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Ben Gibbard

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Ben Gibbard
Gibbard with Death Cab for Cutie in 2018
Born
Benjamin Gibbard

(1976-08-11)August 11, 1976(age 48)
Bremerton, Washington,U.S.
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • guitarist
Years active1994–present
Spouses
​
​
(m.2009;div.2012)​
Rachel Demy
​
​
(m.2016)​
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • drums
  • bass
Labels
Member of
Websitebenjamingibbard.com

Benjamin Gibbard(born August 11, 1976)[2]is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of theindie rockbandDeath Cab for Cutie,with whom he has recorded ten studio albums, and as a member of thesupergroupThe Postal Service.Gibbard released his debut solo album,Former Lives,in 2012, and a collaborative studio album,One Fast Move or I'm Gone(2009) withJay Farrar.

Early life

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Gibbard was born to Allen and Margaret (née Flach) Gibbard[3]inBremerton, Washington.His father was in the Navy and his family moved around the country, including spending time in Northern Virginia before returning to Washington.[4][5]Gibbard spent his early life there during thegrungemusic explosion of the early 1990s. He graduated fromOlympic High Schoolin Bremerton in 1994,[6]and studied environmental chemistry atWestern Washington University.[7]He was raisedCatholic.[8]

Career

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In 1996, while playing guitar in the band Pinwheel, Gibbard recorded a democassetteunder the monikerDeath Cab for Cutie,titledYou Can Play These Songs with Chords(1997). After receiving a positive response to the material, Gibbard expanded the project into a full band, with the addition of guitaristChris Walla,bassistNick Harmerand drummerNathan Good.The following year, the band released its debut album,Something About Airplanes(1998), onBarsuk Records,and released its follow-up,We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes,in 2000.[9]

Gibbard had a minor role in theJohn KrasinskifilmBrief Interviews with Hideous Menbased on theDavid Foster Wallaceshort story collection of the same title.[10]He completed a solo tour through the US in the spring of 2007 that featuredDavid BazanofPedro the Lionand singer-songwriterJohnathan Rice.[11]

In November 2014, Gibbard appeared as a guest onFoo Fighters' eighth studio albumSonic Highways.[12]

Gibbard (left) performing alongside Julien Baker

Personal life

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Gibbard became engaged to actress and musicianZooey Deschanelin 2008 and married in September 2009 nearSeattle.[13]They announced their separation on November 1, 2011,[14]with Deschanel filing for divorce on December 27, citing irreconcilable differences.[15]The divorce was finalized on December 12, 2012.[16]Gibbard later married photographer and tour manager Rachel Demy on October 21, 2016 in Seattle.[17]

In a 2003 interview, Gibbard stated that while he had previously been avegan,he recently became apescetarian.[18]He reportedly gave up alcohol in 2008 and began running marathons.[19]He ran his first trailultramarathonin 2013 and has since completed several each year.[20]

Gibbard is a lapsed Catholic who now identifies asagnostic:[21]"I don't want to falsely believe in something solely so I can jump to the front of the line for whatever this awesome place is we go after we die. [...] The vastness of that idea is so beyond my comprehension that I feel like if there was a God, then that God would accept me saying I'm not able to believe because it's so outside of my ability to understand it. I understand that's where faith comes into play."[22]

Gibbard has been a fan of theMLB'sSeattle Marinerssince the age of five[23]and has thrown the first pitch at two Mariners games.[24]When the Mariners tradedIchiro Suzukito theNew York Yankeesin 2012, Gibbard honored him by writing and releasing the song "Ichiro's Theme".[25]Gibbard's handwritten lyrics for the song are currently in the archive of theNational Baseball Hall of Fame and MuseuminCooperstown, New York.[26]In 2024, Gibbard performed the national anthem at the Mariners'Opening Daygame atT-Mobile Park.[27]

Politics

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Gibbard in 2024, discussing Seattle's one-timeTeen Dance Ordinanceand its effect on him in his teens.

Gibbard is an activist for gay rights and wrote an article inThe Daily Beastexplaining why the issue is important to him. He stated that when his lesbian sister got married, it was "the most beautiful thing" he ever saw. In the article, he voiced his support forWashington Referendum 74and discussed raising money for the issue. He stated, "I would just feel so much pride for my state if we could pass it by a popular vote and show the rest of the country that this is the direction we are going in."[28]

Gibbard has been open about his political views, expressing his support of theDemocratic Party.[29][30]On October 10, 2016, Death Cab for Cutie released "Million Dollar Loan", the first song in theDave Eggersproject,30 Days, 50 Songs.The song targets Donald Trump as it satirizes the fact he asked his father for a million dollar loan. Gibbard said of the song: "Lyrically, 'Million Dollar Loan' deals with a particularly tone deaf moment in Donald Trump's ascent to the Republican nomination. While campaigning in New Hampshire last year, he attempted to cast himself as a self-made man by claiming he built his fortune with just a 'small loan of a million dollars' from his father. Not only has this statement been proven to be wildly untrue, he was so flippant about it. It truly disgusted me."[31]

