Live CD/DVD from the Cars on the way

Live material from the original lineup of the Cars has been collected in a new CD/DVD combo package. It's called The Cars Unlocked, and it features 26 performances on the DVD, many of which have never been released, along with interviews, sound check and backstage footage, and home video shot by the band members. The DVD, which has been mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound, also comes with a lyric book. The CD portion, which is the first official Cars live album, has 14 tracks, and four of those songs are unreleased. The Cars Unlocked should be available October 17th.

The Cars Unlocked is an authorized release that's been overseen by Cars singer-guitarist Ric Ocasek. He told Billboard, "I think it will be a nice insight into what the Cars were really like... I think it's pretty telling. I think it's the most comprehensive thing that's ever been put out on the Cars."

Ocasek and Cars drummer David Robinson opted not to reunite with lead guitarist Elliot Easton and keyboardist Greg Hawkes, who released a live album and toured earlier this year as the New Cars, with Todd Rundgren on guitar and lead vocals. Easton was hurt in a tour bus mishap that caused the cancellation of the tour, but the New Cars are planning to go back out in the fall.