The Cars: 10/24/1987

I don’t remember with whom I went to see this concert, but I remember the show. This concert was excellent. The Cars were one of those bands, kind of like Cheap Trick, that held a warm place in my heart growing up. While not my favorite band, I really really liked them, and even today, hearing their music brings me back to more carefree days.

I recall that the stage show was very cool. I am pretty sure there was some large automaton that came out, unless I imagined that. Musically, the high points for me were “Candy-O,” “Moving in Stereo,” and “Drive.”

While some of the new wave bands sound dated today, The Cars do not. When I listen to them (and I still do), they sound as vibrant and current as they did in the 80’s. I feel pretty fortunate that I got to see them back in the day, especially before Benjamin Orr got sick and passed away. Seeing him sing “Drive” was truly moving.

Here’s the full setlist.

Setlist:

• Tonight She Comes
• Touch and Go
• Double Trouble
• My Best Friend’s Girl
• Everything You Say
• Since You’re Gone
• Fine Line
• Let’s Go
• Strap Me In
• Candy-O
• Moving in Stereo
• Dangerous Type
• Drive
• You Are the Girl
• Good Times Roll
• You Might Think
• Hello Again

Encore:

• Just What I Needed
• Magic