Ben Gibbard - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Ben Gibbard performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded September 12, 2018.
Songs:
Your Hurricane
60 and Punk
Grapevine Fires
Brothers On A Hotel Bed
What Sarah Said
Such Great Heights
Recycled Air
Soul Meets Body
405
Marching Bands of Manhattan
Your Heart Is An Empty Room
Crooked Teeth
Host: Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineer: Kevin Suggs
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Alaia D'Alessandro & Kendall Rock
Editor: Scott Holpainen
kexp.org
benjamingibbard.net

[@ringo_-]

2:19 Your Hurricane 6:36 60 and Punk 18:04 Grapevine Fires 22:31 Brothers On a Hotel Bed 26:02 What Sarah Said 31:36 Such Great Heights 40:13 Recycled Air 43:28 Soul Meets Body 51:08 405 55:36 Marching Bands In Manhattan 1:01:14 Your Heart Is An Empty Room 1:06:44 Crooked Teeth

[@jsalinasbarros]

Thank u so much

[@Jesskyk]

Ty ☺💕

[@whippetgood1696]

You the real mvp!

[@thenudes]

Thanks

[@AcmeNewsLLC]

My love, I drown

[@ceelar]

Cheryl is such an inspiration to me. She was there working and spotting the talent of Death Cab for Cutie over 20 years ago. She is here now with stellar professionalism and so humbled by Ben Gibbard's music just like any other fan would be, and yet at the same time she's keeping the momentum going with great questions and just making everyone feel comfortable. And she does it all with a calmness and kindness that just floors any guest. You'd think someone in her position would be jaded or arrogant. I aspire to love my job as much as Cheryl seems to love hers, and to be able to keep my wonder and humility throughout the years half as well as she can.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Great comment.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Gary McMichael you’re welcome. Hope you’re feeling amazing today! You’re a great writer.

[@V4D2]

well said, in deed .. I haven't known Cheryl for 20 years.. but one does, in deed, feel how her presence..and her work binds all of this together. It takes talent and heart..and sweat.. on stage.. as well as off stage.. .

[@Koskicat]

Great comment, it's 100% true as well. Absolutely professional and fan at the same time. I want to learn how to do that.

[@onemeans.o.b.7565]

Ben is that you?

[@elliotsmith2995]

Unquestionably one of the finest songwriters of his generation. This is just stunning.

[@DaWizardOfOz7]

Also one of the finest melody creators.

[@mattlee4618]

His lyrics go so hard

[@claireaudientttttt]

I mean, every minute of it. not only beautiful songs but heartfelt banter & stories. it feels like vh1 storytellers meets KEXP

[@BookersJourney]

Sorry I just had to add... in my opinion hes not only one of the best of his generation but any generation, this man changed my life with his words, lyrics, feelings...his life, his music. He made my life easier to live. His joke about loving his music in junior high and still loving it at 27. I'm 29 now, and have loved his music since I was 10... I will go loving it. Thanks Ben

[@troycote4503]

I've come to realize, Ben writes amazing music, and I personally think he's every bit as talented as Bod Dylan with a more whimsical and whitty approach that's kept me interested much longer and deeper. He's not getting the credit he deserves, but then again he's not placating to people's expectations and He's an amazing writer and singer.

[@SailingJura]

The humbleness of Ben to willingly take requests and deliver his life experiences to a room of strangers is amazing.

[@devoured1]

i would like to thank Jennifer for asking for Brothers on a Hotel Bed

[@kyletronson7693]

Truly amazing song and version. Probably my favorite song on this whole set he did

[@gabopalacios2028]

@@kyletronson7693 I woul've love to hear 405 or The Employment Pages but no one ever asks for those songs. I really love the We Have The Facts songs and I barely have the chance to find those songs on a live version.

[@frankbanktank]

@@gabopalacios2028 Um 51:08 in this video he plays 405

[@gabopalacios2028]

@@frankbanktank I realized a few minutes after I wrote that. Thanks!

[@callumalston5755]

@@gabopalacios2028 can find some good versions of title track

[@claireaudientttttt]

Thank you, Lisa, whoever you are, for requesting "What Sarah Said." From the bottom of my grief-stricken heart, thank you.

