Following a successful two-year reunion, frontman Ben Gibbard has announced that The Postal Service will be entering an indefinite hiatus once their current tour concludes. The band, which includes Jenny Lewis and Jimmy Tamborello, reunited in 2023 for a special anniversary tour celebrating their iconic 2003 album Give Up.
The Postal Service and Death Cab For Cutie Co-Headline Tour
The Postal Service has been touring alongside Gibbard’s other band, Death Cab For Cutie, in a highly anticipated co-headline tour. Fans were treated to a full performance of Give Up by The Postal Service, while Death Cab For Cutie played their classic album Transatlanticism in its entirety. This dual showcase delighted fans across the globe, culminating in an extended run due to overwhelming demand. The tour, which began in 2023, included notable performances such as a co-headline set at All Points East in London.
Despite only having released one album, Give Up has achieved cult classic status over the past two decades. The album’s 10th anniversary reunion in 2013 sparked renewed interest in the band, leading to their 2023 reunion tour. Gibbard and his bandmates embraced the opportunity to bring the music of The Postal Service to life once more.
The Postal Service Hiatus Announcement
As the tour nears its end, Gibbard took to Instagram to announce that the final show in Washington, DC, at HFStival on September 21st will mark the conclusion of this chapter for The Postal Service. In his heartfelt message, Gibbard shared, “As we bring the Transatlanticism / Give Up Tour to a close, I want you all to know that performing these two albums live has been one of the greatest thrills of my entire life.”
While The Postal Service is now on indefinite hiatus, Gibbard didn’t rule out the possibility of a future reunion. Reflecting on the band’s journey, he thanked fans for their unwavering support, saying, “We will see you all again somewhere down the road.”
Why The Postal Service Reunion Was So Popular
The demand for The Postal Service’s return has been extraordinary. Gibbard explained that part of the reason for the tour’s success is tied to the rarity of the band’s performances. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, he noted, “It’s an issue of scarcity… The last time Death Cab played Toronto, we played Massey Hall, which is like 2,800 people. We all know what’s driving these tickets.”
This sense of rarity and the long hiatus between performances propelled The Postal Service to headline major venues, with fans eager to experience their music live.
Death Cab For Cutie to Continue Post-Postal Service Hiatus
While The Postal Service enters an indefinite hiatus, Death Cab For Cutie shows no signs of slowing down. The band is scheduled to perform at Japan’s Rockin’ On Sonic festival in January 2024, ensuring Gibbard will remain active in the music scene despite The Postal Service’s pause.
The Postal Service: A Legacy that Endures
Although The Postal Service is stepping back, the band’s influence and fanbase continue to grow. Give Up, featuring timeless tracks like “Such Great Heights” and “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight,” remains a defining album of the 2000s indie rock era. With no permanent farewell in sight, there’s hope among fans that The Postal Service could reunite again—perhaps for the 30th anniversary of Give Up in the future.
