would not fly next to most live bands of today.
@@morbidmanmusicThe imperfections of the human voice is what brings the emotional quality of the human voice that we, as humans, have been attracted to since time began. Autotune and pitch correction and all other attempts to perfect the human voice are a fool’s errand. And the robotic effect is off putting.
He was really a major talent. And he is so good looking that I slap myself to remind me he is a dude!! No, seriously he really is striking in looks, and a great songwriter. Fuckin Pancreatic cancer is a mother$^%&*. Dead at 53. Damn all cancer. It is so silent that by the time you feel even a bit off, it is already stage 4 and you pass within six months. Patrick Swayze, Michael Landon, and many more have been brought down by it. 2023 and it really has not changed much at all. I used to be a very heavy drinker ( I put it down about 12 yrs. ago) and alcoholics tend to be hit with it. My fingers are crossed
@@DustyTailUnfortunately just being introduced now. I was alive then but was busy playing the Stones, The Who, etc. This cat Benjamin Orr rocks. He's like ok, back the fuck up, let me grab this audience for 3: 45.
As a gifted, great vocalist, Ben would have stood out more than he did if the Cars hadn't been so loaded with talent: an brilliant songwriter (Ric), a dazzling lead guitarist (Elliot); an innovative, creative synthesizer guy (Greg), and a powerful but melodic drummer (Dave).
@@gib59er56man, my thoughts exactly about Ben! I'm as straight as a cup of water, but Ben has a look about him. My mean wife, who doesn't like anyone (other than someone like Depp 🙄) agrees on Ben. He'd have probably preferred to grab a beer, talk music, and generally hang out with me over her! 😂
If you’re a Cars fan or even just a casual rock fan then this video in my opinion is literally like a Rosetta Stone type archival piece of history that must be preserved at all cost. If you think that is a little over the top then you aren’t from the 80’s. Every time I watch this I am more blown away than the last time. They are so on point here. Benjamin Orr, may he rest in Peace, was such a great singer. Long live the Cars 🎸🚘🤘🏻🐐
I'm 41 and embarrassed to admit that I only recently learned about the brilliance of Ben Orr. What a frontman, what a voice, what a musician. Ben, you are missed.
My story is similar but i was 58 when i started noticing Ben.. frikkin heard this song nearly a thousand times by 1982.. My friend Dan Richart ( RIP) used to play this first Cars album all the time in his galaxie 500 or whatever the hell that big boat he drove.. he had house speakers in back seat.. lol.. what frikkn fun we used to have.. Famn
I’m in a Cars “tribute” band based in Boston. We’re called Panorama. All the guys in the band are life long Cars mega-fans, but it was in the process of dissecting the music that we all developed a new appreciation for just how amazingly inventive The Cars were at crafting their parts. The songs might seem deceptively simple to the casual listener but I promise you... every part is so thought out and finely tuned. Everything fits together like a puzzle. It makes re-creating this wonderful music such a joy.
That is so interesting. Me... just listening to the music and not really giving much thought to them creating the entire piece, lyrics and music.... Definitely gives me a different perspective. And thanks, now I actually listen for everything! I appreciate your insight. I suppose that's why you're the rock musician and not me. 😊 Best wishes to you, may your band find huge success. 🇨🇦 Luv from Canada Nicole
Could Benjamin Orr have been any more beautiful? I cant even think of another word. He was absolutely beautiful! And that distinct voice of his. So sad he passed so young.
Hey Stella, I’m a very straight man, but I completely agree with your sentiment of Benjamin. Damn, he was one good looking man, talented singer, not to mention great bass player. Another one taken too soon.
Elliot was ranked top guitarist I think two years running in Guitar World or Guitar Player in the early '80s. Guitarists know how good he is. The solo In Shake It Up is one of the most succinct, to the point and clever solos from that time period. A friend of mine who's been playing guitar for over 50 years often says Elliot Easton can say more in eight bars than most other guitarists can on an entire album.
Elliot’s playing at the end of this song is great! Very talented musician. Benjamin’s bass playing is a perfect complement to Elliot’s skill. The smile the two of them share at 4:06 is priceless.
They didn't sell that bad !!! And 2 million visits here, that's more than all the Saga video clips in a livespan of more than "10 000 days" achieved together. Now THAT is what I would call "sadly most underrated"....
Who ever underrated The Cars? They were like Beatles level success for their time. Granted few bands have the longevity of the Beatles there are those who say the Beatles were underrated. It seems the interpretation of what "underrated" means is totally misunderstood by some. I mean if anyone can say the most successful band in the history of the universe was underrated it can be applied to literally any other band and have the same lack of meaning.
@@gib59er56- Too professional to be high during a show. After a show, it was time to "try on hats." I think that Benjamin's shining eyes and the top lid of his left eye (right eye to anyone facing him) hung lower than the right eye, is what makes him look high.
@@ellab8897 Could be. But being a guitarist since 1979, I have seen pro`s (music was, unfortionately not ever my main support financialy) and I would be high in the studio and stage at times. Maybe I would have fared better if I was more in control or focused.) But the man is high imho.
@@gib59er56- I have seen several comments, not a whole lot of them, but definitely aside from yours, to the effect that Benjamin looks high, or was high during a video taped performance. For me, this is a case of, "I read it on the internet." I do know it doesn't make it true, band policy was, sober for shows; get high afterwards. It could be that Benjamin was high during a show, anyway. Which I agree makes it all the more amazing how great his singing and bass playing was.
@@ellab8897 Ella you could be right and even if he was high; what is the big deal about it? He was a charasmatic, talented musician and there is NOTHING anyone can say to change that. I am a guitarist of 40+ years and I like the Cars alot. On the other hand I had drug and booze problems in my early 20`s and I can spot an addict, or a person who is high every time. It really is the sad truth. Maybe if those drinking and drugging problems cost me and bands I was in to refuse to sign us up with a record deal.Now there are no record contracts, the industry has collapsed. Thank you for your comment, and Cheers!
Sometimes I just need to watch Ben Orr live and then I'm good to go about my day. The most stunning and talented man ,yet so humble. The Cars, like the Beatles were a blessing to the world. So grateful to have existed the same time they did.
