The Concert That Got The Cars Ran Out Of Town

The Cars. Just that name conjures up iconic synth lines and Ric Ocasek’s cool, detached vocals. They were pioneers, blending pop sensibilities with the raw energy of punk and the emerging power of synthesizers.

Their sound defined a generation, a perfect marriage of catchy melodies and forward-thinking production. But even the coolest bands have their wild stories. The normally reserved Ric Ocasek, The Cars’ enigmatic singer, once shared a tale that defied their carefully crafted image.

“We got run out of town with guns,” Ocasek recalled. It wasn’t backstage brawls with groupies or trashed hotel rooms. No, this involved a small town in Michigan, a bar full of deer hunters, and… well, let’s just say things got a little out of hand. 

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Bridging the Gap Between Punk and Pop

The Cars emerged during a musical tug-of-war. Punk’s raw energy dominated the scene, while pop aimed for catchy melodies and accessibility. The Cars defied expectations. They fused rock and guitar with endearing melodies, creating a sound that was honest and authentic yet polished and refined.

This unique sound stemmed from the band’s origins within the New England music scene. Drummer David Robinson brought his experience from The Modern Lovers, a pioneering proto-punk band.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Orr and Rick Ocasek found inspiration in Jonathan Richman, whose name they even adopted for a brief period. While their initial interests leaned towards folk and rock, they soon carved their own path, becoming the innovative force we know today.

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The Secret Weapon Called ‘Unbreakable Chemistry’

For The Cars, the spark that ignited their electrifying sound wasn’t just talent, but an undeniable chemistry. Turning shared dreams into reality is no easy feat, yet The Cars seemed to have a preordained recipe for greatness.

In a Rolling Stone interview, Orr revealed, “We got along famously.” He elaborated on their effortless synergy, explaining, “It’s one of those things where you have to say nothing – it’s just there.” This unspoken connection fueled their journey, as they kept “going from state to state, doing our thing.”

The foundation of this chemistry was the unwavering bond between Ocasek and Orr. Shared ambition was part of it, but the chaos of the outside world also pushed them closer. Being on the road, forging connections and facing mishaps like “a couple of guys with rifles,” only solidified their tightly-knit dynamic.

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An Unexpected Run-In with the Locals

The said encounter that stuck with Ric Ocasek involved a less-than-enthusiastic audience. As Ocasek recounted, “Once we got run out of town with guns. Up in Alpena, Michigan, we were doing a gig in a bar, a deer-hunters’ hangout.”

He continued, “After we played a few songs, a couple of guys with r*fles came up and said, ‘We’re hunting deer up here, but we ain’t looking for you, dears. You guys get out!’ They made us leave town that night.”

While their Michigan gig ended abruptly, The Cars’ impact transcended such isolated incidents. Their music resonated with a wider audience. Their unique blend of rock and new wave became a blueprint for countless bands that followed, solidifying their place as musical pioneers.