Voices' Benjamin Orr Dies of Cancer

Benjamin Orr

Atlanta, Georgia, Former Cars' bassist Benjamin Orr, AKA Benjamin Orzechowski, born September 8, 1947 in Cleveland Ohio, has lost his five-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Orr died at his home in Atlanta late Tuesday evening October 3, 2000 - surrounded by his fiancee' Julie Snider and members of the band "Big People".

Orr was the bass player for the Cars from 1977 to 1987 and was the lead vocalist on several of the group's hits, notably the ballad Drive. Toward the end of the group's existence, he recorded a solo album "The Lace" (1986) where he charted the hit single "Stay the Night". Orr spent the last two years touring with his band "Orr", "The Voices of Classic Rock" and the Atlanta based group "Big People". The group Big People, an assemblage of Classic Rock heavyweights include, along with Orr, Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent), Jeff Carlisi (.38 Special), Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel), toured throughout the summer of 2000, performing at summer music festivals and state fairs including Alaska, Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas and North Dakota. The summer set-list included Orr performing "Just What I Needed", "Let's Go", Bye Bye Love" and "Drive". "The chemistry and camaraderie in this group has been overwhelming" says Orr's spokesperson Billy Johnson. "It's like one big family on tour". The Big People will perform in Atlanta at The Tabernacle on Friday, October 6, at 8:30. The concert is to benefit the March of Dimes and to honor Benjamin Orr.

Ben appearing with the Voices

This past summer Orr was reunited in Atlanta, with his former band The Cars for a documentary production of the band entitled, "The Cars Live". The DVD will be released November 1, 2000 on Rhino Home Video. Rhino has pledged a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the DVD to be donated to the National Pancreas Foundation, a non-profit research firm dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer. Arrangements for a memorial service in Orr's home-town of Cleveland Ohio are underway. More details will be released this week.

Funeral Arrangements by: H.M. Patterson & Sons

In lieu of flowers, send donations to:
Benjamin Orr Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 600590
Newtonville, MA 02460

All cards, letters and inquiries can be sent to:
Benjamin Orr
c/o Crossover Entertainment Group, Inc.
2020 Howell Mill Rd. Suite C,
Atlanta, GA 30318
404-352-3716
Recorded updates- 404-603-3670