In a move that has been rumored for almost six months, it is now confirmed that Ric Ocasek and the Cars have officially reformed.
In late-July, a photo (below) showed up on the Cars' Facebook page with no description. In it were group members Ocasek, Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes and David Robinson apparently playing in a studio. Fans around the world took it as a sign that the original group was finally reforming.
Last week, the group put up another clue on Facebook, a 73-second snippet of a song called Blue Tip.
Billboard is now reporting that engineer Paul Orofino confirmed the recording of a new album on the Pro Sound online message board. The message said that the group had recorded some new songs at his studio in Millbrook, NY with the four surviving members and Benjamin Orr's bass parts played and/or programmed by Orofino (Orr died of cancer in 2000). Unfortunately, it looks like the engineer may have let out the news too soon as the message has since been removed from the board.
A source has also told Billboard that the group is also strongly considering a tour in support of a new release.
The Cars broke up in 1988 but attempted to reform in 2005 as the New Cars with Todd Rundgren in place of Ocasek. Ocasek had stated numerous times he was not interested in getting back with the group, but it looks like time has softened his stance.
Meanwhile Elliott Easton is currently touring Australia as lead guitarist for Creedence Clearwater Revisited.
Watch the Undercover Todd Rundgren interview here:
