Elliot Easton - Truetone Lounge 

My first album was the Cars debut. First song in my first band was "Good Times Roll". I saw them a dozen times, I met Elliot a couple times and he was always gracious, and to this day I count his solos and guitar work as the pillar of what I know about tasteful, useful writing and playing. He was a clinic on quirky, catchy, interesting riffs and leads. And, a wonderful guy. He spent 20 minutes geeking out with me on gear and stuff when he had no reason to, and showed me a cool trick and complimented me. I met my hero and he was a complete class act, and gave me inspiration. I'm so lucky to come of age with The Cars.

I don’t know if Elliot sees comments but I’ve watched several interviews with him and he is just the humblest, down to earth person that you would never know what a big deal he is. One of my all-time favorites. I just hope he knows how many people think he’s a fantastic guitarist.

i could listen to elliot easton talk all day.

Elliot is such a great musician, family-man and creative genius! Ric was so fortunate to have added him to the mix in 76! God bless EE and his family & friends! Let the good times roll!

His grateful spirit is beautiful.

I'm surely certain that Elliot will never read this, but how lovely it would be to Thank him for sharing his talent with us all thru out our entire lives. When THE CARS came on the scene in 1977, we were all teen kids. Blasting out the album thru our speakers. Thru High School, college, military enlistments, marriages, children, mid life, and now senior citizens on AARP, we've been thru our entire lives with Ric, Ben, David, Greg and you, Elliott. Each and all an integral part of the whole, each playing his own part that made the band what is was, is and will forever be. Benjamin Orr's untimely passing was quite the wake up call. The reality that youth was indeed over, listening to THE CARS took on a whole different meaning. The reality that we were all indeed no longer kids, that yes, death is imminent for us all, and that no matter how talented, how loved, how wealthy....it comes to us all. Reality and it's Rude awakenings. Ric's unexpected passing still even furthered the fact. Thank God THE CARS are forever immortal on film and recordings. Generations yet to discover, hear and jam too. As for The remaining band members, Thank you for all of the memories, experiences and being a part of our lives. We grew up with you, and you us. I simply can't imagine life without having had THE CARS. You each and all are like friends. Like Family. Elliot, you are thee most gifted guitarist ever. The creativity, the talent, the sound. Simply amazing. So very under rated. Wish I could shake your hand. . A loyal dedicated fan. Thank you for the sound.

Mr. Easton is a Fantastic player who created these very memorable parts…you can identify the song by the solo a lot of the time! About 4 years ago I was in a fairly small bar here in Burbank, CA, “Joes Great Bar” and was fortunate enough to be there to see Elliot sit in with Jimmy Vivino’s band…great experience to see it up close. One more thing…ELIIOTS speaking voice really reminds me of WOODY ALLEN ! Love this interview.

The best interview of a guitar player I’ve ever heard.

Cool story about Benny Orr: plowing his friends drive-ways after a snow-storm....Orr probably liked driving/plowing so much he needed somewhere to do it....Elliott Easton , one of the GREATS !

Elliot Easton, I know your wife wont like to hear this, but I LOVE you!!! you were sooo bad ass in the 80's.

This is one of the best things I've seen on RU-vid. A really excellent interview.

I still love the cars. Still in awe of their music. It lives on many years after they finished

I don,t think its a coincidence that the best guys and the most open interviewees are the humblest of people, generous with their praise and time ..Great interview btw

Elliot is a living legend..

The Cars are so much of my childhood….awesome to hear one of my guitar heroes be so humble and kind

Always loved Elliot’s solos; like George Harrison’s solos, beautifully crafted and never a wasted note

Man, I love how he is grateful and thoughtful about his success. What a refreshing guy. And a great guitar player! All young players should listen to Elliot.

What a fantastic guest. Thank you both!

Thanks for this, still listening to The Cars .It was always about the music , the sounds, not the lyrics!

Top notch! Easton is one of my left handed heroes.

Elliot and Benjamin were a match made in heaven. They complimented each other with there skills and I always loved the way Benjamin would step back into the shadows and let Elliot shine. Benjamin is smiling down on his friend for sure. 💯❤️🙏

His approach to soloing was so different from anyone before or since. He knew all the scales and "boxes" on the fret board, but his note selection within those frameworks was all over the place. The didn't have a typical step by step progression. He was like selecting notes within those "boxes" that seemed to be random but worked in a Picasso sort or way. Just incredible. He is my guitar hero and inspiration. So melodic. So creative. So musical. The solo in "Tonight She Comes" is mind blowing. He kicks it off with subtle tremolo bar feedback and ends it the same way. And the acrobatics in between are pure heavenly musical perfection.

I grew up in Massapequa and would stand in awe watching Elliot play in a great local band ,Washboard Slim (1971).What a great interview,sweet soul.

I learned to play guitar from Elliot more than any other guitar player.

What an enjoyable interview. It’s always nice when the interviewer asks great questions then gets out of the way to allow the guest to answer. So many hosts interrupt just when the guest’s answer is getting good. Plus, Elliot just seems like a very genuine, down-to-earth and affable human being.

Elliot is a beast- the perfect balance of thoughtful musician , killing guitarist and rock/pop sensibility

You did a great job of letting Elliot tell the stories 🤙

Most underrated guitar player in history! Thanks Elliot!!!! Love you!

Elliot’s solos are so lyrical and sweet, total ear candy that never got tiresome. My favorite has to be everything on Candy-O… I memorized every note he played. Touch and Go is another solid gold performance!

Hey Elliot...I grew up in Farmingdale and also went to Gracin's as a young player (mid-70's through mid 80's)...they always had the best stuff...first to carry the original BC Rich and Charvels (I had both!)...Bernie,Danny,Lenny,and Gary doing repairs...what a place ...btw,what a kind,humble spirit you are.....God bless

EE is rock's greatest solo arranger of all time. I know of no one better. R and R is so lucky to have him.

Zac, you are a great interviewer. Elliot did an interview for Gibson TV a couple months ago where Jeff Garlin and Jimmy Vivino (both of whom I like) literally talked over him the entire time, which was a shame. This was the absolute opposite of that. His ideas about scat singing a solo, and playing the harmony line instead of the lead line to a solo, for instance, were revelations. A kind, humble genius. Great job by both of you.

I totally enjoyed this. I found it by accident. Our group started playing a few Cars covers and it just popped up. Thank you. Loved the "mishigoss"

Elliot is such an awesome but humble guitarist and person!

Love Elliot and The Cars. As a fellow lefty, he is an icon to me. His tone and tasty note choices are genius. Talk about playing "for the song" - he's a legend.

Love Elliots influences and playing!

As a 12-13 yr old (1969-'70) I was like Elliot with his guitar catalogues, becoming thoroughly knowledgeable about my obsession. For me it was the Hofner company catalogues that could be ordered in music magazine ads for .25 cents. Twice I had possession of a '63-'64-ish Hofner violin bass for a long period of time thru a friend that owned one and let me keep it for a long time (months & months). Holding & playing that little hollow body bass showed me & made me fall in love quality luthier craftsmanship and I saw guitars as a special hand made objects.

“Hey, can I show you my guitar!?” - I love it

That's great stuff there. I really liked the cars. Had to learn how to play several of their songs because they were requested all of the time in the 80's and 90's and people hit the dance floor. I think it's all the 1/8th notes.They make people want to move. Genius song writers for the radio. Ahh, The Yamaha SPX 90. What wonderful tool it was. Big step up from a deltalab. I liked those delta labs for live stuff though. they had a bit of a gritty sound to them that was cool. Lots of knob twisting on it though with no presets.

Wow! I loved that. It didn’t seem like an interview as much as sitting down and having a chat over coffee. Elliot Easton is one of my favourite guitarists of all time.

All guitar players not just us lefties could stand a little Elliot Easton in our stratosphere -

The guitar solo in "Tonight She Comes" is one of the finest examples of a rock solo I've ever heard. I know how that sounds at face value, but the solo in that song is just so tasty. Chef's Kiss👌

Wow, what a cool guy. And a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm. And, Many Thanx Elliot. I have a Few Fender Custom Shop Guitars and I Love them All.

Elliot seems like someone you'd like to sit down and talk with about all kinds of things great interview thanks Zac

The Cars are my generation's Classic Rock Giants.. first time I got real high on cannabis, we were skipping Jr high school, listening to their album.. LOUD "I don't mind you coming here.. wasting all my time.." (Just what I needed) ..it was bliss! I still listen to The Cars "Cameo" LP always sounds amazing

Such a great interview. Elliot is thoughtful, honest and talented

I loved that interview. Elliott is an encyclopedia of guitar and of the music I grew up with. Thank you Zac.

He's the master of saying a whole lot in a very short amount of time. Very succinct, memorable solos

My 4 “go to” influences that I think of when coming up with solos are Elliot, Neal Schon, George Harrison and Mike Campbell. It’s always “what would they do?” Great interview!

Such a great guitar player. I lump him in with with James Honeyman Scott and John McGeoch as guys who were bridging new and old guitar playing in that era with economy a creativity. That’s always where I’ve wanted to land. But guess that was over 40 years ago now, so it’s all old today. I started playing in 1980, so that was new then. I also associate them with the Hamer guitars of that time too. Hamer was landing those types of players then, including Andy Summers

What a cool guy. Humble too. Excellent insight into creating 'timeless' sounds that arent so 'canned' as most the stuff on the radio at the time. And without overplaying, just great solos I can whistle every note since I was a little kid.

IMO the one of the most underrated guitarists in rock music. Great/versatile player, whose solos just stick with you after the first listen.

Tremendous guitarist - absolutely one of the best pop music soloists ever. And seems a terrific person to be around.

One of my favorite guitarist. Thank you for this.😍

I am from Bakersfield and a fan of Merel Haggard, Buck Owens, and The Cars. I was pleased to hear that you mentioned the Bakersfield sound. I grew up in high school listening to The Cars in the 1970s and 1980s before I began listening to Merel and Buck. Thank you for your contribution to great music I have enjoyed for many years. I listened to my cd of The Cars Greatest hits yesterday. Mike

I saw Elliot Easton perform once and it struck me as clear as daylight that he’s one of the best guitarist I’ve ever heard. I would subsequently watch his live performances and he would constantly continue to reinforce that point within me. Elliot Easton is not just a member of a popular band he is literally a brilliant guitarist, one of the very best, I would argue to say, my favorite rock guitarist.

I want to get as excited about anything as Elliot Easton gets about guitars...Pretty Wonderful stuff. I like the way you just let the joy flow throughout the entire interview. It's rich and compelling and SO FUN...Thanks!

I think talent like Elliot's always finds fame. They are just too good. And his humble demeanor only flames his greatness. Listening to him speak in the many, many interviews really illuminates his high intellect. Bravo!

Absolutely amazing! Thank you Elliot and Zac! RIP Ric and Ben ❤️

Wow... what a generous and kind person Elliott is! So nice to learn that a guitar hero of mine is such a beautiful person... in addition to being a creative player and a historically important figure in rock/pop. This interview was a joy to watch. Thanks, Zac and Elliott!!

What an amazing, informative, interesting interview! The Cars music, to me, is Precious Treasure. It captured and defined the days of my youth. Such fond memories are brought to life, each time I hear a Cars song. Elliot, thank you for your awesome music and for sharing your time, talent, stories and memories, with us! Thank you both for such a wonderful conversation and memories.

This was my favorite Truetone episode ever! Elliott has never lost his love of playing and the joy it brings. He likes guitars just as much as the rest of us do. Thank you!

One of my favorite musicians!

Elliot is the best guitar player that came out of the new wave era. Period. So creative and melodic. The underrated word is used way too much to describe guitarists. Everytime it has been used unnecessarily should be stacked together and given to Elliot. His solos are full of surprises and that's what makes people stay interested in a song. It's why we are still listening to The Cars over four decades later!

Elliott, you’re a class act bro. Much love to you!

The Cars greatest hits was one of the first cassette tapes I ever had and I listened to it in a steady rotation. Elliot’s solos always blew me away, as they still do! His originality and phrasing were killer 👍 thanks for these awesome insightful ideas interviews!