During theCOVID-19 pandemic,Gibbardlive streameddaily concerts from his home after canceling shows due to the pandemic.[32]Gibbard played songs by his bandsDeath Cab for CutieandThe Postal Serviceand other artists such asthe Decemberists,Radiohead,New Order,Depeche Modeandthe Beatleswhile promoting local Washington non-profit organizations.[33][34][35][36][37]

Musical equipment

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Gibbard performing with Death Cab for Cutie in 2005

As of May 2015, Gibbard tours with four modified 1970sFender Mustangguitars. Additionally, he uses two custom-built Acme Silvertone amplifier heads. For use on acoustic songs, he relies on two 2008Gibson J-45Acoustic Guitars with B-Band pickup systems. As of 2016, Gibbard has since began usingSuproamplifiers.[38]In the past, Gibbard played 1980s Japanese-built Squier Bullets through a Sears Silvertone amp, which he immortalized in the lyrics to the song No Joy In Mudville.[39]He also usedFender TelecastersandG&LASAT guitars.[40]

In January 2021,Fenderannounced the Ben Gibbard Mustang as part of their Artist Signature series,[41]designed to Ben's specifications and inspired by the 1970s Mustangs he uses on tour.[42]The guitar features several unique features including a chambered ash body, custom "Ben Gibbard" pickups, and simplified electronics.

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Gibbard is the subject of the song "Ben's My Friend" byindie folkactSun Kil Moon.The track appears on the project's sixth studio album,Benji(2014).[43]On Sun Kil Moon's follow-up album,Universal Themes(2015), primary recording artistMark Kozelekagain refers to his friendship with Gibbard on its closing track, "This Is My First Day and I'm Indian and I Work at a Gas Station". Gibbard previously made a guest appearance on the band's third studio album,April(2008).

Gibbard is also referenced in "The Cones of Dunshire", an episode from the sixth season ofParks and Recreation.In the episode, April (Aubrey Plaza) attempts to promote a forest cabin tohipstersby claiming that "Ben Gibbard andNeko Casemade out here once. "[44]

Discography

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Death Cab for Cutie

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Main article:Death Cab for Cutie discography

Ben Gibbard

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The Postal Service

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Main article:The Postal Service discography

¡All-Time Quarterback!

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Kind of Like Spitting

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American Analog Set

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  • New Equation / All I Want For Christmas(7 ", backing vocals, 2001)

With Jay Farrar

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Pinwheel

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  • Pinwheel(1996)