[@annemoya-oropeza5982]

Every time I'm at my lowest I come here to listen 🎶 to get it all out ...

[@johnarmitage7113]

I can't hear "What Sarah Said" without tearing up. Ben's lyrics have always been second to none.

[@markwett]

Second to one.... Elliott Smith's lyrics are better... but Ben is good too.

[@davidpollak685]

The chords make me cry

[@williamsbryanw]

@@markwett amen ( says the agnostic that is me)

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Yah it’s weird I always tear up with this band

[@roncv26]

I always cry when they hear that song. Reminds me of my dad.

[@medeyum]

What Ben says at 13:33 really resonated with me “As a music fan, I recognize that my favorite bands can’t recreate those moments for me, as much as I can’t be that age anymore.” I know it’s obvious that music fans grow and change just as much as the bands do, but that doesn’t always feel obvious when catching up with an old favorite band’s new release. Certain bands can matter so much, not just because of their sound, but because of the relationship our past selves unknowingly shared with them. Ben is an outstanding musician and lyricist, and I appreciated hearing his insight on such an impactful career as a musician.

[@RyanHeaney42]

I couldn't agree more, Kyle. Thanks for summing it up so well. I've recognized the change in the sound and content every album, and coincidentally the poetry found on each release has somehow spoke to me. Like Ben, I think many of us can go down memory lane of a certain time in our lives from just listening to say Transatlantacism. For me, this new album is no different. I am really glad that we live in this time right here right now so that we can have such an awesome person influence our lives.

[@facundosaavedra186]

So intersting what he said in all this part. I listen dcfc and i like the musicians well but i start listening to ben for the last 11 years. And well i must hear this part again because for me, as a muscician is very important. Well i from Argentina and i love this band, my favorite with otthers too obiusly. But just love love new album, the "change" gold rush oh ! What a so grat song. If anyone can tell me what he sayd in this part thanks because my english is not that good 😊

[@gabopalacios2028]

Ben is such a poetic guy. I wonder if he comes up with lines like that on the go or if he ever has deep conversations with himself and picks the best lines for moments like this. I would love to sit and chat with him about anything just to know his thoughts on random stuff, even inconsequential topics non related to music. And while I'm writing this I feel like this is exactly what "platonic love" means XD

[@karolaanderson8268]

kyle garlock has to work o

[@emilyrosebosco4612]

I completely agree!! Such a beautiful comment and perfectly said!

[@tylerbostic2929]

One of the best song writers ever. Criminally underrated in my opinion. He’s responsible for the soundtrack of my teens

[@meghannecollins609]

Agreed

[@TheresaKim]

Agreed. I find his lyrics are lovely poetry and stories. I feel the same about his PS partner, Jenny Lewis.

[@charlieclark3517]

HE JUST LAUNCHES STRAIGHT INTO SARAH SAID HE DON'T GIVE A FUCC

[@joshuah2786]

Completely forgot how deeply melancholic but passionately beautiful of a song "What Sarah Said" is. Ben at his absolute best.

[@onemeans.o.b.7565]

When I was in my 30s I stumbled across "Plans". That album broke my heart in half. I still play that record on a regular basis, I can't think of an album in my collection that brings more emotion out of me. Now I'm the guy who sits around waiting for the new Death Cab and Ben's side stuff...

[@pocketmouses]

Beautiful album

[@kyleblankenship6183]

Not alone on that one bud

[@Tonixe86]

Damn they should put this live session on vinyl. Beautiful performance.

[@flyingcheff]

I agree with you! So many KEXP performances are often superior to produced records (example: The Clientele), I wish the performances on KEXP could be purchased - maybe one day...

[@francisco4434]

agree, i download it and turned it to mp3 to listen while im driving to work every day!

[@nopasta922]

There is someone that can do that, if you have the original DAT? Still can put on vinyl if KEXP allows that *not me

[@ShaneKennedy1969]

@@LightbulbTedbear2 Just DL the audio from this video... It won't be HD, but it will sound as good as it does here. There's an app called "KZbin to mp3".