Seriously, always LOVED The Cars; but never thought about/realized how badass Benjamin Orr was as a bass player and vocalist. Pretty chill guy for such a powerhouse. Severly underrated.
I agree 150%. Underrated on bass and as a frontman in general in my opinion. Total charisma too man, smooth as glass. I don't put alotta stock into the RRHOF, but when they inducted the Cars, they got it right 4sure. Thanks 4the post, it made my day.
I watch music videos on YT just to read the comments and see how far down I have to scroll before I see the dreaded "u" word. Got twice in this string of comments. Jackpot!
Benjamin died exactly 21 years ago, today. We still can't believe it. But we are still glad that we can continue to hear his great music. Rest in peace our gorgeous Benjamin.
at :34 something gets thrown at Ben. Ric sees it and keeps checking for Ben's reaction. Ben's pissed and sings the whole song in a subtle state of rage that somehow makes the whole performance really wonderful...it's Ben Orr at his righteous best!
@@cleawox Another true statement, for some time I didn't have Ben's first solo album & found a cassette of it & ripped it to my computer, what a singer & player.
When Ben was singing, you couldn't take your eyes off him. Hell, you couldn't take your eyes off him when he was on stage, full stop! What a babe magnet he was.
@@julenepegher6999 Hi Julene, mesmerized is right! He was cool, collected and so in command of himself. The way he stared that guy down in the audience....whew!! Ben was one in a million.
How is it even remotely possible this was 40 YEARS AGO!! This still sounds as cutting edge fresh today as it did the first time I heard it in '78.............
Yeah. I was born in '91 and I was so surprised at how current they sounded to me. Some weeks ago I listeded to their first album for the first time ever. I'm loving the second one too. They simply rock.
There's a lot of great bands of that era. Played some old Thin Lizzy stuff the other day and couldn't believe it was 40+ years old. Better than anything out today.
Yeah - RIGHT, how can it be....I keep asking myself the same thing , especially these days, where has 41 yrs gone since I graduated high school...GaHHHHH, just unfuckinBelievable!!!!!
I heard that the a$$hole who threw his drink onto the stage was actually escorted out during the song. The only thing better than a Benny leer is a Benny smile.
It's hard to put into words just how awesome this song is and how undeniable Ben Orr's charisma was. The Cars were passionately original and their musicianship was outstanding.
Man, I knew Ben sang some of the songs but I never knew which ones exactly. But I never knew he was this damn good of a singer live! I love Rick and the whole band but Ben kills this, such an incredibly excellent band, RIP Ben and Rick, the Cars are legends.
It took me a long time to realize the difference between Ben and Ric's voice. To me, they sound so much alike but when you really listen you can hear how much more smooth Ben was. Such a gift of a band.
I also didn’t know that he sang which songs. I think he is mesmerizing and oh so talented. I rocked the bass. I was a teen in the 80s and I wish that I had been more aware of the talent before me. I had no idea. I love the fact that I can watch all of these videos on CZcams.
Elliot domes off as a badass here, true. I don't like that the mix minimizes Hawkes. The synth sound is so very much a main part of band's sound. Made them new wave.
You gotta love Elliott Easton. Such an unassuming man. The kind of guy that is too congenial probably to fully understand just what am almost ridiculously enormous amount of talent he has. The only way he’s aware if it probably is that others have told him so. And he never over plays. He is a true team player that plays for the song. This video is a great example of the enthusiasm that he had for the music too. You can tell how proud he is of the music they’re making. And the moves in the facial expressions he makes while ripping off those blistering licks towards the end or hilarious, kind of reminds me of Jimmy page a little bit when he really get into a solo. And he’s a lefty, which is just cool just everything about this guy is cool. Do you know he makes it look in the easy up there but I’m talking difficulty level 11 on some of the licks. He’s a top 10 guitarist in my book.
@@greasyflight6609 yeah he just plain rips. Can be very technical and precise, or can just ROCK. You can hear influences like Hendrix and Page and some old rockabilly stuff, but for the most part he has his own sound. A true genius. Wish he would have done more after 1987. And I wish he would have asserted himself a bit more on Move Like This. But like I said earlier. Plays for the song. Gotta give him props for that.
I have regrets for a few bands I never saw too. I did get to see The Cars in 1978 - they opened for Styx. They played Candy-O before it came out. That was pretty great! But this venue...so intimate - would have loved to see them in a setting like this!
Ben was never lazy with the music. He was a great singer and he sang the same way every time. He seemed like a pretty low key guy in person. RIP Ben Orr.
I don’t think he actually sang the same way every time, in fact he changed it up live so people could tell he wasn’t lip syncing. I get what you mean though, he was a a amazing singer.
I love the interaction between Ben and Elliott. Incidentally, I read a history of the Cars with ties to The Book and thus with a lot of emphasis on Ben. There was one segment about the beer thrower which cracked me up. I had to share it. 😂 "During a performance of “Bye Bye Love”, some jerk in the crowd lobs a drink at the stage. Ben Orr favors the miscreant with an icy look, and stepping back from the mic, mouths "I'm gonna get you" at him. He then proceeds into the next verse while staring down the asshole in a manner that must have left a pile of ashes where the drink-thrower once stood. All while not missing a single beat or note of the song he is singing, and rocking it the hell straight out. It's an awe-inspiring video."
@@debrawillard3034 Oh yes! One of my favorite lyrics .. " Your eyes of porcelain of blue"..To this day, if I see an "Orangey sky".. I think of this GREAT lyric RIH💕🦋😎
HELL YEAH !! The music blew me away in 1978 when I was 16 and it still does now that I am 56. It was way different that ANYTHING that was out there. On my 8 track player....
Hell Yeah Same 1978, These Cars Are Talented,flawless,40, years ago , and Still watching them. The Videos are as good as it gets. Welcome Finally To ROCK&ROLL Hall Of Fame.. Any Band that Played with Ben, He nailed it. My Rock God.
Am I the only who didn't realize that Benjamin Orr sang so many of their greatest tunes? I was pretty young back then, so it must have escaped me - always thought Ocasek sang most of the songs?? Learn something new every day. RIP Ben...brilliant work!
i loved Benjamin orr too and he did sing a lot of their great tunes...but most of their songs are pretty good anyway and some of rics songs are just as quintessential, like dangerous type, nightspots, let the good times rolls...those are all equally awesome but bye bye love is maybe their best ben orr song..its quintessential cars.
