The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek died on Sunday at the age of 75 at his home on E 18th St. in New York that he had shared with estranged wife Paulina Porzikova, who discovered him dead at the home yesterday afternoon. The heartbreaking final photos of Ocasek were revealed yesterday. No cause of death is currently known, but police say foul play is not suspected. Ocasek and Porizkova had listed the home for sale earlier this year after their 2018 separation for $15.5 million after having purchased it for just $2.5 million in 1989 when they were newly married.
5,760-square-foot home was built in the 1850’s and renovated in 1919. It features a living and dining space with a 20-foot-high ceiling and wall of windows that open to the garden.
It has 5 bedrooms, 4.5-bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, an office with skylights, a recording studio in the finished basement, two fireplaces, an elevator, and a secluded patio, with a mezzanine-level study overlooking the living space.
Howard Stern took a brutal shot recently at a Weezer and Ocasek classic song. Weezer, who worked with Ocasek on the Blue and Green albums, paid tribute last night on social media, writing, “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.”
Vernon Reid said, “Awwwww Man….. Ric Ocasek was one of oddest, BEST Front Men EVER. The Cars! The TUNES! Ric Ocasek also showed Visionary taste in producing #BadBrains 2nd album Rock For Light. Am DEEPLY Bummed over this. Am a Cars FAN.”
“The passing of Ric Ocasek inevitably brings up Ben Orr-whose name doesn’t come up nearly enough when it comes to OUTSTANDING Rock Bassist Lead Singers. Drive! Just What I Needed!Bye Bye Love! Let’s GO! R.I.P. to 2 Dudes with The MAGIC!”