Death Cab for Cutie on Tuesday (Aug. 5) celebrated the 20th anniversary of their landmark album Plans with a performance of the record in full at the historic Chicago Theatre. The evening was a moving trip through mid-2000s indie rock as the band walked through every track of the album that shaped their breakthrough era.

Frontman Ben Gibbard and his bandmates, including Nick Harmer and Jason McGerr, delivered stirring renditions of signature tracks including “Soul Meets Body,” “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” and “Crooked Teeth.” The album marked their major-label debut, achieved platinum status and earned their first Grammy nominations, a milestone that lent extra weight to the Chicago night.

Fans were also treated to a strong opening set by synth-pop trio Nation of Language. Known for their atmospheric sound and energetic delivery, they set the perfect mood for the evening. Their performance offered just the right blend of vintage and modern to warm up the crowd before Death Cab took the stage.

Gibbard reflected on the significance of Plans, observing that it changed the trajectory of the band forever and acknowledged that though they are working on a new studio album, it felt important to mark this moment in their history. The energy in the Chicago Theatre was electric as fans sang along and swayed with nostalgia. For many it was a chance to relive and reaffirm the emotional connection they had formed with Plans two decades ago. The night served as both a heartfelt commemoration and a glimpse into what lies ahead for the band as they move forward with new material while honoring the record that brought them into the spotlight.

See photos below.