I know Ben & and Elliot used to live right up the street from each other in Weston,MA so it was easy for Ben to drive over and plow.

The Cars have always been one of a few quintessential "summertime" bands for me. Thanks Zac!

Wow one of my idols back in the 80s. I can sing so many of his solos. Growing up on Long Island I know “Gracin’s” well. I never knew Elliot lived in Long Island. We didn’t have RU-vid back then lol. Thank you for hosting this legend.

Absolutely amazing to hear Elliot's stories. I would love to spend a day at his house hearing more stories and seeing his guitars. He wants to share his joy. Very special.

One of the most humble guitar greats

Zac, back in my late-teens and early-20s, I was too self-absorbed with anything and everything 80’s metal and hair band music to fully appreciate the breadth and specialness of Elliott’s guitar work. I have come to learn over the past few years what a true genius he is, and is truly someone whose thoughtful playing influences and inspires my playing as much as any shredder has, or ever will. All I play is a Tele these days, and have moved on from my Les Paul days. And Zac, I can’t leave without saying how much I truly appreciate your interview style...thank you for allowing your guests to finish their stories!

A song like “Touch and Go”, the solo is like a surprise. I just love the way it builds, and then climbs at the end. It hints at some of the sort of “cliche” licks, but never dwells on them. The Cars invited a deeper level of listening. My first Walkman had me mesmerized, being able to hear all of these things that get lost in an AM radio mix.

I grew up listening to guitar driven music, mostly rock. I was in to Blue Oyster Cult, AC/DC, KISS, Deep Purple, ZZ Top, Heart, Bad Company, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ozzy…the list is long and I was obsessed with guitars, and especially with lead guitarists. But I still get chills when I hear Elliot Easton play. It started with the Midnight Special. The Cars were unique. Catchy tunes. A modern style yet nostalgic. Clever yet humble. The thing that really did it for me was Elliot Easton. Not only did he look cool, his guitar solos and even his rhythmic parts would hit you over the head- sometimes searing, fiery melodic solos, other times jangly riffs. I still listen to his riffs and shake my head. He is a master and I can’t think of anyone who comes close to his amazing style and knack for what to play, or even when NOT to play. He’s a genius who deserves more credit for his place in guitar history. I play the guitar, and if I could be granted a wish to play like anyone I wanted it would be Elliot Easton. I can’t explain how much his playing has done for me throughout my life.

Elliot is a true class act !!! Thank you for all your great music !!

I love Elliot Easton..he is a gentleman with class, so amazing fine guitarist ..humble human being..and i love him ❤.My gosh he was a cutie boy in his youth..very hot man 😂❤

Love your stories Elliot.

i love Elliot. He's one of my guitar idols and one of the reasons i picked up a guitar. I grew up in Boston and I'm telling ya, There is something about Boston guitar players (I know Elliot is originally from Long Island) but the guitar players from Boston have these melodic, bending solos (Joe Perry, J Geils, Easton).

Great hang! Elliot has some fun stories and anecdotes... wonderful stuff. Thanks Zac👍😄.

Thank you!! I adore him!! So wonderful.

Long live the lefties! A left handed guitar geek, obviously obsessed with guitars. The love just oozes out of this man. A left handed Tiki Bird has been on my want list for years! Nice Interview!

I still have a crush on him. YES, indeed. he is such a talented figure, and one that MADE the Cars.

Elliot Easton is just what I needed. It's occured to me that to be a good guitarist, you have to be a geek and Ive met alot over the years. Elliot Easton is Geek Chief. He is one of favourite players evers. Thanks for vid.❤

I agree with what Elliots statements on everyone has their own speed, that they are wired that way. I’ve had the same experiences, teaching quite a few people to play and some passed me by in regards to speed within six months 🤣 I never let that stop me from working on my speed but I have for some time realized that some are naturally fast and they get there with much less effort than I

I absolutely love Elliot's playing style. Everyone of those Cars songs has a high quality guitar lead and rhythm.