See also

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References

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  1. ^"Profile Ben Gibbard".discogs.com.RetrievedJanuary 1,2021.
  2. ^Anderson, Kyle (August 11, 2009)."Happy Birthday, Ben Gibbard: Wake-up Video".MTV News.Archived fromthe originalon July 19, 2020.RetrievedJuly 18,2020.
  3. ^"Margaret Flach".LifeStoryNet.RetrievedApril 24,2019.
  4. ^"Ben Gibbard Opens Up to Director Lance Bangs About Seattle, the Postal Service and His Formative Years".Vice.June 18, 2014.RetrievedApril 25,2020.
  5. ^Litt, Annie (November 1, 2011)."Death Cab for Cutie".KCRW.RetrievedApril 25,2020.
  6. ^"Death Cab for Cutie to Play in Bremerton".Kitsap Sun.February 21, 2008.RetrievedMay 6,2020.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^Harrington, Richard (October 21, 2005)."Death Cab, Full Speed Ahead".The Washington Post.RetrievedApril 29,2016.
  8. ^McGuire, Pat."Learning to Love the White Noise With Death Cab for Cutie".Filter.Archived fromthe originalon August 10, 2007.RetrievedSeptember 3,2010.
  9. ^Connick, Tom (October 27, 2015)."So you think you know... Ben Gibbard".DIY.RetrievedMay 6,2020.
  10. ^"Benjamin Gibbard".IMDb.RetrievedApril 29,2016.
  11. ^"Ben Gibbard Gives Solo Concert".NPR.RetrievedApril 25,2020.
  12. ^Reed, Ryan (November 29, 2014)."Q&A: Ben Gibbard Talks 'Sonic Highways,' Grunge, Cobain".Rolling Stone.RetrievedMarch 20,2020.
  13. ^"Zooey Deschanel Gets Married".People.September 20, 2009.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  14. ^Ravitz, Justin (November 1, 2011)."Zooey Deschanel, Husband Ben Gibbard Separate".Us Weekly.RetrievedNovember 1,2011.
  15. ^Shira, Dhavi (January 4, 2012)."Zooey Deschanel Files for Divorce from Ben Gibbard".People.RetrievedJanuary 4,2012.
  16. ^"Zooey Deschanel Officially Divorced".TMZ.December 17, 2012.RetrievedDecember 23,2012.
  17. ^"Death Cab for Cutie blurs the line between truth and fiction on" Thank You For Today "".Salon.August 18, 2018.RetrievedDecember 6,2020.
  18. ^Agrella, Will; Smith, Marty (September 4, 2003)."Death Cab For Cutie".IGN.Archived fromthe originalon March 18, 2012.RetrievedJune 15,2016.
  19. ^"How Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard Got Sober".Spin.May 11, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon June 27, 2015.RetrievedAugust 6,2011.
  20. ^"Benjamin Gibbard M39".Ultrasignup.com.RetrievedApril 29,2016.
  21. ^Davidson, Chris K. (November 16, 2018)."The End: Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie".Under the Radar.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  22. ^Studarus, Laura (September 13, 2011)."Death Cab for Cutie".Relevant.Archived fromthe originalon June 20, 2012.RetrievedOctober 15,2012.
  23. ^Handel, Sarah (July 27, 2012)."Thanks For The Mariners Memories: Ben Gibbard's 'Ichiro's Theme'".NPR.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  24. ^Johnson, Eugenie (July 22, 2016)."Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard pitched for the Seattle Mariners. Again".DIY.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  25. ^"Ben Gibbard –" Ichiro's Theme "".Stereogum.July 24, 2012.RetrievedSeptember 14,2022.
  26. ^"We've Got A File On You: Ben Gibbard".Stereogum.September 12, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 14,2022.
  27. ^Mier, Tomás (March 29, 2024)."Ben Gibbard Sings the National Anthem at Seattle Mariners Home Opener".Rolling Stone.RetrievedMarch 30,2024.
  28. ^Gibbard, Ben (October 31, 2012)."Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie On Why He Supports Gay Marriage".The Daily Beast.Archived fromthe originalon May 5, 2017.RetrievedJuly 18,2020.
  29. ^"Ben Gibbard on Gay Marriage".Spin.October 22, 2012.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  30. ^Woodward, Adam (October 17, 2012)."Ben Gibbard - Why You'd Want To Live Here?".Huck.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  31. ^Bowsher, Allison (October 11, 2016)."Death Cab For Cutie Come For Donald Trump With 'Million Dollar Loan'".Much.RetrievedOctober 22,2019.
  32. ^Martoccio, Angie (March 17, 2020)."Ben Gibbard Announces Daily Livestream Shows From His Home Studio".Rolling Stone.RetrievedMarch 20,2020.
  33. ^Rossignol, Derrick (March 19, 2020)."Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard Covers New Order During A Livestream Performance".Uproxx.RetrievedMarch 20,2020.
  34. ^Droke, Carolyn (March 18, 2020)."Ben Gibbard Covers Radiohead's 'Fake Plastic Trees' During A Quarantine Live Session".Uproxx.RetrievedMarch 20,2020.
  35. ^"Ben Gibbard Covers The Decemberists' 'Grace Cathedral Hill' in Latest Livestream Session".Spin.March 19, 2020.RetrievedMarch 25,2020.
  36. ^Daly, Rhian (May 1, 2020)."Death Cab For Cutie's Ben Gibbard covers Depeche Mode during lockdown live-stream".NME.RetrievedMay 4,2020.
  37. ^Kaye, Ben (May 8, 2020)."Ben Gibbard Performs All-Beatles Covers Livestream".Consequence of Sound.RetrievedJuly 18,2020.
  38. ^Bean, Perry (May 27, 2015)."Rig Rundown: Death Cab for Cutie".Premier Guitar.RetrievedApril 29,2016.
  39. ^"Death Cab For Cutie – No Joy In Mudville Lyrics".Genius.August 6, 2020.RetrievedAugust 6,2020.
  40. ^"13 unsung Telecaster legends".MusicRadar.April 14, 2010. Archived fromthe originalon July 2, 2015.RetrievedApril 29,2016.
  41. ^"Fender announces signature models for Ben Gibbard, Chrissie Hynde, Mike McCready, Joe Strummer, Dhani Harrison and Jason Isbell".Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.January 12, 2021.RetrievedJuly 18,2021.
  42. ^March 2021, Sam Roche 02 (March 2, 2021)."Fender expands its Artist Signature Series with new Ben Gibbard Mustang".guitarworld.RetrievedJuly 18,2021.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  43. ^Cohen, Ian."Sun Kil Moon:" Ben's My Friend "".Pitchfork.RetrievedJanuary 10,2014.
  44. ^Ozzi, Dan (August 9, 2018)."Ben Gibbard Ranks Death Cab for Cutie's Eight Albums".Vice.RetrievedJuly 18,2020.
  45. ^Uitti, Jacob (August 13, 2020)."Chong the Nomad Pairs With Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie on" Provider "".American Songwriter.RetrievedSeptember 30,2022.
  46. ^Paul, Larisha (August 26, 2022)."Nothing Lasts Forever on Noah Cyrus And Ben Gibbard's Country Ballad 'Every Beginning Ends'".Rolling Stone.RetrievedSeptember 30,2022.
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