BLOG: Chris Walla’s Final Performance with Death Cab

The last time I saw Death Cab in concert was in 2012 during the summer before my Freshman year of college. When my friend and I got to the Wellmont in Montclair, there was a crowd of about 20 crowding the middle of the pit. So, we had two choices: stand on the left or on the right. For some reason we both agreed on the right and stationed ourselves just out of earshot of the massive speakers.

Surfer Blood acted as a great opener and had some audience interactions, including a girl he got a little bit too excited when the lead singer leaned down to sing to her. Although the crowd was thoroughly hyped after Surfer Blood’s performance, the crowd went insane when Ben Gibbard ran out and began playing the opening chords to “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.”

However, when the rest of the band ran out and started playing “Home is a Fire” I was instantly drawn to watching Chris Walla on the guitar. He was just so damn passionate about what he was doing. He was jamming, with a smile on his face like he was just playing in his living room with his best friends.

The video above is of his last performance with Death Cab. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a sinking feeling in my stomach, however it was also a joyous moment. Watching four friends who clearly love each other, playing for the last time. Plus, that hug punched me in the gut.

All I can say is that people too often forget that Death Cab isn’t just Ben Gibbard and friends. Walla was an incredible contributor to a group that is and will always be one of my favorite bands. So, thank you Chris for 17 wonderful years.