Me too, I thought Ric Okasek did all the basic singing because I was young & didn't know Ben Orr's name back then! Maybe I would have been more aware but of course we didn't have home computers or wikipedia :) Its great to be able to see this video and discover some golden moments in the days Cars were on the road. No pun intended. Wish I could have seen them in concert. They are the best.
Doug Anderson i knew he sang, but didnt realize as much as he did. also didnt remember them having so much good music. but when i hear them , i remember them.
Elliott Easton lead guitar, David Robinson drums, Ric Ocasek singer & rhythm guitar, Greg Hawkes keyboards and Benjamin Orr bass guitar and lead singer. GREATNESS !! saw them in Arlington, Texas late 1977 at UTA Texas Hall The Dangerous Type Bye Bye Love Candy-O Just what I needed You're all I've got tonight and other great songs throughout the years, they belonged in the R&R hof a long time ago.
Same to me. I will listen to him until my last breath. Benjamin and The Cars were one of the best bands I ever heard. Happy New Year from Germany (Lake Constance).
MrAlbatros2 Agreed, Ben was mesmerizing, great voice, bass guitarist! CZcams is letting us enjoy Bens singing! Thanks Ric for not singing, not a big fan of his singing. Happy New Year!
Wonderful analysis of the cars my 1979 band that rocked my senior year ! Van Halen was pretty good that year too! I saw them live fourth row! Never saw the cars but love their music better. We were truly blessed to have the music being generated .
You know the band is good when they have 2 different lead singers, and either one could sing any of the band's songs. That's the clue that The Cars were going to be amazing. Plus, they had their own unique sound.
it was about orr at first ocasek was in his shadow until he died. ocasek was the only one that wanted to keep the name going so the record co gave him the deal. orr was the cars sound ocasek just tried to emulate it for the fans to keep the audience and make that money.
@@dooberto ive never liked ric. i was a kid when this band came out. i didn't pay much attention. orr just sounds better and has a unique style that hes defined. ric is pretty sterile and generic and he has a character about his voice that i don't like. its a personal thing.
Same here. I was 19 in 1979, and I played the hell out of this album. Vinyl and cassette for the car. I'm just now realizing that Benjamin Orr sang lead on so many of their songs. Always thought Ric Ocasek sang lead on most of the songs.
I was 14 when Heartbeat city came out. Great album, but their first 2 are the BEST. All my favorite songs were sung by Ben on those first too. Great memories! RIP Ben and Ric
Graduation H.S. band of graduation party played quite a bit of The Cars. Very good musically. They didn't match Ric's attitude or Ben's. But I didn't know that at the time.
God! Once you start watching Car's video's, it is so hard to stop! I have been a fan for 40 years now. I can match Ben on his bass, because I have been imitating him for 40 years, but I can't match his highs when he hits higher octaves. Ben was so good and the whole band was so tight, that the Car's will always be in my top 20! Phenomenal talent can never go unnoticed!
My boyhood idol and epitome of cool. I too took up the bass because of Ben. I tried to play, dress, and sing like him. Heck, I even started looking left on stage to our guitarist just like Ben would do to Ric. Couldn't sing like him either but G-d I tried. Still my epitome of cool all these years later.
The 1 aspect that matters as much or more is the song writing. These songs are laden with the catchiest melodies. So either singer will do. But yes Benjamin orr is otherworldly talented.
Ben O. ..what a fox. Couldn’t take my eyes off him when I was 8, and he affects me the same way to this day and I cried when he died. Surely I’m not the only person who would give anything to travel back in time. Ric RIP Alive as ever and kicking ass when I watch the old videos. Legends. 🔥
Even the guy who threw the half full beer at him missed, ha! It's right when he sings "It's such a wavy midnight...." and then later after he sings "Electric angel rock and roller..." he steps back from the mic and mouths "I'm gonna get you"... and then proceeds to finish the song, chill - Ben Orr style. Brilliant!
I never realized how HOT Benjamin Orr was 🔥 We’re losing legends as the years go by, but their music lives on in us forever. I hope he’s still Shaking it up wherever he is. Thank you Mr. Orr for sharing your wonderful gift with all of us; The Cars would not have been The Cars had it not been for you! 😍🙏🏼 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🎸
"If it was a good song, I sang it. If it was a great song, Ben sang it." - Ric Ocasek
Just proves what great guys they were, not to many leaders of a band would EVER admit to that, Miss them dearly !
Absolutely, great comment.
Rick was a dick to Ben at times. What you talking about. That’s why Ben left the band
@@Don0311 everybody leaves bands. it's just a broken alibi.
@@Don0311 Ego. Ate Rick up and rurnt the band.
Let’s face it, The Cars debut album IS perfection
No argument here. Probably one of the greatest debut album in rock history.
@@artlover4668 the greatest debut album IMO. Probably my favorite album that doesn’t have The Beatles on it
Indeed it is sir
What the Cars did was brilliant and yet so simple. After playing clubs in Boston and building a fan base, the Cars knew which original songs the fans liked and were the most popular. They took all of their most popular songs and put them on their first album.
Yep, for sure. Thanks to CZcams, I now realize a lot of other people think that. Their debut album "Cars" was like a greatest hits album, with one great song after another on that first album. At least 5 or 6 radio (stereo) friendly songs became top 20 hits. Phenomenal album, would still hold up today, if it was released in 2022.
There are no words to adequately explain just how good this band really was. Ben was a flawless singer. The band was way ahead of its time. Just wow!!
Ben was an excellent vocal stylist. He did so many great twists and turns and tricks with his voice and made every song he sang better.
Life is unfair.
@@57highland You got that right. Not only did his fans lose, this guy toured, spent many hours in a recording studio. That is rarely fun. Granted he wasn't digging ditches his whole life but my point is, he earned enough money to live quite well for a long, long life and was snuffed by a undefeated killer. Sucks for all of us.
Completely live. No backing tracks. No pitch correction. Just pure talent and a great song.
