Singer/songwriter Todd Rundgren will lend his talents to a reunion of 80s new wave rock band The Cars. Band members Elliot Easton (guitar) and Greg Hawkes (keyboards) have recruited Rundgren to fill in for lead singer Ric Ocasek, who will not be joining his former bandmates on the road. Instead, Ocasek will produce a Cars documentary film. The band will also be without bassist Benjamin Orr, who died from cancer in 2000; and drummer David Robinson.

Rundgren's fan base has been teeming since the announcement of the collaboration. The singer acknowledged that he knew fans were "counting on something else," as many had hoped he'd get back together with his 70s outfit, Utopia, and he explained that it's highly unlikely of that ever happening. He expressed his desire to hit the road for the opportunity to "pay my bills, play to a larger audience, work with musicians I know and like, and ideally have some fun for a year." Rundgren defended his decision on one of his fansites TRConnection.com, also stating, "I imagine that if you want to keep [a job] you have to adapt to changes in your job description and to changes in the job market itself." Adding, "if you want to keep the job, you better take advantage of whatever opportunities you have to work."

In addition to his endeavor with The Cars, Rundgren will also release a live concert DVD in January 2006, titled "Todd Rundgren Liars Live." He produced, edited and mixed the film, shot at his June 9, 1994 concert in Albany, New York.

After 12 years together The Cars parted ways in 1988, amassing many classic hits including "Shake It Up," "You Might Think," and their biggest, "Drive," which landed at number three on the Billboard charts. This new incarnation of the band is rumored to be hitting the road in 2006 with another 80s new wave band-- Blondie.

Watch The New Cars' latest video for their new single "Not Tonight" right here, right now:
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