Shit man; 17, out of high school hanging in my parents garage with the homeboys drinking Lowenbrau on a June Saturday night with the radio blasting, "Just What i Needed" - bliss, pure bliss.
I have watched so many music videos of The Cars performances, read the comments and am continually blow away by the amount of L-O-V-E fans have for Ben. It is overwhelming. He was amazing in every way-agreed, but the whole band was awesome in their own way. They ALL had great talent, skill and their own special brand of "star quality". That is probably why The Cars had such tremendous success. I grew up on 70's and 80's (mainly) music and while I liked The Cars, I don't think it's been until recently that I came to really understand the tremendous amount of talent coming out of this band. The music is phenomenal and truly stands the test of time, but what really impressed me is how tight this band is--everyone in perfect synch and good at what they do--and really appearing to enjoy playing--and playing TOGETHER. RIP Ben and Ric. What a legacy.
Hey now, don't forget David Robinson. His drumming with his odd time signatures and usage of electronics/acoustic "hybrid" drums were groundbreaking also. David never got the acclaim he should have received. Also Gregg, a keyboard genius!
Someone commented that the energy of Elliott's guitar solo was "lack luster" in the New Cars concert because he didn't have Benjamin jamming with him anymore. 😔
+Reva Nelson i finally got my hands on the Musikladen dvd and watching that whole thing..those 2 really played off of each other and looked like they were having such a good time.
Yes, Elliot has said that Benjamin was like a big brother to him. A mentor too. Elliot told of ways Benjamin had been kind and generous, that his bandmates learned of after he died, because he’d done so without a word.
This is one of those songs that is great on the radio and then takes on a new life played live. Ric Ocasek may have written this song, but Benjamin Orr is the one who brought it to life. It is hard to imagine he has been gone a while, but man he is very much missed. R.I.P Ben.
I know right? Can't believe he's been gone almost 25 years now. Makes me so heartbroken. And now Ric Ocasek a few years ago. :( :( :( I'm so thankful I was able to see them several times in the 80s. And they always opened with "Hello...... hello again" Gives me chills. Not a bad song on ANY of their albums.
@@notgivinup Lucky. I never saw them live and I’m kicking myself now. No excuses either since I’m from the Boston area either and was in college in Boston in the 80’s.
@@kelseymariel2127 Ben is laid to rest in Ohio not too far from where I’m from. I don’t live in Ohio now but if I ever go back, I’m planning on stopping by to pay my deepest respects. 💔🕊️🙏🏻🌹🪽
@@notgivinup It’s really sad. Far too young and he never really got to enjoy and watch his son grow up. Sounds weird but give him my regards as well when you do visit his grave at some point. I wish I paid attention in the 90’s I would have definitely caught some of his local shows.
man, in high school I was a skinny gawky kid. someone came up with the brilliant observation that I looked like Rick Ocasek. So for 4 years I got "HEY RICK!" I HATED The Cars in high school. I got over that ages ago and now I think they rule. thanx for posting this.
I've seen other clips where Ben is indeed chewing gum, though I don't know for sure if he is here. Could be making "guitarist faces" that many do to express their playing. The Cars was one band that didn't move too much on stage, so I never associated them with cocaine, though who really knows. As thred610 mentioned, it was quite prevalent at the time. If anything, they seemed more inclined to weed but again, who knows? Great all-around RnR band!
crapple009 He absolutely is chewing gum! No doubt there. ☺️ I thought it was great! He never performed like it was a job. He just always seemed like he was having fun. So why not chew gum?
Out of all the videos I've seen of the Cars I've never seen Ben Orr chewing gum. It's possible he may have had a sore throat or just didn't feel particularly good vocally and chewing gum is a way to keep your throat moist. However, he sounds awesome here so who knows!
This song came out before MTV. However, on the first day that MTV went on the air, this version with the band dubbing over the original recording was broadcast. Ben sings the vocal live but the rest is the original recording. It was like a pre-MTV music video. ua-cam.com/video/uue35hPID4A/v-deo.html
It's a great clip. At the end there is a part of a soundcheck or something... Is there a longer part of it (or the whole thing)? It's very funny. By the way: funny. I've never seen them live (they've never come to Hungary) and on the video clips (even on the live ones) they keep a stiff face, they hardly smile. Have they had a stage fright or was is an image?
Even if you don’t like bens hair, or don’t like the video quality, how does anyone thumbs down this?? There’s 13. I’ll assume 3 of them were mistakes but that leaves 10 w/ no taste. Haters everywhere I guess.
@benny11letters Wondering if you're still around? Seems like 14 years since you posted anything. You definitely have the best Benjamin Orr content online to this day and we're forever appreciative of that.
As a fan, I'm sure you've read the biography "Let's Go...", but in case you haven't. Benjamin probably had several guitars he used throughout his career, but if you're noting the different guitar because he's not playing the Music Man Stingray or the red Vox, Benjamin lost those to a fire in the apartment building he was living in in 1980, early in the year if I recall. Apparently, he just escaped with, literally, the clothes on his back and a coat. He didn't even have an ID and had to have a friend vouch for him at the bank so he could get some money. (If you did know this, sorry I just told you something you already knew. ^_^) PS Thanks for the videos you've posted. They are very good quality.
Several tracks on the 'Unlocked' DVD had dubbed audio. This is one of them. You can tell by the sampled backing vocals, which they started using on the '84 tour. One of the US Festival tracks on the DVD was also dubbed. Very disappointing. Would have loved to have heard the actual audio, even if there were flaws......
He's not chewing gum!! He's not on coke!! It's those damn things in his ears to protect his hearing. They are too big and I can't imagine how horrible they felt every time he moved his jaw. Jesus Christ, don't you people know how to think??
... He did take drugs quite often... including coke and speed pills.... To me he just looks "tired" in this... But he is usually high on something... as were most back then.
I know! I never understood how he could say that! Wasn't his quote something to the effect of "we never flew in vocals"? If you look at their performance of 'Heartbeat City' from Live Aid, at the end of the song, none of them are anywhere near a mic, but the backing vocals are still going on. Unfortunately, a good majority of bands are doing that now. At least the Cars lead vocals were always live. Now you have acts like Madonna & Britney Spears who are more into dancing than singing!
I'm just saying it's deceptive to claim a performance is from 1980 when the audio is not. Next to the Beatles, they're my favorite band. That's why I was so looking forward to the Unlocked DVD. And why I was disappointed.
Nadine Kruger If I tried that, I'm pretty sure I would choke on the gum! Some folks are just more talented, I guess. I like the trick of biting down on the tip of the tongue to cause salivation. Of course, it might be awkward in the middle of a song...
+notsoseriousmoonlight - I agree! I'd either choke on the gum or it would fly out of my mouth at someone in the audience! Perhaps Ben was chewing gum to keep the saliva flowing, but he was also a chain smoker, so that could be why he did it. When I saw them in concert, he was playing his bass while holding a cigarette the entire time.
@Jim Lahey - No. None of them used drugs. I see comments all the time that Benjamin looks stoned. I guess it’s because of the unusual color of his eyes.
Sorry, but he IS chewing gum here, as he did quite often onstage. I always assumed it was to curb his cravings for nicotine, but who knows? I agree with you on the cocaine though. Using cocaine was as common in the 80's as pot smoking was in the 60's and 70's, However. like many people, even then, he didn't like the effect and didn't use it.
what are you trying to do???/ on every cars vid u post this same stupid msg...are u that deprived of attention that you get your thrills from having ur inbox littered with abusive rants???
Who can sing, play the bass, chew gum and look incredible hot at the same time??? Mr. Benjamin Orr only 😍❤.
McCartney
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!! I actually love the dark hair on him more so than the blonde. WOW.
@@notgivinupMe too. I remember being relieved when he went back to this after the CandyO tour. Just regular normal but hot Ben.
Verdade..ele era feraaa..lindoooo❤❤
Ya, but he’s a picker and not a plucker.
Very nice band and my favorited all time Ben Orr is a wonderfull talent in base and other instrument
RIP my favorited singer ❤❤❤❤❤
Shit man; 17, out of high school hanging in my parents garage with the homeboys drinking Lowenbrau on a June Saturday night with the radio blasting, "Just What i Needed" - bliss, pure bliss.
Ben, what a natural rock star thru and thru.
That pout kills me everytime!
