The Cars Return

[Malcolm]

Is it the late '70s again or what?

Next Tuesday, The Cars are holding a press conference in L.A. and expected to announce a new lineup and a summer tour -- including a stop at the Molson Amphitheatre -- with fellow late-'70s-early-'80s music stars Blondie as openers.

The timing is good for Blondie who will be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Monday night in New York City and have a new greatest hits package out called Sound & Vision.

Meanwhile, speculation is that The New Cars lineup will consist of original members Elliot Easton on guitar and synth player Greg Hawkes, rounded out by singer-guitarist Todd Rundgren and his regular collaborators, bassist Kasim Sulton and drummer Prairie Prince.

Original Cars frontman Benjamin Orr died from pancreatic cancer in 2000 and guitarist Ric Ocasek has long not been interested in a reunion but has reportedly given Easton and Hawkes his blessing. So far there's no word on what original drummer David Robinson thinks of all this.

The Cars, who broke up in 1988, had hits that included Just What I Needed, My Best Friend's Girl, Good Times Roll, Let's Go, Shake It Up, You Might Think and Drive.

[Izzy]

Thats great news for all 15 of their fans!

[Krispy Kreme]

Thats great news for all 15 of their fans!

They actually were quite innovative and creative in their day. Of course, that day was many years ago, but I remember that their sound was new and original when it came out.

[Malcolm]

The New Cars inaugural tour last year won over fans, prompting the band to return with another run of North American dates this spring/summer.

So far, the outing starts May 11 in Kinder, LA, and a handful of dates are booked primarily in the eastern half of the US into August. Details are shown below.

The New Cars comprise original Cars members Elliot Easton (guitar) and Greg Hawkes (keyboards), along with Todd Rundgren on vocals, longtime Rundgren collaborator Kasim Sulton on bass and former Tubes drummer Prairie Prince.

The band's new incarnation performs The Cars' biggest hits in concert, as well as some of Rundgren's material and several new songs. Last June, the quintet released a live album, dubbed "It's Alive," which includes three new studio tracks.

One of the most successful and influential bands of the new-wave era, The Cars scored a series of Top 10 albums starting in 1979 with their eponymous debut. Hit singles including "Just What I Needed," "My Best Friend's Girl," "Good Times Roll," "Shake It Up," "Drive" and "You Might Think" remain staples of classic-rock radio.

The band quietly disbanded in the late '80s and bassist/singer Ben Orr died of cancer in 2000. The Cars' co-lead singer/guitarist/composer Ric Ocasek was approached about a reunion but apparently, he's not too fond of touring. Original drummer David Robinson declined as well, according to the band's bio.

The New Cars launched their debut tour a year ago and did a co-headlining run with Blondie last summer. In a November article posted at the band's website, Rundgren said The New Cars' future depended on audience response and the response had been great.

May 2007
11 - Kinder, LA - Coushatta Casino
12 - Winter Haven, FL - Cypress Gardens
14 - Prior Lake, MN - Mystic Lake Casino

July 2007
7 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
8 - Muskegon, MI - Muskegon Summer Celebration
10 - Lansing, MI - Common Ground
11 - Rama, Ontario - Casino Rama
13 - Walker, MN - Moondance Jam

August 2007
4 - Greenville, WI - Greenville Lions Park
7 - Ridgefield, WA - Clark County Fairgrounds

[stolat]

Thats great news for all 15 of their fans!

They actually were quite innovative and creative in their day. Of course, that day was many years ago, but I remember that their sound was new and original when it came out.

Yes, I agree. The Cars were innovators. 'Drive' is a really beautiful song. Has such a melacholy melody.......

[hellfirecan]

They were a great band.  Ben Orr had a haunting voice that could give you chills, as in "Drive".  I don't think they are as appreciated as they should be.  Their "Best Of" album is a staple in my rotation.

[stolat]

Mine too! Here! Here!