On meeting Ric Ocasek: “I thought he was very intelligent and very tall. The moment I laid eyes on him, I could talk to the guy. I don’t get that way with a lot of people. But Ric was like some guy I grew up with.” — from “Benjamin Orr: The Cars’ Mr. Casual Steps Out” by Rob Tannenbaum, Musician Magazine, March 1987
Nice guy – super person
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Thank you for sharing this dear Donna,
Once again such a brilliant quote that gives us more insight.
Benjamin’s comment says a lot, it explains that these 2 old friends did click from the beginning , sad to think that cracks were happening in that year. I am sure the tremendous pressure Ric was under writing “hits” and coming up with his incredible hooks in his lyrics was something that contributed to the break up of this band. I like to think ( especially watching their final interview together in 2000) that these 2 old friends did indeed mend their friendship , the way Ric touches Benjamin’s arm and the way they look at each other makes me feel it was this way. I like to think of these 2 now making music again together on cloud nine as my cousin calls heaven or the afterlife.
Warmest regards from a hot Tasmania.
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I envy Ric… to have Ben so comfortable they connected on the spot. A girl can dream…
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Ah there’s the quote and the magazine it’s from. Thanks. š I don’t know why, I mean I knew it was discussing his solo record but it’s somehow surprising to see it’s from 1987 less than a year later.
It’s nice hearing about it from that angle, because Benjamin’s description focuses on their friendship, how he met a friend.
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Yes! I’m so glad you brought it up and put it on my radar again! I’ve lined up a bunch of Ben quotes from that article. I also scanned it in and posted it on Facebook. Thank you so much, MG!
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Oh great, I’ll definitely look for it.
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