Tragic news has broken today as Ric Ocasek, frontman of legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band The Cars, has died. He was 75 years old.
NBC 4 New York, via Consequence Of Sound, reports that Ocasek was found dead in his townhouse in Manhattan, New York on Sunday afternoon. The cause of death is unknown to the public at this time.
He was reportedly found unresponsive and unconscious by his ex-partner, supermodel Paulina Porizkova. The two announced that they had separated in 2018.
Tributes to the legendary frontman, who helped pave the way for new wave bands, have been pouring in online from the countless artists and fans that Ocasek influenced and impacted.
Sorry 2 hear about #ricocasek RIP loved his work with the band #Suicide
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) September 16, 2019
I’m stunned and saddened by the loss of Ric Ocasek – he was a visionary who affected the lives and hearts of everyone who listened to music in the 80s. God Speed, Ric! Keep Moving in Stereo!
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) September 16, 2019
The weezer family is devastated by the loss of our friend and mentor Ric Ocasek, who passed away Sunday. We will miss him forever, & will forever cherish the precious times we got to work and hang out with him. Rest in Peace & rock on Ric, we love you. #RIPRicOcasek #karlscorner pic.twitter.com/JcTXevr6V8
— weezer (@Weezer) September 16, 2019
Aw, man. RIP #ricocasek and thank you for the songs on “Heartbeat City” alone. You were a true original.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) September 16, 2019
Rest In Peace, Ric Ocasek.