I love the ending where ethy come back out and start to jam and Ric's guitar is out of tune. I love Ben's facial expressions!! So cute and spunky!!
Benjamin Orr = wonderful human being.
Ben was gifted & SORELY MISSED RIP Bennie!
Elliot is one of those rare underrated talents who blends a myriad of styles competently.
I have watched so many music videos of The Cars performances, read the comments and am continually blow away by the amount of L-O-V-E fans have for Ben. It is overwhelming. He was amazing in every way-agreed, but the whole band was awesome in their own way. They ALL had great talent, skill and their own special brand of "star quality". That is probably why The Cars had such tremendous success. I grew up on 70's and 80's (mainly) music and while I liked The Cars, I don't think it's been until recently that I came to really understand the tremendous amount of talent coming out of this band. The music is phenomenal and truly stands the test of time, but what really impressed me is how tight this band is--everyone in perfect synch and good at what they do--and really appearing to enjoy playing--and playing TOGETHER. RIP Ben and Ric. What a legacy.
Emails Emails he was just a good guy it transcends the rock star
@@scottrobbins6216 Agreed. He's pretty amazing, really. So much respect--clearly well deserved.
Emails Emails pretty decent softball player to ! Keep rockin email
@@scottrobbins6216 Really? Did you play with him?? Peace and all the best to you!
Hey now, don't forget David Robinson. His drumming with his odd time signatures and usage of electronics/acoustic "hybrid" drums were groundbreaking also. David never got the acclaim he should have received. Also Gregg, a keyboard genius!
This was just what I needed
Love Belliot at the end sharing a mic. I think they were good buds it seems. ❤
Love the bit at the end with Benjamin pulling faces at Ric. Adorable!
Thanks for writing all the great tunes, Ric! I'm sure Ben appreciated it.
Ben did all right all on his own writing songs pre Ric during ric and after ric.
You know, even to this day, I can't belive he's dead. Its unreal to me.RIP Ben..love you!!
Still listening to this Epic band in Dec.2021 💜💜💜💜
Awesome band stacked with talent,RIP Ric,Ben
I love the pace of this version and Bennies laid back cool more than usual.
Aww... at 2:54 when Elliot is sharing the mic and smiling at Ben.
With Ben being 6 years older, I've wondered if he was like a big brother to Elliot.
Someone commented that the energy of Elliott's guitar solo was "lack luster" in the New Cars concert because he didn't have Benjamin jamming with him anymore. 😔
+Reva Nelson i finally got my hands on the Musikladen dvd and watching that whole thing..those 2 really played off of each other and looked like they were having such a good time.
Yes, Elliot has said that Benjamin was like a big brother to him. A mentor too. Elliot told of ways Benjamin had been kind and generous, that his bandmates learned of after he died, because he’d done so without a word.
Fabulous! Ben and Elliot are just genius.
Just thinking of how much I love this song
This clip is especially tasty and rocks so hard! Love the soundcheck bit at the end. Gold.
in every way a perfect song. i listen to it on my way to work every morning and it always puts my mood right.
I'd do despicable things to see this whole gig. They played " you wear those eyes"!!! I need to see that 😍😍😍😍😍
Just adorable the way he plays with Elliot.
This song is my "high school" song. And I hate that Ben is no longer w/ us. I can't believe it. Makes me so sad.
Was class of 1980 that’s was class song.
This smokes. Love the mix of characters too. The keyboard geek cracks me up. But it works. Totally rocks.
I saw them in 1980 in the Summit, Houston, TX
Great Show!
Best band ever!!!!
Love Ben Orr and The Cars in 2018
Idon'tcarewhatyouthink He always set the stage.
Awesome! Great musical moment in history! Ben FTW!
Ben, RIP.
Saw you and the boys 2 times. First concert ever in high school. Had the words to this song written on the back of a notebook.
Ben cantas y eres hermoso 🖖😔
I think THEY love playing this song! (nice clip at the end too).
Un súper clásico!!!
A super classic!!!
I saw that tour at the New Haven coliseum. Ben was so hot and so cool simultaneously.
me too!!!!
This is one of those songs that is great on the radio and then takes on a new life played live. Ric Ocasek may have written this song, but Benjamin Orr is the one who brought it to life. It is hard to imagine he has been gone a while, but man he is very much missed. R.I.P Ben.
