The synth ballad was used as background music for footage of the Ethiopian famine, and was re-released as a result, helping to raise money for the cause.
Ocasek met his wife, model and actress Paulina Porizkova, on the set of the video for the song.
In May last year, she announced on social media that she and Ocasek had separated after 28 years of marriage.
Many of Ric’s fellow musicians paid tribute on Twitter following the news of his death…