Death Cab takes a break (Updated March 20, 2013)

Death Cab for Cutie's latest album, "Codes and Keys," was released back in May of 2011. Behind it came a run of tour dates through the U.S. and Canada, beginning with the Magic*Magik Orchestra, which had been featured on the project. Next was an 18-date jaunt where the band played the 80/35 Festival in Iowa, Summerfest in Wyoming, Cincinnati's Bunbury Fest and the Taste of Chicago, before wrapping at the Firefly Music Festival in Delaware.

The aforementioned tour was a party in the largest sense, featuring not only Death Cab, but also the Killers, Jack White and the Black Keys at Firefly. A spot on the bill was just another reason to celebrate, as "Codes and Keys" had debuted at No. 1 on the Rock Albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. But when the tour wrapped, Death Cab's next move wasn't to build on the success, but instead to take some time off.

The band was pretty silent on its future until early 2013, when it was announced that Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello (aka The Postal Service) would join together for a number of headline shows. These were in addition to two previously confirmed festival appearances at Coachella and Primavera Sound, and with a band put together that included Jenny Lewis and Laura Burhenn.

Gibbard also recently went back into the studio to release his first solo effort, "Former Lives." The project is in contrast to the Death Cab material, more guitar driven and diverse. It features singers Aimee Mann of 'Till Tuesday and Los Angeles mariachi band Trio Elias. Though Gibbard broke away from the band to promote the new material, the crooner has stated on numerous occasions he's looking forward to Death Cab's eventual return.

Death Cab for Cutie Tickets - Band History

*Update: Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard has announced his first solo album, Former Lives, is scheduled to drop this fall. For more information, check us out here.

Death Cab for Cutie formed in Bellingham, Washington in 1997. Originally a solo project, the band now consists of Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar), Chris Walla (guitar, production), Nick Harmer (bass), and Jason

McGerr (drums). The band's name comes from the title of the song written and performed by Neil Innes and Vivian Stanshall of Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band in the 1967 Beatles' film Magical Mystery Tour.

Death Cab for Cutie - The Music

The Band produced a number of indie records, and gained popularity on the indie circuit as a result. Death Cab for Cutie tickets sold well, as the band played at many local festivals and gained a solid fan base. It was not until 2003 that the band gained widespread popularity. The release of their album Transatlanticism was well-received, and tracks from the album were featured on numerous television shows, including 'The O.C.' and 'CSI: Miami'. Soon after, the band signed with Atlantic records, and released the album Plans, and immediately set out on tour. Death Cab for Cutie tickets sold quickly. The band continues to produce albums, and released their first single 'I Will Possess Your Heart' in 2008. Their album Narrow Stairs was released shortly thereafter, and was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard charts.

Death Cab for Cutie - Tour

Death Cab for Cutie continues to tour, preferring to begin and end tours in their home state of Washington. The band also utilizes video performances, and shuns the music industry's use of Auto Tune software. These quirks have led them to a loyal fanbase, and Death Cab for Cutie tickets continue to be top sellers.