DECEMBER 31, 1976 – The Cars played their first show at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire and spent early 1977 playing throughout New England, developing the songs that appeared on their debut album. A nine-song demo tape was recorded in early 1977 and soon “Just What I Needed” was getting heavy airplay on Boston radio stations WBCN and WCOZ.[6] By virtue of that airplay, the band was signed to Elektra Records. The band’s debut album, The Cars, was released in June 1978, reaching No. 18 on the Billboard 200. “Just What I Needed” was released as the debut single from the album, followed by “My Best Friend’s Girl” and “Good Times Roll”, all three charting on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also featured multiple album tracks that received substantial airplay, such as “You’re All I’ve Got Tonight”, “Bye Bye Love”, and “Moving in Stereo”.
