Pancreatic cancer claims the Cars’ Benjamin Orr
Benjamin Orr, best known as the bass player and sometimes lead singer of the Cars, died of complications related to pancreatic cancer on Tuesday night (10/3) in Atlanta. He was 53.
Despite his weakening condition, Orr continued to play concerts with his band Big People into late September. Big People also features former .38 Special singer Jeff Carlisi, former Ted Nugent Band singer Derek St. Holmes, and Billy Joel's drummer Liberty DeVito.
Word of Orr's illness became public when St. Holmes posted a message on his official website in May. At the time, Orr was said to be awaiting diagnosis on the growth found on his pancreas.
Big People are scheduled to play a Friday (10/6) concert at the Tabernacle in Atlanta to benefit the March of Dimes. According to MTV News, the show will serve as a memorial service for Orr.
The Cars emerged from the Boston club scene with their multi-million-selling, self-titled debut album in 1978. Though Ric Ocasek sang lead on most of the Cars' tracks, Orr was the lead vocalist on several of the band's most popular songs, including "Drive," "Let's Go," and "Just What I Needed." Orr remained with the band until it split a decade later.
Rhino Home Video plans to release a video documentary on the Cars titled "The Cars Live" in November. Orr had recently reunited with his bandmates for an interview that will be contained on the video. Rhino plans to donate part of the proceeds from the video's sales to the National Pancreas Foundation.
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