This is a well rehearsed band playing at peak intensity.
they ended up using it, and in the studio went crazy with unnatural effect to fake you out. One can clearly hear the weak stuff here too. It is a VERY easy song, other than that lead vocal. He is great. But out of tune also... and would not fly next to most live bands of today.
@@morbidmanmusicThe imperfections of the human voice is what brings the emotional quality of the human voice that we, as humans, have been attracted to since time began. Autotune and pitch correction and all other attempts to perfect the human voice are a fool’s errand. And the robotic effect is off putting.
@@morbidmanmusicThis is not about today 🤔 All time favorite band. Jethro Tull and Hall and Oates are good too....
Dude, I don't even think there's any reverb on the vox. This is REAL TALENT.
Ben Orr was a rockstar oozing with talent and charisma. He owned the stage.
He was really a major talent. And he is so good looking that I slap myself to remind me he is a dude!! No, seriously he really is striking in looks, and a great songwriter. Fuckin Pancreatic cancer is a mother$^%&*. Dead at 53. Damn all cancer. It is so silent that by the time you feel even a bit off, it is already stage 4 and you pass within six months. Patrick Swayze, Michael Landon, and many more have been brought down by it. 2023 and it really has not changed much at all. I used to be a very heavy drinker ( I put it down about 12 yrs. ago) and alcoholics tend to be hit with it. My fingers are crossed
Coolest friggin rock n roll singer ever!! ❤
@@DustyTailUnfortunately just being introduced now. I was alive then but was busy playing the Stones, The Who, etc. This cat Benjamin Orr rocks. He's like ok, back the fuck up, let me grab this audience for 3: 45.
As a gifted, great vocalist, Ben would have stood out more than he did if the Cars hadn't been so loaded with talent: an brilliant songwriter (Ric), a dazzling lead guitarist (Elliot); an innovative, creative synthesizer guy (Greg), and a powerful but melodic drummer (Dave).
@@gib59er56man, my thoughts exactly about Ben! I'm as straight as a cup of water, but Ben has a look about him. My mean wife, who doesn't like anyone (other than someone like Depp 🙄) agrees on Ben. He'd have probably preferred to grab a beer, talk music, and generally hang out with me over her! 😂
If you’re a Cars fan or even just a casual rock fan then this video in my opinion is literally like a Rosetta Stone type archival piece of history that must be preserved at all cost. If you think that is a little over the top then you aren’t from the 80’s. Every time I watch this I am more blown away than the last time. They are so on point here. Benjamin Orr, may he rest in Peace, was such a great singer. Long live the Cars 🎸🚘🤘🏻🐐
The more I watch these old Cars live videos, the more I know you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.
The moonlight aint so great
Very true
Joni Mitchell said that long ago in " Big Yellow Taxi"
I'm 41 and embarrassed to admit that I only recently learned about the brilliance of Ben Orr. What a frontman, what a voice, what a musician. Ben, you are missed.
evrbody thougt it was ocassick
Ben was amazing. So was Ric!
I'm 51 and have been a hardcore fan since 1978. Love everything about The Cars. 😎
My story is similar but i was 58 when i started noticing Ben.. frikkin heard this song nearly a thousand times by 1982.. My friend Dan Richart ( RIP) used to play this first Cars album all the time in his galaxie 500 or whatever the hell that big boat he drove.. he had house speakers in back seat.. lol.. what frikkn fun we used to have.. Famn
Me too. Awesome old school Rock band
Same....i never knew he sang.
Ben could just stand on the corner with a yoyo and still look like a rock star!
Wow he's collide that
Ben.. ❤️ love miss u
How about some love for the drummer. That was rock solid playing.
❤.. love Ell
Absolutely!
He rocked it for sure
Absolutely 👍 🥁
I’m in a Cars “tribute” band based in Boston. We’re called Panorama. All the guys in the band are life long Cars mega-fans, but it was in the process of dissecting the music that we all developed a new appreciation for just how amazingly inventive The Cars were at crafting their parts. The songs might seem deceptively simple to the casual listener but I promise you... every part is so thought out and finely tuned. Everything fits together like a puzzle. It makes re-creating this wonderful music such a joy.
That is so interesting. Me... just listening to the music and not really giving much thought to them creating the entire piece, lyrics and music.... Definitely gives me a different perspective. And thanks, now I actually listen for everything! I appreciate your insight. I suppose that's why you're the rock musician and not me. 😊 Best wishes to you, may your band find huge success.
🇨🇦 Luv from Canada
Nicole
I agree !!Hope u guys can come up to NH. This next year !!
Yeah... kinda helps to have a keyboard player who went to Berklee. Just sayin....
I thought they were cutting edge . Moving in Stereo was a great tune. One of the few groups I didn’t catch live. They really had a lot of radio play
Rick Beato just broke down “just what I needed” on his page. It’s wild how dense this “simple” song is.
Could Benjamin Orr have been any more beautiful? I cant even think of another word. He was absolutely beautiful! And that distinct voice of his. So sad he passed so young.
So many women share your sentiment. I hear variations of what you wrote on every message board featuring The Cars.
If I was gay I would do him in a second
Benjamin was absolutely beautiful ° face, body and soul 🥰🥰🥰 those eyes lordy lordy let me dream of Benjamin Orr 😁
Hey Stella, I’m a very straight man, but I completely agree with your sentiment of Benjamin. Damn, he was one good looking man, talented singer, not to mention great bass player. Another one taken too soon.
He was, absolutely. Even so, I believe Ric as the main frontman was a smart business decision.Especially for The Cars in the 80’s.
Who wouldn't kill to head down to a club tonight and see a band like this?
Some idiot in the audience of this show
Ben Orr is totally rocking this song. What a voice!
Man I never realized just how great Ben Orr was live. Singing is near perfection
Elliot Easton is sooo under rated. He's such a fun guitarist. Not too showy but his solos are always impressive and super creative
Elliot was ranked top guitarist I think two years running in Guitar World or Guitar Player in the early '80s. Guitarists know how good he is. The solo In Shake It Up is one of the most succinct, to the point and clever solos from that time period. A friend of mine who's been playing guitar for over 50 years often says Elliot Easton can say more in eight bars than most other guitarists can on an entire album.
