Death Cab for Cutie Band Facts
1- Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band formed in Bellingham, Washington, in 1997.
2- The band’s unusual name is taken from a song performed by the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in The Beatles’ 1967 film, “Magical Mystery Tour.”
3- The original band members are Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Nick Harmer (bass), and Jason McGerr (drums). Former member Chris Walla (guitar, production) left the band in 2014.
4- Ben Gibbard was originally a solo artist who recorded under the name “All-Time Quarterback.”
5- Their first album, “Something About Airplanes,” was released in 1998.
6- The band gained mainstream success with their 2003 album “Transatlanticism,” which achieved gold status in 2008.
7- The song “Transatlanticism” was notably featured in multiple episodes of the TV show “The O.C.,” helping to boost the band’s visibility.
8- Death Cab for Cutie’s fifth studio album, “Plans,” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2005.
9- Ben Gibbard is known for his emotive and poetic lyrics, which often explore themes of love, loss, and introspection.
10- The band’s album “Narrow Stairs” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in 2008, marking their first chart-topping album.
11- The single “I Will Possess Your Heart” from “Narrow Stairs” earned the band a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Song in 2009.
12- Ben Gibbard is also known for his work with the electronic band The Postal Service, which was active primarily from 2001 to 2005.
13- Death Cab for Cutie’s eighth studio album, “Kintsugi,” is named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold or silver, symbolizing the beauty in broken things. This album was the last to feature founding member Chris Walla.
14- Chris Walla announced his departure from the band during the making of “Kintsugi,” though he still contributed to the album as a musician.
15- The band continued as a trio following Walla’s departure, with touring musicians filling in during live performances.
16- Death Cab for Cutie’s 2018 album, “Thank You for Today,” was their first album created without Walla and marked the first time they had recorded in Los Angeles.
17- The band’s music has appeared in various films and TV shows, including “Six Feet Under,” “Mean Creek,” “Easy A,” and “How I Met Your Mother.”
18- Death Cab for Cutie released “The Georgia E.P.” in 2020, a collection of covers of songs by artists from Georgia, to raise funds for a political campaign during the Georgia Senate runoff elections.
19- Ben Gibbard is an avid runner and has completed multiple marathons.
20- As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Death Cab for Cutie has released nine studio albums, five extended plays (EPs), a demo tape, a digital album, one live album, thirty-two singles, nine music videos, and two DVDs.