[@lunatuna5203]

Welcome to 2020 time traveller, they don't use vinyl any more.

[@peteraborgerding7431]

Ben is one of the most important songwriters of my generation.

[@davidcopson5800]

Maybe any generation.

[@jothehero]

When you meet someone that was a Death Cab fan when Death Cab was really Death Cab there is just this mutual understanding of Ben's music and what it really meant. I know how that sounds, and I know things aren't the same now, but I'm glad I got to experience what I got to experience.

[@BryceRogers_]

In my humble opinion, the top five most important songwriters (in no particular order) are Ben, Conor Oberst, John Mayer, Elliott Smith and Dave Grohl.

[@thewokksy6715]

@@BryceRogers_ James Mercer too

[@furmanfurman]

Radio plays what they want you to hear. The world needs more KEXPs!

[@krynicah]

Don't punch me in the face but it's the first time I hear this guy. He's amazing, what a talent!! ❤️

[@pickelkilla]

Magic K I envy you

[@kolmenoitaayeet]

Welcome to the Death Cab family :)

[@michaeltaylors2456]

Magic K no worries bro . My wife turned me on to DCFC ridiculously great live

[@ydk2284]

Spread the word dude, you know they deserve more attention

[@theforeverpuddle8754]

That's awesome. Death cab is great. Ben Gibbard is such a talented songwriter and a really great singer as well.

[@RyanMatejka]

In a room full of hipsters, the person who requested Gridlock Caravans is the truest hipster. Respect.

[@TheFantasticFox222]

That was me!

[@atheosmachina]

@@TheFantasticFox222 Nice! You must've been really chuffed with the LP!

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

Underwater, Talking Like Turnstiles, Prove my Hypothesis, Your Bruise, Expo '86, Technicolor Girls, Coney Island (and on and on...) I love Death Cab

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

​@@TheFantasticFox222I feel like Ben could have pulled off Gridlock Caravans, it's a short sweet little song. Great request!

[@chicjohn8081]

I'm just hijacking this comment to say that Ben's songs made me the man I am today and it's strange to hear him play these songs nervous and proud at the same time. I'm so grateful he put himself in the noose like that. Im so proud of him. And myself... The new me is only possible because of his songs. I was a middle school fan. We were kids. He wrote what I was feeling. So cool

[@bell1974]

'Heart is an empty room'...if this was the last song I ever had to listen to I'd die with an appreciative smile on my face. What a show.

[@marxshtv6860]

He played the ‘ba ba-ba-ba’ part of Recycled Air with such respect and reverence, he clearly is aware how much ‘Give Up’ shaped an entire generation.

[@FelixRosas10]

Shout out to the host, Cheryl! She just seems like she appreciates music so much and has a very natural interaction with Ben and the crowd as well. Loved every bit of this.

[@christianlewis9504]

Coming back after all these years..feels so damn good

[@rahrahetc]

Took me two years to find this! Will be returning regularly.

[@ahdiyatcahyo1185]

Ben Gibbard and Plans album are the pure joy of yesteryears

[@davidcopson5800]

Absolutely agreed.

[@lorendevitoable]

YES. Listened to it so much while starting grad school in Boston; knew no one, was working all the time, and it helped me tremendously

[@mariafietta6864]

The band plays too .....did not get. I love U guys. Greetings from Brazil 🌊🤘

[@bird7622]

He's honestly one of the best song writers of our time.

[@jessj7735]

Who else has been listening to them since junior high?

[@JV22ish]

100% I love everything they put out.

[@mchamberssc]

YES

[@BookersJourney]

I've been listening since 2002-3, I was 10 or 11... I'm now 29, 30 in a month. Nearly 20 years of Death cab and Ben's magic.

[@miserymedia]

What Sarah Said gave me chills and made me tear up. Such a beautiful song

[@CharlieKnottFilms]

For me, Ben Gibbard writes for the opening to a fresh sense we can’t feel yet. At least I couldn’t then, at 15 feeling really out of place. I discovered his music during that time in my life via a girl named Hannah who I hurt with my words a great deal. I sometimes play Death Cab or Postal Service in memory of our friendship and as a fleeting apology. If she ever reads this, I hope she knows I’ve worked on me for me, and that I gained a good sense of music from her. Ben, you’re a messenger somehow. Thank you so much.