Nailed it
Couldn’t agree more and you can really see just a tip of the iceberg of his talent at the end of this song. I’m going to watch it again right now 😊
Elliot’s playing at the end of this song is great! Very talented musician. Benjamin’s bass playing is a perfect complement to Elliot’s skill. The smile the two of them share at 4:06 is priceless.
His solos match the song perfectly
One of the sadly most underrated rock bands ever.....they were bloody fantastic
They didn't sell that bad !!! And 2 million visits here, that's more than all the Saga video clips in a livespan of more than "10 000 days" achieved together. Now THAT is what I would call "sadly most underrated"....
Don’t know where you were the were very famous in Texas where I grew up
Who ever underrated The Cars? They were like Beatles level success for their time. Granted few bands have the longevity of the Beatles there are those who say the Beatles were underrated. It seems the interpretation of what "underrated" means is totally misunderstood by some. I mean if anyone can say the most successful band in the history of the universe was underrated it can be applied to literally any other band and have the same lack of meaning.
what are you talking about? the cars were MTV superstars for years. they had 5 platinum albums in a row in the US
Underrated?... perhaps in your planet buddy boy.
Benjamin could've been a movie star if he wanted. The camera adores him.
It certainly does. What a missed opportunity - sigh!
He never seemed that self absorbed he had a lot of image problems with himself
How is it even possible that Ben sings better live than on the records? An absolute unicorn of a man.
He was damn amazing! He is so friggin high here , that I am shocked he can even remember his lyrics!. THAT is a pro.
@@gib59er56- Too professional to be high during a show. After a show, it was time to "try on hats."
I think that Benjamin's shining eyes and the top lid of his left eye (right eye to anyone facing him) hung lower than the right eye, is what makes him look high.
@@ellab8897 Could be. But being a guitarist since 1979, I have seen pro`s (music was, unfortionately not ever my main support financialy) and I would be high in the studio and stage at times. Maybe I would have fared better if I was more in control or focused.) But the man is high imho.
@@gib59er56- I have seen several comments, not a whole lot of them, but definitely aside from yours, to the effect that Benjamin looks high, or was high during a video taped performance. For me, this is a case of, "I read it on the internet." I do know it doesn't make it true, band policy was, sober for shows; get high afterwards. It could be that Benjamin was high during a show, anyway. Which I agree makes it all the more amazing how great his singing and bass playing was.
@@ellab8897 Ella you could be right and even if he was high; what is the big deal about it? He was a charasmatic, talented musician and there is NOTHING anyone can say to change that. I am a guitarist of 40+ years and I like the Cars alot. On the other hand I had drug and booze problems in my early 20`s and I can spot an addict, or a person who is high every time. It really is the sad truth. Maybe if those drinking and drugging problems cost me and bands I was in to refuse to sign us up with a record deal.Now there are no record contracts, the industry has collapsed. Thank you for your comment, and Cheers!
It's 2024 and they still sound fresh.
That’s what real talent looks like. No auto tune or tapes, real music.
THANK YOU!!!!!
Friggin incredible! Super tight
these guys were and are the real deal, true artists
Amen. Thank you.
Very well said! They were extremely talented.
Very few bands can claim a flawless album. Let alone a debut. This is one of those bands.
the knack.
Well a few come to mind, Boston, Montrose, Van Halen, but nonetheless a great debut album.
Chicago transit authority
Murmer
Led Zeppelin
Again stepping back when not singing to let Elliott take center stage. What a class act Ben was.
Sometimes I just need to watch Ben Orr live and then I'm good to go about my day. The most stunning and talented man ,yet so humble. The Cars, like the Beatles were a blessing to the world. So grateful to have existed the same time they did.
Seriously, always LOVED The Cars; but never thought about/realized how badass Benjamin Orr was as a bass player and vocalist. Pretty chill guy for such a powerhouse. Severly underrated.
I agree 150%. Underrated on bass and as a frontman in general in my opinion. Total charisma too man, smooth as glass. I don't put alotta stock into the RRHOF, but when they inducted the Cars, they got it right 4sure. Thanks 4the post, it made my day.
Another Cleveland- born rocker.
I watch music videos on YT just to read the comments and see how far down I have to scroll before I see the dreaded "u" word. Got twice in this string of comments. Jackpot!
@@satinwhip , you are SO above it. Sorry society is so predictable that it consumes your time confirming it. Good use of time (for a loser).
@Sepher Agon U know...
This song is still as fresh as it was when it came out 40 years ago.
Benjamin died exactly 21 years ago, today. We still can't believe it. But we are still glad that we can continue to hear his great music. Rest in peace our gorgeous Benjamin.
Ben Orr...clearly one of the all time best rock voices!
at :34 something gets thrown at Ben. Ric sees it and keeps checking for Ben's reaction.
Ben's pissed and sings the whole song in a subtle state of rage that somehow makes the whole performance really wonderful...it's Ben Orr at his righteous best!
I had to go back and look at that again. I noticed the first time that he backed off the mic and mouthed something to somebody out there.
@@dmax3270 yes Ben mouths something like - I'm going to get you? or something like that
I got the impression Ric was thinking "Oh, crap. Am I going to have to tackle Ben?"
He said I'm going to get you.
I didn't notice this and now I can see that he's pissed
BEN ORR was just amazing
AGREE.
I hate that we have to say WAS! Taken far too soon!
SUPREME
@@Stadia2024 proof, proof, I need proof, man!
Yea, amazingly hot.
The undisputed King of the sideways glance, while planted assuredly, floating on his band's unmatchable power. Very rare charisma.
I wonder if the crowd had any idea they were looking at legends that night.
This band was insanely good. Ben was a great singer. Elliot was an awesome guitarist. The whole band just clicked so well together.
Ben is killing the vocal on this one. The best.
Ric said something humorous to the effect that he gave the real vocals to Ben. Ben is a handy guy to have in your band.
@@cleawox Another true statement, for some time I didn't have Ben's first solo album & found a cassette of it & ripped it to my computer, what a singer & player.
Whoa !! How nice is this video!!!!!!!
Ben killed it on everything he played and sang on!
I agree!
When Ben was singing, you couldn't take your eyes off him. Hell, you couldn't take your eyes off him when he was on stage, full stop! What a babe magnet he was.
