In a significant milestone for indie rock enthusiasts, Death Cab for Cutie has announced a series of special concerts to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their seminal album, Plans. Released in 2005, Plans marked the band’s major-label debut and featured enduring tracks such as “Soul Meets Body” and “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.” The anniversary shows are scheduled for August 2025, with performances in Seattle, Chicago, and Brooklyn. Notably, the band will play the entire Plans album during these concerts, offering fans a nostalgic journey through their influential work.
Reflecting on the album’s impact, frontman Benjamin Gibbard stated, “Plans is an album that changed the trajectory of Death Cab for Cutie forever—it was our major label debut, it went platinum, and earned us our first GRAMMY nominations.” He emphasized the importance of celebrating this milestone, even amidst their current projects, noting, “We are only playing a few shows in its honor as we’re currently working on our next studio album, but … .”
The scheduled performances are as follows:
- August 2, 2025: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA (with Nation of Language)
- August 5, 2025: Chicago Theatre, Chicago, IL (with Nation of Language)
- August 8, 2025: Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY (with The American Analog Set)
- August 10, 2025: Brooklyn Paramount, Brooklyn, NY (with The American Analog Set)
In addition to these headlining shows, Death Cab for Cutie … open for My Chemical Romance on August 9, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. However, this performance is not part of the Plans anniversary series.
This announcement follows a period of extensive touring for the band. Over the past two years, they have been performing their 2003 album, Transatlanticism, in full, often alongside Gibbard’s side project, The Postal Service, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of its album Give Up. These tours have been described as “peak millennial nostalgia,” offering cathartic experiences for both the audience and the band.
The Plans album holds a special place in Death Cab for Cutie’s discography. It was their first release under a major label and achieved platinum status, signifying over a million units sold. The album also earned the band their first Grammy nominations, solidifying their place in the indie rock landscape.
As the band prepares for these anniversary shows, they are also working on new material, indicating that while they honor their past achievements, they continue to look forward to future creative endeavors. Fans attending the upcoming concerts can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and the enduring appeal of Death Cab for Cutie’s music.
