The New Cars
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Elliot Easton, Greg Hawkes, Todd Rundgren, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The New Cars emerged in 2005, founded by original members of the 1970s and 1980s new wave group the Cars—Elliot Easton and Greg Hawkes—alongside vocalist and guitarist Todd Rundgren, bassist and vocalist Kasim Sulton, and drummer Prairie Prince. Their performances combined timeless Cars hits, fresh compositions, and selections from Rundgren's repertoire.
History
In 2005, Easton and Hawkes collaborated with Todd Rundgren, who stepped in for original vocalists Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr. Bassist Kasim Sulton and drummer Prairie Prince joined the lineup, filling the roles left vacant by Orr and David Robinson, the latter having retired and choosing not to participate. Although Ocasek declined to reunite, he supported the new formation, expressing his wish for Easton and Hawkes's satisfaction.
The single "Not Tonight" was released on March 20, 2006, under Eleven Seven Music. Their album It's Alive!, which came out on May 9, 2006, included 18 tracks: 15 live recordings (comprising 12 classic Cars tunes, "Not Tonight," and two songs by Rundgren) along with three studio-recorded new songs.
Rundgren characterized the endeavor as a chance to "cover my expenses, reach a broader audience, collaborate with familiar musicians I enjoy working with, and ideally have some enjoyable experiences over the course of a year."
In 2010, the four remaining original members of The Cars reunited to produce a new studio album and embark on a tour.
Tour
The New Cars launched their inaugural tour during the summer Roadrage Tour alongside Blondie, commencing on May 12, 2006, in Mississippi. The spring segment of their 2006 tour concluded prematurely after Easton sustained a broken collarbone on June 5 but continued performing despite his injury. Although their album moved only 16,000 copies, they proceeded with a winter segment called Road Rage Winter Tour from November into early December, opting for more intimate theater venues rather than large arenas.
Post-2007 activity
September 2007 marked the final live appearance of The New Cars. Following this, Rundgren resumed his solo career with tours in 2009 and 2010 that featured Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince, and Greg Hawkes. In 2012, he joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Concurrently, Hawkes and Easton reunited with original Cars members Ric Ocasek and David Robinson for the creation and touring of the album Move Like This in 2010.
Reflecting on his experience with The New Cars, Rundgren described it as "Bittersweet," emphasizing that despite considerable effort, the outcome was largely frustration.
Band members
- Former members
- Todd Rundgren – lead vocals, backing vocals, rhythm guitar
- Elliot Easton – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Greg Hawkes – keyboards, backing vocals
- Kasim Sulton – bass guitar, lead and backing vocals
- Prairie Prince – drums, percussion
- Touring member
- Atom Ellis – bass guitar, backing vocals (substitute in 2007)
Album
| Release Date | Album Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2006 | It's Alive! | Eleven Seven Music #4607000512 |
Single
| Release Date | Single Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| March 20, 2006 | "Not Tonight" | Eleven Seven Music |