I know right? Can't believe he's been gone almost 25 years now. Makes me so heartbroken. And now Ric Ocasek a few years ago. :( :( :( I'm so thankful I was able to see them several times in the 80s. And they always opened with "Hello...... hello again" Gives me chills. Not a bad song on ANY of their albums.
@@notgivinup Lucky. I never saw them live and I’m kicking myself now. No excuses either since I’m from the Boston area either and was in college in Boston in the 80’s.
@@kelseymariel2127 Ben is laid to rest in Ohio not too far from where I’m from. I don’t live in Ohio now but if I ever go back, I’m planning on stopping by to pay my deepest respects. 💔🕊️🙏🏻🌹🪽
@@notgivinup It’s really sad. Far too young and he never really got to enjoy and watch his son grow up. Sounds weird but give him my regards as well when you do visit his grave at some point. I wish I paid attention in the 90’s I would have definitely caught some of his local shows.
Excellent song!
Love Ben Orr and The Cars in 2015
I love been with the dark hair and his natural brunette hair color too
These guys were perfect in every way!High Octane!
AMAZING!!
awesome guitar eliot
Luv his hair dark.....just died & went to heaven 🙃😉😜🥴
esta musica es lo maximo me recuerda mi juventud
Miss you Ben!!
one major difference between 80's bands and now bands - 90% of the former sounded great live, only about 50% of todays' artists do
man, in high school I was a skinny gawky kid. someone came up with the brilliant observation that I looked like Rick Ocasek. So for 4 years I got "HEY RICK!" I HATED The Cars in high school. I got over that ages ago and now I think they rule.
thanx for posting this.
He rocks while we sleep 24/7/365
BABY!
Benny11..thank you so much for posting!!!! I need to crawl into this screen and go back in time"o)!!!!
Rest in Peace Ric Ocasek
I've seen other clips where Ben is indeed chewing gum, though I don't know for sure if he is here. Could be making "guitarist faces" that many do to express their playing. The Cars was one band that didn't move too much on stage, so I never associated them with cocaine, though who really knows. As thred610 mentioned, it was quite prevalent at the time. If anything, they seemed more inclined to weed but again, who knows? Great all-around RnR band!
crapple009 He absolutely is chewing gum! No doubt there. ☺️ I thought it was great! He never performed like it was a job. He just always seemed like he was having fun. So why not chew gum?
Out of all the videos I've seen of the Cars I've never seen Ben Orr chewing gum. It's possible he may have had a sore throat or just didn't feel particularly good vocally and chewing gum is a way to keep your throat moist. However, he sounds awesome here so who knows!
*swoon* love u ben
Can’t believe there was no MTV video of this.
This song came out before MTV. However, on the first day that MTV went on the air, this version with the band dubbing over the original recording was broadcast. Ben sings the vocal live but the rest is the original recording. It was like a pre-MTV music video. ua-cam.com/video/uue35hPID4A/v-deo.html
So hot Benny 🔥😇⛈
It's a great clip. At the end there is a part of a soundcheck or something... Is there a longer part of it (or the whole thing)? It's very funny.
By the way: funny. I've never seen them live (they've never come to Hungary) and on the video clips (even on the live ones) they keep a stiff face, they hardly smile. Have they had a stage fright or was is an image?
Even if you don’t like bens hair, or don’t like the video quality, how does anyone thumbs down this?? There’s 13. I’ll assume 3 of them were mistakes but that leaves 10 w/ no taste. Haters everywhere I guess.
The gum!!❤
"ok, we're gonna speed it up...they will never notice...plus, I'm gonna chew gum..."
so sad the 2 main members are gone.
wow, even in '80 the background vocals are canned! (this from the hugest cars fan you'll ever meet)
grande orr
Not an English Band... They are from Cleveland to Boston to Big time..
@benny11letters Wondering if you're still around? Seems like 14 years since you posted anything. You definitely have the best Benjamin Orr content online to this day and we're forever appreciative of that.
I noticed the different guitar too.
