Ric Ocasek: The Mysterious Maestro Behind The Cars [Episode 319]

Update: 2025-09-19

Description

Author Peter Aaron peels back the layers of the late, great Ric Ocasek's life and career. You'll hear how his meeting with bassist/vocalist Benjamin Orr would lead to the formation of The Cars, the band which rose to fame with several hit singles in the 80s before breaking up in 1988. What caused the band to break up? Did Ric and Ben ever speak again before Ben's tragic passing in 2000? What led to the 2011 Cars' reunion? Plus, after Ric's passing in 2019, his life still remains a mystery, even to those who knew him. Aaron talks about it all in this compelling episode.

Some episode comment clarifications from Peter: Correct spelling of Ric's real last name is Otcasek; Ric was 34 when the band first hit; it was manager Elliot Roberts who first played video maker Timothy Hutton the tape of "Drive." (All of that is as per the book.) Also, Ric's second wife's name is Suzanne.

Purchase a copy of Moving in Stereo: Ric Ocasek, the Driving Force of The Cars

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