Illness and Death
In April 2000, Orr was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was subsequently hospitalized, yet he continued to perform in concerts with the band Big People at summer music festivals and state fairs. He reunited with all the former members of The Cars one last time in Atlanta, for an interview that was used in a Rhino Records video and DVD of a German concert performed in 1979, The Cars Live.
His final public appearance was on September 27, 2000, in a Big People concert in Anchorage, Alaska. He died at home in Atlanta on October 3, 2000, aged 53, surrounded by his fellow Big People band members Jeff Carlisi, Derek St. Holmes and Rob Wilson. Manager David Tedeschi was not present but was devastated by the loss of his best friend. Orr was survived by his son, Ben, from a previous relationship.
Ocasek wrote and recorded the song "Silver," which was his musical tribute to Orr. It appeared on Ocasek's 2005 solo album, Nexterday.
He was given a special thanks on the Cars "Move Like This" album. The booklet reads: "Ben, your spirit was with us on this one."
Read more about this topic: Benjamin Orr
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