Yes, indeed. He was something special.
@@MrAlbatros2 For sure!
@@carolebarker2195 hi Carole, yep I’m mesmerized each time.
@@julenepegher6999 Hi Julene, mesmerized is right! He was cool, collected and so in command of himself. The way he stared that guy down in the audience....whew!! Ben was one in a million.
I would love that stare 😍
Ben Orr was fantastic. RIP Ben. You ARE VERY MISSED!!
How is it even remotely possible this was 40 YEARS AGO!! This still sounds as cutting edge fresh today as it did the first time I heard it in '78.............
It's so good that it's entered the realm of "timeless" music.
Yeah. I was born in '91 and I was so surprised at how current they sounded to me. Some weeks ago I listeded to their first album for the first time ever. I'm loving the second one too.
They simply rock.
There's a lot of great bands of that era. Played some old Thin Lizzy stuff the other day and couldn't believe it was 40+ years old. Better than anything out today.
Yeah - RIGHT, how can it be....I keep asking myself the same thing , especially these days, where has 41 yrs gone since I graduated high school...GaHHHHH, just unfuckinBelievable!!!!!
¡Pues si Esteban!
¡Estás ruco y no hay medicina pa´eso!
wow...how his eyes pierce the audience when he sings,,,u feel like he is singing to you personally
Elliot's body language during the solo is like he was throwing it in the face of everybody who picked on him at school
He almost looked a bit po'd about something. Whatever the deal, he was sure ripping that solo up.
I love how Ben and Elliot smiled at each other at the end.
I heard that the a$$hole who threw his drink onto the stage was actually escorted out during the song. The only thing better than a Benny leer is a Benny smile.
I agree. Priceless!
It's hard to put into words just how awesome this song is and how undeniable Ben Orr's charisma was. The Cars were passionately original and their musicianship was outstanding.
I fully agree.
I fully Love all it
I never get tired of watching the ending and that "bromance" between Elliot and Benjamin. Elliot looks so young. They both do.
Why do I find and appreciate artists after they are gone? Benjamin Orr is flawless. God made the perfect lead singer in Orr.
Ben has that rock n roll voice and hair going on!
Elliot Easton had some of the COOLEST and TASTIEST guitar solos EVER!!
ABSOLUTELY!!! I totally agree but not easy to play!!!
"My Best Friends Girlfriend"..
this should be shouted through a megaphone.........
He sure is, I would put Mike Campbell of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers & GE Smith, into that category.
Man, you said it. He was awesome.
Man Ben was something else man!!!
Man, I knew Ben sang some of the songs but I never knew which ones exactly. But I never knew he was this damn good of a singer live! I love Rick and the whole band but Ben kills this, such an incredibly excellent band, RIP Ben and Rick, the Cars are legends.
Orr was a great singer. I think some people are just born with certain talents.
It took me a long time to realize the difference between Ben and Ric's voice. To me, they sound so much alike but when you really listen you can hear how much more smooth Ben was. Such a gift of a band.
Hah, I could always tell the difference. Mr. Melodic vs. Mr. Hiccup. Loved them both.
I also grew up not realizing the bass player sang half the songs.
I also didn’t know that he sang which songs. I think he is mesmerizing and oh so talented. I rocked the bass. I was a teen in the 80s and I wish that I had been more aware of the talent before me. I had no idea. I love the fact that I can watch all of these videos on CZcams.
It looks like Ben and Elliot are having a blast. Their interactions are those of best mates.
Can't look away from beautiful Ben, fantastic voice and that stare.....
jdance I know so true
"Benny eleven-letters". Definitely a one of a kind performer!
11 letters...😅🤣😂
Yeah, he had a very long last name.
RIP BROTHER.
The whole band just full of talent: Greg, David, Elliott, Ric and Benjamin. Love them all.
exactly.
Me too. I've always loved the Cars. This song never gets old.
СОГЛАСНО НА ВСЕ 1000%!🖐🖐👌🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮
Ben Orr is still the most gorgeous man I have ever seen. Talented and a great voice!! I miss him so...
You never saw me Tina 😂❤😮
Most overlooked drummer in 80s rock, kills it and never gets a closeup!!!!
David Robinson, ya he did some cool stuff. He totally stopped playing drums after the cars broke up in 1988.
Dave Robinson is very good. Surprisingly, he and the rest of the band had no egos and they let their musicianship and talent speak for themselves.
...and the only guy originally from the area!
Perfect timing in every song. It's what stood out to me from their first song on.
Seriously! The guy had some of the most tastiest drum fills!
Possibly my favourite Cars song. Elliot rips and Ben is just so damn rockstar cool.
I agree.. this is my fav Cars song too.. and the best in the set they played at Rock Goes to College
I like a lot of their tunes, but I'm with you on the opinion that this is the best.
It’s my favorite all day long! Grew up on this Whoa baby!!!’n
Love it, between Ben & John Deacon they've made me want a Music Man bass for so long, a little extra context, under rated bass players & song writers.
Elliot domes off as a badass here, true. I don't like that the mix minimizes Hawkes. The synth sound is so very much a main part of band's sound. Made them new wave.
Benjamin Orr had the perfect vocals... Rest in peace...
You gotta love Elliott Easton. Such an unassuming man. The kind of guy that is too congenial probably to fully understand just what am almost ridiculously enormous amount of talent he has. The only way he’s aware if it probably is that others have told him so. And he never over plays. He is a true team player that plays for the song. This video is a great example of the enthusiasm that he had for the music too. You can tell how proud he is of the music they’re making. And the moves in the facial expressions he makes while ripping off those blistering licks towards the end or hilarious, kind of reminds me of Jimmy page a little bit when he really get into a solo. And he’s a lefty, which is just cool just everything about this guy is cool. Do you know he makes it look in the easy up there but I’m talking difficulty level 11 on some of the licks. He’s a top 10 guitarist in my book.
A real inspired appreciation...thank you...this guy was awesome!
@@greasyflight6609 yeah he just plain rips. Can be very technical and precise, or can just ROCK. You can hear influences like Hendrix and Page and some old rockabilly stuff, but for the most part he has his own sound. A true genius. Wish he would have done more after 1987. And I wish he would have asserted himself a bit more on Move Like This. But like I said earlier. Plays for the song. Gotta give him props for that.