I wondered if anyone else had :)
love the song anyways :)
As a fan, I'm sure you've read the biography "Let's Go...", but in case you haven't. Benjamin probably had several guitars he used throughout his career, but if you're noting the different guitar because he's not playing the Music Man Stingray or the red Vox, Benjamin lost those to a fire in the apartment building he was living in in 1980, early in the year if I recall. Apparently, he just escaped with, literally, the clothes on his back and a coat. He didn't even have an ID and had to have a friend vouch for him at the bank so he could get some money. (If you did know this, sorry I just told you something you already knew. ^_^) PS Thanks for the videos you've posted. They are very good quality.
Hey there! You still with us? I hope so!
Several tracks on the 'Unlocked' DVD had dubbed audio. This is one of them. You can tell by the sampled backing vocals, which they started using on the '84 tour. One of the US Festival tracks on the DVD was also dubbed. Very disappointing. Would have loved to have heard the actual audio, even if there were flaws......
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹😭😭😭🙏
W🥰🤘
He's not chewing gum!! He's not on coke!! It's those damn things in his ears to protect his hearing. They are too big and I can't imagine how horrible they felt every time he moved his jaw. Jesus Christ, don't you people know how to think??
... He did take drugs quite often... including coke and speed pills.... To me he just looks "tired" in this... But he is usually high on something... as were most back then.
@@jimlahey9317 Source please ?
Me paso lo mismo que a ti, recien descubro a Benjamin Orr.
Y 10 años después, varios seguimos descubriéndolo 😑.
At 2:11 Elliot's playing a different guitar. Sloppy editing, still love The Cars. Great band!
I know! I never understood how he could say that! Wasn't his quote something to the effect of "we never flew in vocals"? If you look at their performance of 'Heartbeat City' from Live Aid, at the end of the song, none of them are anywhere near a mic, but the backing vocals are still going on. Unfortunately, a good majority of bands are doing that now. At least the Cars lead vocals were always live. Now you have acts like Madonna & Britney Spears who are more into dancing than singing!
Ben is so much prettier with blonde hair..
Bah Bah Bah Benny and the Jetts................
@masterzasterblaster
Agreed!!!
Where's the rest of the end of the second song at the end of the video
Was class of 1980.
What guitars are Ric and Elliot playing, including the one at 2:09?
I'm just saying it's deceptive to claim a performance is from 1980 when the audio is not. Next to the Beatles, they're my favorite band. That's why I was so looking forward to the Unlocked DVD. And why I was disappointed.
Was class of 1980 go class of 1980 who what’s relive there 1980 prom saw them in 1980
Lets dance aquí está la cosa
love the cars........whos the guy at time stamp 2:10 secs ???? its not Ric or Elliot
@blakumynas Hey your right Elliot is just playing a left handed Dean ML.
Go class of. 1980
@Gina97xls He had such a beautiful mouth... unnnfff...
I wanted to ask, where was the video shot? And who were the models used? Thx
Some performers chew gum to keep their throats/mouths moist. Peter Cetera is another example. Helps them to sing.
Nadine Kruger If I tried that, I'm pretty sure I would choke on the gum! Some folks are just more talented, I guess. I like the trick of biting down on the tip of the tongue to cause salivation. Of course, it might be awkward in the middle of a song...
+notsoseriousmoonlight - I agree! I'd either choke on the gum or it would fly out of my mouth at someone in the audience! Perhaps Ben was chewing gum to keep the saliva flowing, but he was also a chain smoker, so that could be why he did it. When I saw them in concert, he was playing his bass while holding a cigarette the entire time.
@mjw9363 heehee!
Where was this?
Where was this from?
the background vocals are lip synced
game of thrones reaction
Ben and Ric sounded a lot alike on that first album.
Ben looks stoned.... not that i care.
@Jim Lahey - No. None of them used drugs. I see comments all the time that Benjamin looks stoned. I guess it’s because of the unusual color of his eyes.
Sorry, but he IS chewing gum here, as he did quite often onstage. I always assumed it was to curb his cravings for nicotine, but who knows? I agree with you on the cocaine though. Using cocaine was as common in the 80's as pot smoking was in the 60's and 70's, However. like many people, even then, he didn't like the effect and didn't use it.
John Lennon also chewed gum while singing. Seems kinda dangerous with the choking factor.
what are you trying to do???/ on every cars vid u post this same stupid msg...are u that deprived of attention that you get your thrills from having ur inbox littered with abusive rants???
I don't think he looks healthy in this video