Which members of The Cars have passed away?

Benjamin Orr (2000) and Ric Ocasek (2019) are the two members of The Cars who have died; the band’s other original members—Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson—are alive as of 2025. The new-wave pioneers left an enduring legacy, and the deaths of their bassist/co-lead vocalist Orr and frontman/songwriter Ocasek marked major moments for fans and the rock community.

Members of The Cars who have died

The following list details the late members of The Cars, including their roles, dates of death, and key facts that shaped both their careers and the band’s sound.

• Benjamin Orr (bass, vocals) — died October 3, 2000, at age 53, from pancreatic cancer in Atlanta, Georgia. Orr’s distinctive voice powered some of the band’s most enduring hits, including “Drive,” “Just What I Needed,” and “Let’s Go.”
• Ric Ocasek (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, principal songwriter) — died September 15, 2019, at age 75, in New York City. The medical examiner reported natural causes stemming from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with pulmonary emphysema as a contributing condition. Ocasek was the band’s creative engine, penning the bulk of their catalog and co-producing landmark albums.

These losses bookend the band’s classic-era legacy—Orr’s passing after the group’s initial split and Ocasek’s nearly two decades later, following a brief, well-received reunion that affirmed The Cars’ lasting influence.

Original members still living

The remaining original members continue to be active in music and arts, and their contributions were celebrated when The Cars were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.

• Elliot Easton (lead guitar) — renowned for concise, melodic solos that helped define the band’s sleek, radio-ready sound.
• Greg Hawkes (keyboards) — a prime architect of The Cars’ synth-driven textures and hooks.
• David Robinson (drums) — anchored the group’s tight, minimalist rhythm section; also notable for visual/design input on album art and aesthetics.

Together, these members keep the band’s history vibrant through occasional collaborations, archival projects, and appearances that underscore The Cars’ enduring impact on rock and new wave.

Context and legacy

Formed in Boston in 1976, The Cars blended lean guitar lines with synthesizer gloss, bridging classic rock and the emerging new-wave movement. Their self-titled 1978 debut became a touchstone for post-punk pop, yielding staples like “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Just What I Needed.” Following their initial run (1978–1987), the band reunited in 2011 for the album “Move Like This,” recorded without Orr and featuring Ocasek, Easton, Hawkes, and Robinson. Their 2018 Hall of Fame induction and performance offered a celebratory capstone before Ocasek’s passing the following year.

Summary

Only two members of The Cars have died: Benjamin Orr (2000) and Ric Ocasek (2019). Their surviving bandmates—Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson—remain living as of 2025. Orr’s emotive vocals and Ocasek’s songwriting defined the band’s signature blend of rock hooks and synth polish, a legacy that continues to resonate across generations of pop and alternative music.

What happened to The Cars original lead singer?

And rock and roll hall of famer Rick. O’ase. Has been found dead in his Manhattan. Apartment. Such a classic there police say they received a call around 4 this afternoon for an unconscious.

Who sang most of The Cars songs?

Ric Ocasek sang the majority of The Cars’ songs, though both he and bassist Benjamin Orr alternated as lead vocalists. Ocasek was also the band’s primary songwriter, which gave him a strong sense of which songs were best suited for his voice, while also recognizing Orr’s unique talent and giving him songs like “Drive” to sing. 
Details

• Ric Ocasek’s Role: Opens in new tabOcasek served as the lead singer and songwriter for the band. He wrote the vast majority of The Cars’ music, which naturally led to him singing most of the songs. 
• Benjamin Orr’s Contributions: Opens in new tabOrr was another lead vocalist and bassist for the band. While he sang lead on many popular tracks, such as “Just What I Needed” and “Drive,” he was often given songs by Ocasek that were seen as a perfect fit for Orr’s voice. 
• Alternating Vocals: Opens in new tabThe two vocalists would alternate lead vocals, with Ocasek singing on some songs and Orr singing on others. 

In summary, while Benjamin Orr sang on many of the band’s biggest hits, Ric Ocasek was the primary singer and songwriter, resulting in him performing the larger portion of The Cars’ catalog.

How many members of The Cars are still alive?

Three members of the band The Cars are still alive: Elliot Easton, David Robinson, and Greg Hawkes. The other two members, lead singer Ric Ocasek and bassist Benjamin Orr, have both passed away.

How did Benjamin Orr pass away?

Benjamin Orr, the co-founder, singer, and bassist of The Cars, died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 53 on October 3, 2000. He had been diagnosed with the illness less than six months prior to his death and passed away at his home in Atlanta, Georgia.
 

• Diagnosis: Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2000. 
• Performance: Despite his diagnosis, he continued to perform with his band Big People throughout the summer of 2000. 
• Final Public Appearance: His final public performance was on September 27, 2000, in Alaska. 
• Death: He died at his home in Atlanta on October 3, 2000, with his bandmates present at his bedside.