Uber talent
@@greypilgrim6157 Uber talent
I'm bummed that I always just took this band for granted.. I regret never seeing them live.
Me too. : /
I did; 1979, Arrowhead Stadium🎉.
I have regrets for a few bands I never saw too. I did get to see The Cars in 1978 - they opened for Styx. They played Candy-O before it came out. That was pretty great!
But this venue...so intimate - would have loved to see them in a setting like this!
Love how cool he is about that drink being chucked at him - brilliant even when he’s angry ❤️💫🎸🔥
Makes me want to build a time machine.
i was 10 yrs old when this album came out. i remember mowing lawns to get the money to buy it...i still have the vinyl.
Ben was never lazy with the music. He was a great singer and he sang the same way every time. He seemed like a pretty low key guy in person. RIP Ben Orr.
Hell of a bass player too.
Most under-rated rock star ever!
I don’t think he actually sang the same way every time, in fact he changed it up live so people could tell he wasn’t lip syncing. I get what you mean though, he was a a amazing singer.
@@randombotdude2083 You're right, but will say his professionalism was always spot-on. Excellent bassist.
@@Fretless99 people don’t realize how hard it is to sing and play bass. Some say it’s harder than playing guitar and singing.
Ben Orr looked like a rock n roll version of a young Rutger Hauer. One a great musician, the other a great actor. Rest in Peace to them both.
Probably the BEST Cars video of their entire career. The intensity of their passion is heart stopping.
The video of them in 1985 AIDS benefit at RFK was pretty awesome
The keyboard isn’t loud enough in this mix
I love the interaction between Ben and Elliott.
Incidentally, I read a history of the Cars with ties to The Book and thus with a lot of emphasis on Ben. There was one segment about the beer thrower which cracked me up. I had to share it. 😂
"During a performance of “Bye Bye Love”, some jerk in the crowd lobs a drink at the stage. Ben Orr favors the miscreant with an icy look, and stepping back from the mic, mouths "I'm gonna get you" at him. He then proceeds into the next verse while staring down the asshole in a manner that must have left a pile of ashes where the drink-thrower once stood. All while not missing a single beat or note of the song he is singing, and rocking it the hell straight out. It's an awe-inspiring video."
There's a vid on Eastons fb page...
Tells of what a giving kind gentle man Ben was...
And how EE misses his friend...
So that’s what he mouths around 0:45 lol I don’t see the beer being thrown but, that’s interesting
Hi. Who was the drummer and the keyboard player? I've neeve known. Thanks
@@richwallace6854 The Drummer is David Robinson, and the Keyboard/Synth guy is Greg Hawkes.
@@janetaldrich7747 THANKS
Now Ric is gone too, so very sad. Long live The Cars !
bye bye ric!! you and ben have an orangey sky!!
Ricky Buchanan...Bye, Bye 👋🏽 love 🙋🏽♀️💕
Ben & Ric take care of each other🚙🚗🚙🚗
@@debrawillard3034 Oh yes! One of my favorite lyrics .. " Your eyes of porcelain of blue"..To this day, if I see an "Orangey sky"..
I think of this GREAT lyric RIH💕🦋😎
I'm so sad. I have just recently began to appreciate The Cars. Then Ric follows Benjamin. I hope they're rocking out wherever they are. RIP Ric...
@@luradungan7368 I have been a fan of The Cars since the early 1980s! Don't worry, Ric and Ben are surely rocking together up there!
Ben Orr was the most underrated lead vocals and bass player hands down ! Ocasek just wrote the lyrics
Love the Cars and Benny 11 letters!!!!!
It's stumbling across hidden/forgotten performance gems like this that make CZcams wrothwhile.
For sure. Because 99.9999999999999999% of the rest of it is pure shit.
HELL YEAH !! The music blew me away in 1978 when I was 16 and it still does now that I am 56. It was way different that ANYTHING that was out there. On my 8 track player....
I had this album on vinyl. The Cars were my jam in high school. Still love them.
The Cars were always playing when I skated at the Kona skate park in Jacksonville Fl. the summer I was there in the 80's. So tight as a live act.
How they write this music is beyond me.
Damn straight
Hell Yeah Same 1978, These Cars Are Talented,flawless,40, years ago , and Still watching them. The Videos are as good as it gets. Welcome Finally To ROCK&ROLL Hall Of Fame.. Any Band that Played with Ben, He nailed it. My Rock God.
Am I the only who didn't realize that Benjamin Orr sang so many of their greatest tunes? I was pretty young back then, so it must have escaped me - always thought Ocasek sang most of the songs?? Learn something new every day. RIP Ben...brilliant work!
i loved Benjamin orr too and he did sing a lot of their great tunes...but most of their songs are pretty good anyway and some of rics songs are just as quintessential, like dangerous type, nightspots, let the good times rolls...those are all equally awesome but bye bye love is maybe their best ben orr song..its quintessential cars.
Ben was the most talented vocals in the line up clearly!
Me too, I thought Ric Okasek did all the basic singing because I was young & didn't know Ben Orr's name back then! Maybe I would have been more aware but of course we didn't have home computers or wikipedia :) Its great to be able to see this video and discover some golden moments in the days Cars were on the road. No pun intended. Wish I could have seen them in concert. They are the best.
Henry Richards you are not the only one!
Doug Anderson i knew he sang, but didnt realize as much as he did. also didnt remember them having so much good music. but when i hear them , i remember them.
Elliott Easton lead guitar,
David Robinson drums,
Ric Ocasek singer & rhythm guitar,
Greg Hawkes keyboards and
Benjamin Orr bass guitar
and lead singer.
GREATNESS !!
saw them in Arlington, Texas
late 1977 at UTA Texas Hall
The Dangerous Type
Bye Bye Love
Candy-O
Just what I needed
You're all I've got tonight
and other great songs
throughout the years,
they belonged in the
R&R hof a long time ago.
Ben Orr classic voice and what a beautiful man
Did Ben Orr realize how great he was? Nobody can hold a candle to him, a rock legend! I can listen all day/night! Great band, Ric’s songwriting!
