Death Cab for Cutie Return to Milwaukee on their I Built You A Tower Tour

Photojournalist: Carrie Bergan

It was a hot Saturday night in Milwaukee, as the city had been under a major heat warning for the past couple of days. But that did not stop fans from lining up early before doors at Miller High Life Theatre for Death Cab for Cutie's return. They were last here in 2024 and I remember trying to cover that show, but ultimately was unable to. I also remembered trying again when they were here in 2023, so it appears that the third time really was the ultimate charm and I was trembling with excitement on the inside. I had seen them once before, but had forgotten it was at Riot Fest and I never got too close to the stage for them because sometimes it’s just better from a distance with more breathing space. I could not wait to be directly in front of the band even if it was only for the first three songs. There were many fans that dressed to impress with their fun flower headbands and sparkly makeup. One of my favorite parts to any show is the fan energy that gets brought into a room because it emphasizes the vibes all around even more. 

For those not familiar, Miller High Life Theatre is owned by The Pabst Group and they own five venues, six if you count the one that’s just for weddings & special events. I have had the pleasure of experiencing a show in every single one, but this one is one that I have not ventured to with my camera quite yet. I had never been to Miller High Life Theatre until that very night and it was breathtaking on the inside. I love going inside historic places and seeing the architecture. My ticket for the night gave me a spot in the general admission standing pit, which doubles as the orchestra pit for other events. The Pabst Group venues are mostly seated rooms with the orchestra pit since they hold various orchestra acts throughout the year from Stardew Valley to Harry Potter and more. I need to make it out to one eventually because I bet they are loads of fun. 

Anyways, back to the show, Jay Som was the opener. I had never seen them before, but this was a name that I have definitely heard of before. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that they were no strangers to Milwaukee and played quite a few shows at a venue named The Backroom. They took the stage through a haze of smoke, giving us a wonderful set to start the night. I loved the overall softness in their stage presence and it spoke well to the room as fans all watched intently. 

Then, after they played and a quick set changeover, Death Cab for Cutie took over the stage. The set began under dark lighting before the background came to light with visuals. There were alternating screens on the backdrop that emphasized the energy from the band. Frontman Ben Gibbard was a sight as he sang and danced around the stage matching the room’s growing energy. 

About halfway through the set, we were treated to an extended intro before the band launched into “I Will Process Your Heart.” Afterwards, they played the ultimate fan favorite, “I Will Follow You Into The Dark,” and Gibbard yelled for the crowd to sing louder. He reminded the crowd what would happen if they had seen him before, then stepped back and let the room's voices come together as one before returning to the microphone for the final verse. It was a beautiful moment and I was expecting phone flashlights to light the room up but no one did, it was a time to live in the moment, because I did not even see many people recording the song. I looked around the room seeing couples and friends together, singing to each other as if they were the only ones in the room enjoying the moment. Death Cab for Cutie continued to play and as we neared the encore, Gibbard thanked everyone for coming out to spend this night with them before exiting the stage. 

Everyone continued to cheer and wait in anticipation until the band returned. The encore featured four additional songs, all from the band’s most recent album, performed live for the first time in Milwaukee. 

Death Cab for Cutie are still on tour and I don’t think you want to miss out. I’ll admit I’m the type of person who looks up the setlist but the band thought ahead, our night was completely different than the night prior in Minneapolis. So don’t expect the same-old, same-old, instead get ready and then show up for some amazing surprises because no two nights will be the same. 

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DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE

JAY SOM