[@buttersstotch2014]

Damn I have the exact situation, honest to god man, for a second there I thought I stumbled onto something I wrote and forgot…but just a crazy coincidence. I also hurt my friend hannah. So many years gone to waste because I was an idiot. Good luck man

[@BryceRogers_]

Give it up for the audio engineer! The audio quality on this concert is A1

[@jays907]

I thought that was just the singing. Prob both for real!!

[@BryceRogers_]

@@jays907 def both !

[@TheMrbasebll]

Yess, but they had to put the thing for the p’s, don’t know the name 😂

[@BryceRogers_]

@@TheMrbasebll oh yes, you're talking about the pop filter. It's a type of microphone shield

[@immastranger6752]

It's all Ben.. no joke

[@leftcoastgal5134]

Anyone else listen to this at least once a month!?

[@Pr0x1mo]

I try not to because it's emotionally exhausting, him and sufjan is just too much sometimes

[@hobiegary]

37 "persons" (as of this date) can bother to throw this guy a thumbs down? His sound and poetic words reminds me of another great songwriter but I don't dare say any name so as not to dilute the Ben Gibbard experience. This singer, writer, poet is very great. I am so glad to have heard him sing! Thank you Mr. Gibbard for your contribution to the arts and to me.

[@timothybrooks6727]

The greatest singer songwriter of our time. Zero doubt. It's a real problem not to understand what it takes to make such deep and influential music. Thanks Ben.

[@jayechristian9697]

You are absolutely correct ❤ much love from one fan to another

[@aimster2084]

I really think that part of what I love so much about his song writing is his expansive vocabulary. I love that he uses obscure words sometimes. Just love this guy. So much.

[@tenderheart444]

he’s the male fiona apple

[@ASkippingRock]

I have been listening to Death Cab since High School. I am 34. Keep making music, Death Cab is still one of my favorite bands.

[@iDigress77times]

You’re 36 now. And I was the same.

[@AttemptsNotMade]

it's both hilarious and awesome that he covers a cover of such great heights

[@cof4cof4]

AttemptsNotMade he wrote it for the Postal Service project. Iron and Wine did a cover of it.

[@AttemptsNotMade]

@@cof4cof4 yeah I know. It's kinda funny cuz I was just wondering how he was gonna try to play it and totally forgot about Sam's cover. Great stuff

[@dudelookslikeagirl]

That was really cool. He acknowledged Sam owned the song with his cover, so he did Iron and Wine's versions.

[@fishesndishes]

Neil Gallagher has done the same with Wonderwall, by covering Ryan Adam's version

[@meteda1070]

@@cof4cof4 Ben Gibbard did an acoustic cover of the Postal Service song that Sam then covered that cover that has now been covered by Ben.

[@stephgee07]

I’ve been to 5 concerts and always wanted to hear ice is getting thinner from death cab! One day Ben one day. Keep coming back to sunny LA🌴🌴

[@dan_2584]

I am listening to this video for that one song lol

[@laurawhite1313]

I have so much respect for the bands and artists who showed up during Covid lockdown to play to us while we were all silently losing our minds during the unknown. Mad love here; before and since then.

[@cyprn6600]

god i miss live music :(

[@deanstaniland121]

Unquestionably one of the greatest lyricists of all time. So thought provoking and emotive. I listened to this extensively after the loss of a child and the beauty & sincerity of his lyrics most definitely helped to heal me.

[@SunBlindMusic]

He's def one of my fav song writer. Definitely has influence my music

[@alexandrerighi]

how was I not aware of this video.... big fan of both KEXP and DCFC.... just WOW shout out to the sound engineers and the one and only Cheryl Waters

[@theyreMineralsMarie]

This was perfect, but he definitely should have played Title and Registration.

[@jake_villanueva]

Great track but he’s promoting a new record.