Same to me. I will listen to him until my last breath. Benjamin and The Cars were one of the best bands I ever heard. Happy New Year from Germany (Lake Constance).
MrAlbatros2
Agreed, Ben was mesmerizing, great voice, bass guitarist! CZcams is letting us enjoy Bens singing! Thanks Ric for not singing, not a big fan of his singing.
Happy New Year!
Watch the last interview with the Cars. Orr didn't care for the adoration.
Very humble man.
БЕН БЫЛ ЛУЧШИЙ! ЗАЖИГАЛКА! 🔥👌🇸🇮🇸🇮
Quite possibly the most perfect band of all time. Every member brings something unique to the table and not a single one could ever be replaced.
I feel that way about the Police, too...
Totally agree.
Wonderful analysis of the cars my 1979 band that rocked my senior year ! Van Halen was pretty good that year too! I saw them live fourth row! Never saw the cars but love their music better.
We were truly blessed to have the music being generated .
Hot as Hell consummate rockstar, the multi talented Benjamin Orr. Underestimated in his own time ...
Uhh. He’s just. BEAUTIFUL
signed,
art appreciator.
Ben Orr was more than amazing, he was almost in-human. Beautiful to the extreme. We all want to be with you again! RIP Ben.
You know the band is good when they have 2 different lead singers, and either one could sing any of the band's songs. That's the clue that The Cars were going to be amazing. Plus, they had their own unique sound.
I'm 65 and when I first heard the Cars I was like " wow , who the heck are these guys " ? Awesome !
This Cars song deserves more credit then it got AWESOME
Ben Orr !!! So underrated as a bass player and as a singer !! This video is a testament to that
When I was a kid and this band was popular it was all about Ric O'Casek, but Benjamin Orr is clearly the star.
it was about orr at first ocasek was in his shadow until he died. ocasek was the only one that wanted to keep the name going so the record co gave him the deal. orr was the cars sound ocasek just tried to emulate it for the fans to keep the audience and make that money.
@@truescotsman4103 So are you aware that Ocasek wrote all the songs?
Agreed. He had so much personality , great front man...and can play the bass
(Is also very handsome, I have a little man crush :))
@@truescotsman4103 ric always sang more songs than ben, even at this concert. thats a fact. its my opinion they both sound great but nothing alike
@@dooberto ive never liked ric. i was a kid when this band came out. i didn't pay much attention. orr just sounds better and has a unique style that hes defined. ric is pretty sterile and generic and he has a character about his voice that i don't like. its a personal thing.
Just sooo real!!! Love you Ben!!!
This whole band every member is criminally unheralded. So much talent.
🤣👍СОГЛАСНА НА ВСЕ 1000%!👌👌🇸🇮🇸🇮🇸🇮
Talk about talented. Listen to Ben's bass playing while he's singing lead.
Benjamin Orr was incredible. I love him. RIP
Elliot Easton us the greatest hook writer of his era
Ben had a fantastic voice.....and was so CUTE!
I was listening to The Cars in ‘79 and still listening to them in 2019. Love this group!
Same here. I was 19 in 1979, and I played the hell out of this album. Vinyl and cassette for the car. I'm just now realizing that Benjamin Orr sang lead on so many of their songs. Always thought Ric Ocasek sang lead on most of the songs.
Same here . I was 13 in 1979 , first year of jr high . The Cars were all the rage . Great times .
I was 14 when Heartbeat city came out. Great album, but their first 2 are the BEST. All my favorite songs were sung by Ben on those first too. Great memories! RIP Ben and Ric
Graduation H.S. band of graduation party played quite a bit of The Cars. Very good musically. They didn't match Ric's attitude or Ben's. But I didn't know that at the time.
John Cook Timeless music.
God! Once you start watching Car's video's, it is so hard to stop! I have been a fan for 40 years now. I can match Ben on his bass, because I have been imitating him for 40 years, but I can't match his highs when he hits higher octaves. Ben was so good and the whole band was so tight, that the Car's will always be in my top 20! Phenomenal talent can never go unnoticed!
I've been on a 2 week Car's binge. just wish there were more videos. But man were they great!
My boyhood idol and epitome of cool. I too took up the bass because of Ben. I tried to play, dress, and sing like him. Heck, I even started looking left on stage to our guitarist just like Ben would do to Ric. Couldn't sing like him either but G-d I tried. Still my epitome of cool all these years later.
one of the first shows i worked in 81 for I.A.T.S.E.
The 1 aspect that matters as much or more is the song writing. These songs are laden with the catchiest melodies. So either singer will do. But yes Benjamin orr is otherworldly talented.
Say that!!
I could watch this every day. In fact... I do!
Going on 45 years for The Cars debut album!!! WOW!!!
Benjamin Orr WOW!!!What else can you say?
Ben O. ..what a fox. Couldn’t take my eyes off him when I was 8, and he affects me the same way to this day and I cried when he died.
Surely I’m not the only person who would give anything to travel back in time.
Ric RIP
Alive as ever and kicking ass when I watch the old videos. Legends. 🔥
This song has never gotten old and I had this album when it first came out. Ben Orr simply could not be touched here. Phenomenal.
Even the guy who threw the half full beer at him missed, ha! It's right when he sings "It's such a wavy midnight...." and then later after he sings "Electric angel rock and roller..." he steps back from the mic and mouths "I'm gonna get you"... and then proceeds to finish the song, chill - Ben Orr style. Brilliant!
Absolutely one of the most underrated musisans
In my top 3 Cars tunes. I can't remember how many times I listened to this on 8 track in the basement half drunk with the black light on at 2AM.
Better than sex!
👍
@@GeorgeFlippin Sometimes you are right.
I never realized how HOT Benjamin Orr was 🔥 We’re losing legends as the years go by, but their music lives on in us forever. I hope he’s still Shaking it up wherever he is. Thank you Mr. Orr for sharing your wonderful gift with all of us; The Cars would not have been The Cars had it not been for you! 😍🙏🏼 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🎸
БРАВО!!!!👏👏👌👌🖐🖐🇸🇮🇸🇮2023г
I was 15 years old when I first saw the Cars LIVE in 1980...was SO in love with Benjamin Orr oh my godddd...little teen fan girl fantasies ;-)
Love the energy between the bass and guitar player.