Ric Ocasek of The Cars Dead at 75

Lead singer of The Cars found dead at NYC apartment.

The music industry mourns the loss of another star. Responding to a call at around 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon regarding an "unconscious male," the NYPD identified the victim as Ric Ocasek and pronounced him dead on site. The cause of death has not been determined although it appears to have been of natural causes. Ocasek was found by estranged ex-wife Paulina Porizkova.
​
A notable musician, producer, and painter, Ocasek is best known for his work with The Cars from 1978 to 1988. Hits from that group include "Good Times Roll," "Just What I Needed," and "My Best Friend's Girl." The group disbanded in 1988 and Ocasek resurfaced two years later with solo album Fireball Zone.

---

Celebrity Reactions

Weezer
"The weezer family is devastated by the loss of our friend and mentor Ric Ocasek, who passed away Sunday. We will miss him forever, & will forever cherish the precious times we got to work and hang out with him. Rest in Peace & rock on Ric, we love you. #RIPRicOcasek #karlscorner

The Cribs
We will remember #RicOcasek for many reasons - his friendship, his artistry, but most of all for his generosity. He was a bona fide legend, who seemed to care as much about our record as we did. Which was a huge thrill, of course. A star through and through. RIP Ric, love you x.

Billy Idol
Sorry 2 hear about #ricocasek RIP loved his work with the band #Suicide

Alice Cooper
We have lost another great in Rock N Roll Hall of Famer Rick Ocasek of The Cars. Ric and I actually used to be neighbors for a time when we lived in the Hollywood Hills. Ric had a very unique voice for rock n roll, there was just nothing complicated about it and that really gave The Cars an edge on the radio. They spearheaded a simplistic new wave of minimalist rock alongside producer Roy Thomas Baker, much to the delight of car stereos and fans everywhere. Condolences to his family and many fans. We'll miss ya man.

Jimmy Eat World
RIP Ric Ocasek 

Carl Newman
I will never stop imitating the first Cars album. His influence will always stay with me. RIP and Thank You Ric Ocasek.

Bette Midler
#RickOcasek, leader of #TheCars, has died. Unbelievable. Their sound was the sound of a whole decade; biting, mischievous, lighthearted, sardonic and fun...wish we were all that young again...RIP until vinyl returns...xoxo...

Author

Rebecca Lennex is the Promotional Director for Ashcraft Studios. A jack of many trades, her passions include writing, music, and art.  When she’s not working for the Ashcrafts she’s working on her own online pursuits. All non-work related hours go to her husband, four children, and fur baby australian shepherd. ​

Tags: ric ocasek, the cars, rip, ripric, weezer, the cribs, billy idol, alice cooper, jimmy eat world, carl newman, bette midler