[@doinklas]

literal luck of the draw it seems, i wouldve liked to hear it in this setting too

[@retpolanne]

Somehow Death Cab For Cutie is part of my childhood (millennial here, judge me), even though I don't remember listening to it when I was younger. I simply love Ben's voice.

[@j2801]

I started listening to Death cab when I was 16 and I am now 30! Great love for them and Ben.

[@Nightstick24]

HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS HEAVENLY VOICE?!?!? I'm actually embarrassed to admit I'd somehow never heard of Ben Gibbard before this. What an absolutely heavenly voice, he's like a sneak peek at what angels sound like. But seriously, HOW HAVE I NEVER HEARD HIS MUSIC BEFORE???? Well at least I have twenty years of awesome music to listen to...

[@theforeverpuddle8754]

Lol. He's a beautiful singer with depressing lyrics. I love him though.

[@meghannecollins609]

He’s the anthem of our youth

[@kendy4000]

the acoustic brothers on a hotel bed is so beautiful :) thanks ben for getting me into guitar and being such an amazing songwriter

[@claireaudientttttt]

this whole video feels like Vh1 Storytellers & I'm here for every min of it. I'm also dating myself with that reference, but I'm alright with that.

[@FellDestroyedMusic]

Gibbard, Greatest of All-Time

[@MysterSer333]

it's so weird growing up. it's so nice having been here with all of you.

[@shadycal27]

This shit made me cry. Such good years brought back.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

Shade27 same bro. Crazy how this music destroys me.

[@criminal9865]

The first time I heard u I was blessed to have been exposed it was 16 yrs ago I was 35 yrs by a person who ment alot to me even as if today he no longer wants to be around ill be there in the dark . Blessing and smiles great job. U make me wana sing again and write music again. So thank u

[@middle_pickup]

A Gibson that won't stay in tune... Imagine that! Lol Ben, you are amazing! Thank you for the years of music!

[@roncv26]

2005 and my father just passed away from a stroke. I could not watch, with the rest of the family, him die. I moved to Atlanta and heard Soul Meets Body. I bought, Plans, heard What Sarahh Said, and was really a fan ever since.

[@johnbradshaw3429]

I can’t explain what it is but this is the greatest thing I’ve watched in a long time.

[@alx_b]

One of the greatest doing what he does best, and when it clicks it’s perfection.

[@setphaser]

my soul really needed this today, with a songwriter reaching out to me with their years of craft. my song would be “i will follow you into the dark”

[@mikemazzella3819]

Only musician that can play a hour and still has songs o wish he played

[@khemshet]

what a nice set with lovely banter in between. Cheers from the future, past Ben Gibbard and Cheryl Waters

[@jaclynjoseph720]

I feel like the more I watch him and death cab the more obsessed I get. He is so talented! Just watched Death cab live for the first time this last week! They were awesome!

[@mariooliveira3263]

Ben Gibbard masterfully sings with his soul and the songwriting is just spectacular. I love DCFC, The Postal Service and everything else he has ever done.

[@NESADDICT]

Mario Oliveira the home ep with Andrew Kenny was awesome too!

[@martinchavez9051]

All-time Quarterback!

[@zamaz99]

What a cool, articulate, intelligent and obviously incredibly talented guy he is.

[@Tlpopescu]

I listen to this over and over. I just love it so much.

[@d-rocky]

“We Have the Facts & We’re Voting Yes,” “Transatlanticism” & “Give Up” still mean the world to me. Whoever requested “405” has my respect. Not too many old school DCFC fans in that audience. I do not understand how no one requested “Title Track” or “Champagne from a Paper Cup.” Whatever. Still an incredible performance. The women who suggested “Gridlock Caravans” also has my respect. I’ve learned a million DCFC songs & I can’t figure that one out.

[@ConnorDMoody]

Anyone else get tears in their eyes when he started What Sarah Said on the piano? Goosebumps too...

[@mqxvr]

I love all of this but I needed to hear the district sleeps alone tonight. It is my deepest and most special memory

[@thezirons]

I really wish I could have been in that audience for this amazing performance! Thank you for this performance KEXP!!

[@ematero11]

Ive been listening to you guys since postal service days, but a lot more recently. I lost my father in a helicopter accident the day after christmas this year and your music is the only thing keeping me sane. Love you guys.

