“Drive” – Ben Orr
Ben Orr (Benjamin Orzechowski)
Born September 8, 1947 – Died October 3, 2000
American musician, singer, bassist, co-founder of the rock band the Cars.
“Drive” – Ben Orr – Death
In April 2000, Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was hospitalized, though he continued to perform in concerts with the band Big People through the summer at music festivals and state fairs.
He reunited with The Cars one last time in Atlanta, for an interview that was included in the Rhino Records concert video The Cars Live.
His final public appearance was on September 27, 2000, in a Big People concert in Anchorage, Alaska.
He died at home in Atlanta on October 3, aged 53, surrounded by fellow Big People band members Jeff Carlisi, Derek St. Holmes and Rob Wilson. Manager David Tedeschi was not present, but was devastated by the loss of his best friend. Orr was survived by his son Ben.
Ric Ocasek wrote and recorded the song “Silver,” which was his musical tribute to Orr. It appeared on Ocasek’s 2005 solo album, Nexterday.
The Cars reunited 10 years after Orr’s death, and released their seventh studio album Move Like This in May 2011.
Orr was given special thanks in the liner notes: “Ben, your spirit was with us on this one.”
“Drive” – Ben Orr – Video
“Drive” is a 1984 song by The Cars, the third single from the band’s Heartbeat City album released in March 1984 and their biggest international hit.