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The year is 1984. The neon glow of MTV is at its peak, and a quirky, synth-heavy beat pulses through the airwaves. It’s the unmistakable sound of The Cars—the band that managed to bridge the gap between jagged New Wave cool and arena-rock perfection. ​

Fast forward to today, and while the legendary Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr may be gone, their sonic legacy is thriving in the Great White North. Enter Let’s Go!, Canada’s premier tribute to The Cars, a high-octane production that does far more than just “playing the hits.” They are reviving an era. ​

The Dynamic Duo: Davis & Jones ​

At the heart of the band’s authenticity is a partnership built on decades of friendship and professional pedigree. Fronting the act is Barry Davis, stepping into the oversized blazer and signature shades of Ric Ocasek. While many recognize Davis as the long-time “Man on the Field” reporter for the Toronto Blue Jays, he has been a professional musician for over 30 years. His transition from the diamond to the dashboard of a 1970s rock icon is seamless, capturing Ocasek’s deadpan charm and staccato vocal delivery with startling precision.

​Joining him is Martyn Jones, portraying the soul of the band, Benjamin Orr. Jones is a titan of the Canadian industry with over 50 years of experience, having performed and toured the world with acclaimed bands such as Michael Fury and Refugee.

When they aren’t channeling the “moving in stereo” vibes of The Cars, Davis and Jones perform together as a Beatles Duo, ‘Nowhere Men’, showcasing a vocal shorthand that only half a century of musicianship can produce. ​

The Architects of the Sound ​What sets Let’s Go! apart is the meticulous attention to the complex layering of synthesizers and guitar work that defined the ’80s. The “engine room” of the band is comprised of elite musicians who trade their impressive day-job titles for rock-star status the moment the lights go down: ​

Matt O’Rourke (Drums): Providing the heartbeat of the show, Matt captures the signature rhythmic drive of the original records. When not on tour, he is shaping the next generation of talent at Mattomusic, his own music school located in Clarington, Ontario. ​

Howard Stern (Keyboards): Manning the essential wall of futuristic synthesizers is Howard Stern—and to clarify, no, not that Howard Stern! A Mortgage Lawyer by day, Howard brings the same level of technical detail to his keyboard patches as he does to his legal briefs. ​Emilio Lamorte (Lead Guitar): Delivering those “top-notch” solos is Emilio Lamorte. A Teacher by day, Emilio also serves as a part-time guitar instructor at Long & McQuade in Brampton, ensuring every Elliot Easton-inspired lick is executed with academic perfection.

​More Than Just a Cover Band ​The show is a chronological joyride through a discography that defined a decade. From the nervous energy of “My Best Friend’s Girl” to the polished, multi-platinum sheen of the Heartbeat City era, the band covers it all.

​The versatility of these musicians is vast. Barry Davis, in particular, has become a chameleon of classic rock; when he isn’t channeling Ocasek, he is the frontman for We Ain’t Petty, a tribute to Tom Petty, and explores his Southern rock roots with Simply Skynyrd.

But it is in Let’s Go! where this collection of educators, lawyers, and broadcasters truly shines, offering a high-fidelity connection to a band that changed the landscape of music.

​Catch the Magic Live:

Upcoming 2026 Tour Dates ​Don’t wait for the magic to fade. Let’s Go! is hitting the road throughout Southern and Eastern Ontario. Mark your calendars for these upcoming performances:

DateVenue Location

May 2 Regent Theatre Oshawa, ON

May 22 Flato Academy Theatre Lindsay, ON

June 13 Farrell Hall Perth, ON

June 27 Aquarius Theatre Hamilton, ON

July 4 Frisky Beaver Port Dover, ON

Aug 8 Gravenhurst Opera House Gravenhurst, ON

Sept 18 Stockey Centre Parry Sound, ON

Oct 8 Grand Theatre Kingston, ON