Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicA number of artists from the modern and alternative rock community are offering tributes the late Cars frontman Ric Ocasek, who died Sunday at age 75.
Weezer, whose 1994 self-titled debut album — aka The Blue Album — was produced by Ocasek, tweeted, The Weezer family is devastated by the loss of our friend and mentor Ric Ocasek, who passed away Sunday.”
Ocasek also produced 2001’s Green Album and 2014’s Everything Will Be Alright in the End.
“We will miss him forever, & will forever cherish the precious times we got to work and hang out with him,” the tweet continued. “Rest in Peace & rock on Ric, we love you.”
Weezer bassist Scott Shriner played with The Cars when they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2018.
The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers, who inducted The Cars into the Rock Hall, shared an email that he sent Ocasek explaining what his music meant to him.
“Feeling grateful for Ric,” Flowers tweeted. “Had the opportunity to send him this email a couple years back. My first king. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
The Smashing Pumpkins leader Billy Corgan, who produced Ocasek’s 1997 solo album Troublizing, paid tribute to the new wave icon on Instagram.
“Devastated to hear of the passing on this man, Ric Ocasek,” Corgan wrote. “It has brightened my spirit to see how many have posted about Ric, praising his originality, flair, and brilliance. I was blessed to have known him, through friendship and work.”
Other artists who’ve shared tributes to Ocasek include Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Courtney Love and Slash.
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