Surviving Cars Members Reveal Progress on Ric Ocasek’s Final Songs

Unlocking the last musical moments of Ric Ocasek, The Cars’ surviving members are crafting new songs from his final recordings.

A New Chapter in The Cars’ Legacy

If you’re a fan of the shimmering synths and infectious riffs that defined the late 70s and 80s, then the news that The Cars are bringing Ric Ocasek’s final songs to life is nothing short of thrilling. The iconic new wave band, whose catchy tunes like “Just What I Needed” and “Drive” still resonate decades later, are working diligently to complete music that Ric started before his passing in 2019.

The Cars found rapid success with their early albums such as The Cars (1978), Candy-O (1979), and Heartbeat City (1984). After a breakup in 1988, they reunited in 2010 to produce Move Like This, released in 2011. Their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 was a crowning achievement just before Ric’s untimely death the same year.

Unearthing Hidden Gems

The truth is, some music from The Cars has been quietly waiting in the wings, and fans might soon get to hear it. Bill Janovitz, author and frontman of Buffalo Tom, recently dropped a biography titled The Cars: Let The Stories Be Told. Within its pages lies a revelation: unreleased Cars songs, partially crafted by Ric Ocasek and even the late bassist/singer Benjamin Orr—who passed away in 2000—are in the process of being completed.

The surviving members—guitarist Elliot Easton, keyboardist Greg Hawkes, and drummer David Robinson—have been piecing together these musical fragments, transforming skeletal demos into what Easton describes as authentically Cars-like creations.

Inside the Studio with Elliot Easton

Speaking to Guitar Player, Easton shared his experience, “So far there’s five [songs] done now, with guitar overdubs and everything… They sound like Cars songs, they really do.” He explains how it was natural to dive back into Ric’s world. “It was just kind of the same as before... Here’s a new Ric song. What do I want to do?”

The demos, initially presented in bare-bones form by the band’s manager Jeff Kramer in 2020, consisted mostly of Ric’s signature eighth-note guitar style without much else. Easton notes, “Without what we did to them, they could’ve ended up just on a cassette sitting in a drawer.”

Thankfully, the band’s creative magic came alive as they layered hooks, intros, solos, and harmonies. Easton adds, “When the five of us got a hold of them and started coming up with lines and hooks and intros and solos and counterpoint melodies and things to add to choruses and stuff, that’s what made them catchy.”

A Tribute Concert to Remember

On October 26, 2025, Easton took center stage at a tribute concert in Los Angeles celebrating the band’s 1978 self-titled debut album. The event was a heartfelt homage that brought together a star-studded lineup including Billy Idol, Corey Taylor from Slipknot, and Josh Freese of Nine Inch Nails.

These artists performed beloved songs like “Just What I Needed” and “Moving in Stereo,” reminding us why The Cars’ music remains timeless and influential. Check out some unforgettable moments from the tribute below:

Billy Idol performing “Just What I Needed” at the Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 10.26.25

Corey Taylor’s take on “Moving in Stereo” at the same event

Rick Springfield and Elliot Easton jam on “All Mixed Up”

The Cars’ Enduring Influence

It’s amazing how The Cars have shaped not just their era but modern music as well. Bands like Bleachers, led by Jack Antonoff, openly cite The Cars as a major inspiration. In 2021, Bleachers performed a heartfelt live cover of the classic “Drive”, paying homage to their idols.

Even the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus have thrown their hats into the ring, covering “Just What I Needed” as a tribute to Ric Ocasek’s legacy.

Why This Matters

For longtime fans, these new songs represent a beautiful continuation of The Cars’ story—like finding a secret letter from a dear friend who’s gone. And for new listeners, it’s a fresh chance to connect with one of new wave’s most distinctive voices, brought to life by those who knew Ric best.

It’s a reminder that music, at its core, is a living, breathing thing that doesn’t just end with one artist’s final note.

What’s your favorite Cars song, and how would you feel about hearing these final tracks completed by the band?

FAQ

• How many unreleased songs from Ric Ocasek are being worked on?
  There are currently five songs being finished by the surviving members with guitar overdubs and full arrangements.
• Who are the surviving members working on these songs?
  Elliot Easton (guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums) are working on completing the tracks.
• Did Benjamin Orr contribute to any of these unreleased songs?
  Yes, some songs include contributions from the late bassist and singer Benjamin Orr, who passed away in 2000.
• Where was the tribute concert for The Cars held?
  The tribute concert took place at the Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on October 26, 2025.
• Which artists participated in the tribute concert?
  Notable performers included Billy Idol, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Josh Freese of Nine Inch Nails, and Rick Springfield, among others.

If you’re inspired by The Cars and want to celebrate their iconic imagery, shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a stylish piece of music history. Explore the collection here.