[@DelScully]

One day I want to get a hug from Cheryl

[@99bronzecat]

I don't know how the audience isn't in tears throughout all of this...

[@benjaminandre9897]

Forever thankful to the person who requested 405. ❤️

[@immastranger6752]

Check his Ben Gibbard live from home streams.. April 9 AND May 28

[@avapatino6058]

I found Death Cab in the 4th grade and they have been my favorite band since then. I love hearing this man sing. (Only wish they'd play more of The Open Door EP)

[@avapatino6058]

But dam there will never be a day that goes by that I dont love Crooked Teeth.

[@seanmcbride5599]

Saw DCFC live, stoned at Sydney Opera house, one of best gigs ever. Not only found a new appreciation for their craft but for that of my maths teacher who tried for years to teach me Pythagorus’s Theorem. It’s not easy sharing the last triangle of a Toblerone with the munchies. Someone is always going to loose out. Rock on Ben, the world needs you now more than ever.

[@senc01a]

I love his insightful reflections on how the perception of a particular piece of music changes over time, not only as a listener but also as a creator.

[@mikeperorazio7515]

what a blessing this was holy smokes

[@navid25]

First two songs and what Sarah said are insane hearing them live like this… wow is all I have to say

[@jac8137]

It's so crazy but cool because I'm a freshman in high school when I'm just starting to discover the band. Like, dude, in twenty years will I feel the same about these songs? I'm not talking about liking or disliking. What I mean is, will they still have that same emotional connection to me as they do now? All the songs are amazing, but there are those specific ones that have a huge meaning to me. I wonder if I'll look at them the same when I'm way older. Anyways, this was a beautiful performance, the sound was so soft but clear. Loved it.

[@MrShahid0072]

Such a cool guy!

[@Kre410]

Love this. I really love 60 and punk, because that’s me. It’s funny being this age because inside you never see yourself as old. Then you look at a peer or the mirror. It’s always a disappointment, or a shock. I digress...music that makes one reflect. Peace.

[@AttemptsNotMade]

A new (acoustic!) live performance from Ben? Day could not be more made.

[@pablomino2579]

Can't wait to see Ben perform live. He was supposed to come to my hometown, but had to cancel due to Covid. I am hoping he reschedules for 2022.

[@littleauntmaja]

I love it!

[@theshireman5642]

What a different play of soul meets body . Great show Ben as always! Thank you for being you

[@joespringer7767]

I LOVE BEN GIBBARD!

[@panskamoc3461]

Pleasure for the ears!

[@RngerDngerCUSE]

Damn, listening to Ben Gibbard brings me back to my middle school/ high school days. So many amazing, and at the same time terrible moments that these songs link themselves to. Love going back to those days, wouldn't trade my time with friends back then for anything.

[@ellezee143]

so many of these songs speak to my soul. i didn’t “love” high school, but these songs bring me back to a lot of my favorite high school memories. thank you ben for giving me the feels and thank you KEXP for always bringing amazing music to the masses

[@mazedmarky]

Thank you KEXP and Ben

[@meepmeeepmeeeep]

The man is timeless

[@Lando0824]

Thank you KEXP! This was great! ❤️

[@nicolettaful]

So consistently amazing! What an excellent musician!

[@ericmastersonmusic]

Been listening to them since junior high will be 27 next month 😭

[@tylerlukkasson1289]

Dude, I found your comment 9 months after you wrote it, and because of that timing it perfectly described my situation. I started listening to them in 7th grade, and I turn 27 next month (October 2019). Bonkers lol

[@ryanwarren2970]

Thank you, Ben.

[@williamsbryanw]

I so badly needed this today. Thank you Ben and thank you Cheryl ❤️😊

[@aonna11]

Beautiful Live

[@alcj4308]

Bloody great wee hour right there!

[@Fuff63]

Go Ben!! Awesome stuff.

[@jocelynrichard5325]

The sound is incredibly good. Thanks for sharing this moment.

[@gabespece]

Good god, what a treasure! Thanks for posting in its entirety!

[@melorafaelas]

This performance is great!