I met several very famous people in person while in CT/NY. Some of them were more famous than Rick Ocasek. However, one day while roaming around NYC in the 1999-2001 period, my gf at the time and I stopped into a clothing store just as they were hustling people out. They were clearing the store so Rick and Paulina could shop in peace with their newborn in tow. Apparently, everyone wanted to see Paulina after the baby, presumably so they could judge her body and either pick on her for being fat or worship her for looking like she’d never been pregnant.
Anyway, Rick Ocasek, despite being pale, skinny and unconventional looking, had an incredible aura. The energy coming off the guy took me back. I was not a Cars fan, I just liked a couple songs so I wasn’t very excited to see him. Then I saw him and I immediately understood why he was so famous and successful. He had a huge presence. It was really striking.