Stephen Colbert Remembers Ric Ocasek

Stephen honors the legendary musician Ric Ocasek with a touching personal memory and a clip from one of Ocasek's appearances on 'The Colbert Report.' #LSSC #Colbert #RicOcasek

Watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert weeknights at 11:35 PM ET/10:35 PM CT. Only on CBS.

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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[paulrob]

As one who witnessed the rise of The Cars firsthand, my brother was the drummer, I admit to not taking to Ric at first, it wasn't till years later when I saw him and Paulina and their kids and was surprised at how down to earth she was and how married life with her seemed to suit him, thanks for all the great music and for The Cars being a big part of my life.

[magicsantos]

That was beatiful Stephen! Respect! R.I.P Ric Ocasek! 🙏🕯🔩

[zizinnnn]

I’m happy Stephen got to meet and work with his hero

[ronanrogers]

I’m saddened by the loss of Ric, and Ben all those years ago...but I’m happy Ric is getting the recognition he so richly deserves. They pioneered the new wave genre. Ahead of the times by 4-5 years. Some classic songs. RIP Ric.

[MrJohnMDean]

Naturally, Colbert has an elegant story to commemorate the passing of Ric Ocasek, complete with a funny video to close it out. RIP Ric Ocasek (and thanks for the heartfelt memory...).

[priscillajimenez]

Whenever Stephen gets emotional, I can feel it.

[imperialadvisoraremheshvau]

I love that Stephen’s heros, from Tolkien to Ric Ocasek ... are my heroes.

[StephenMWest]

That was a beautiful thing to witness. My heart hurts, last weekend was a devastating few days. Eddie Money on Friday and Ric Ocasec on Sunday. Rock and roll took a real hit. The Cars were a breath of fresh air in a smoggy time in music. Rock, New Wave, Disco, Metal groups fighting for recognition and relevance and there were some real hit and miss options. The Cars fusion of synthesizer New Wave, and old school rock combined with awesome vocals stood out from the many. Ric, thank you for The Cars and all the hits, they remain a mainstay in my music catalogue. Rest well. Peace out.

[MrNeltoni]

Thank you Steve Colbert for giving Rick Ocasek the homage to a very talented individual and the great music he brought on to the world.

[barbaralemere]

Rest in Peace Ric Ocasic. We loved The Cars back in the day. Still do.

[pash]

The interview with Ric and Stephen was memorable. I love it when his enthusiasm bubbles over. Ric could handle it...so cool and down to earth. An icon. 🚘

[jamieaiken]

Funny enough, when I heard that Ric had passed away my first thought was of his ‘appearance’ on The Colbert Report, when Stephen was interviewing Paulina Poritzkova and Ric was standing just off stage staring daggers into Stephen. Glad to see Stephen had such fond memories of him. 💕

[brendavigeant]

The cars have always been my favourite band; I need only hear the opening cord of a song and I am transported back to a special moment in my youth. RIP Rick.

[jonspell]

Heartbeat City (the album) was such a fundamental part of my 80's music experience. I don't know how many times I watched You Might Think on MTV. I enjoy every song on the album. Thanks, Ric!

[jamesallen]

I loved The Cars, but Stephen went into and graduated from High School with their music. Losing the soundtrack to your life sucks. We don't know them, but they are a part of our lives.

[KowalskyLeon]

Ric Ocasek joined Ben Orr. They are together again. RIP both legends.

[MostlyBrenda]

“Ric was recuperating very well after surgery, ” the Ocasek family wrote on Instagram. “Our two sons, Jonathan and Oliver, and I were making sure he was comfortable, ordering food and watching TV together. I found him still asleep when bringing him his Sunday morning coffee. I touched his cheek to rouse him. It was then I realized that during the night he had peacefully passed on.” He had heart surgery according to the latest reports.

[pfreddyp]

RIP Ric Ocasek
Let them leave you up in the air
Let them brush your Rock & Roll hair

[Kimble]

Who's gonna drive you home now??!! Rip, Master!

[laughingoutloud]

The Cars have been one of my favourite bands since 1978, when their self-titled album came out. I'm forever grateful for the music they created and shared. RIP Rick