It dawned on me that we might have played together when we were in H.S. at my house. I always had different guys over to play in 68 and 69 , I too got my first guitar and amp at Gracin's in Freeport..my dad drove me to Bernie's house in N. Massapequa one night to pick it up there . Bernie also got me a Farfisa. Probably the first one he ever sold. Also had Alec Baldwin for social studies and knew all the other people too. Was just back in Massapequa a few months ago..Its still pretty much the same except Bar Harbor shopping center is mostly condos now.. Glad to hear you're still active.

Fantastic interview, a testament to both of you. It's long but seemed to fly by.

When I think of Elliot, creativity is the first thing that comes to mind! I can't watch the many, many cars live performances without always focusing on Elliot's playing. His guitar is his paint brush and the song is his canvas. Without a doubt, The Cars don't go anywhere without Elliot. His distinct style is one of the essential elements that made the Cars sound like the Cars.

This is awesome. I haven't even watched it yet.

wow - this is fantastic!!!!!!! thanks to both of you

One of the interviews I was hoping you'd do, Zac. Thank you!

Excellent interview; one of the best, IMHO. His history lessons are unique, especially regarding the influence of The Band upon the Beatles and others. He is a monster player with extraordinary humility and generosity. Thanks, as always, for your interviews, Zac.

Today, I watched all 1 hr and 47 mins of one of the THE most informative interviews I've ever heard. Although I'm aware of Elliot Easton's generosity when it comes to sharing his vast knowledge on guitars and music. .and it IS vast. . I know that CoVid had a lot to do with the available time. For a brief while, I joined his Facebook site and he used to feature a guitar a day and share time with his fans. He was kinda bored being secluded. Elliot is an outgoing guy who naturally gravitates towards people. He's a walking encylopedia of guitar and music history. In addition to being one of the world's best and most creative guitarists, I get the feeling that he should be TEACHING guitar courses in college somewhere. He's such a natural at relating information. Of course, being Berkeley trained, he's certainly qualified. Kudos to you Zac for orchestrating such an entertaining and informative interview. It's obvious that Elliot enjoyed sharing his time and stories. I especially enjoyed the contrasts between producers Roy Thomas Thomas and Mutt Lange. Elliot's an American treasure. So humble. I hope his current band, the Empty Hearts, gets an op to tour nationally. I just saw drummer Clem Burke on a Blondie tour and he's every bit as good as he ever was. Of course, Elliot more than holds his own. What a treat. Thanks for this interview. It was well worth the time.

What a lovely man. I have an Elliot Easton Tiki Firebird - amazingly versatile guitar.

What a lovely inteview of a lovely man. Elliot seemed so down to earth and generous. I LOVE his stories. He is such a treasure of experience and is willing to share. Thank you for posting this. :)

That was a wonderful interview Zac. Great to hear all of Elliott’s stories and like most of us, his fascination for guitars. I remember that magazine centrefold of that Burgundy mist Strat and I remember that magazine photo of Elliott laying down in this field and his huge selection of guitars spread out all over the field. I remember the writer of the article referring to Elliott as “the Merlin of the fingerboard”. He was correct.

Wow…thats an interview for the time capsule….sure will be part of music history in years to come ….like me now investigating the inner workings of the cars…thanks bud for this interview.

I got to meet Elliot at a RockStar Camp some years ago, at which he hosted a master class on how he created those incredible and timeless solos(he showed us how he played one of my favorites-Bye Bye Love and his thought process) Everything people are saying here is true, a real gentleman, brilliant guitarist, so dedicated to his craft, and forever young at heart. Thanks for a terrific interview and some great memories!

I loved this episode so much. I grew up in the 80's and The Cars were a huge part of it for me. He's just always been such a tasteful player. I can't remember which guitar mag had this, but do you remember that a cassette came and had a few tracks of the cover guest doing their thing. I remember one with Elliot and another with Steve Stevens. These were life changing and changed how I listened - and set the bar high. LOL. Thanks for doing it and letting him tell these great stories and share the way he did. He's always been such an amazing lovable guy. You are not so bad yourself! Thanks again.

King of COOL!