TPC is concluding their journey with a heartfelt goodbye, performing with friends across four unforgettable nights at the esteemed venue, History.
By: Karen K. Tran
Who: Tokyo Police Club
Where: History, 1663 Queen St. E.
When: Tue., Nov. 26; Wed., Nov. 27 w/ Hollerado; Thurs., Nov. 28 w/ Good Kid; Fri., Nov. 29; Sat., Nov. 30 w/ Born Ruffians
After nearly two decades of captivating fans, the cherished indie band Tokyo Police Club (TPC) is bidding farewell at the close of this year. Known for their infectious pop-friendly indie rock sound paired with playful, often whimsical lyrics, the group has crafted a nostalgic soundtrack for millennials and Gen Z alike, with hits like Bambi, Your English Is Good, and Hot Tonight becoming staples on Canadian indie rock radio.
While Canada proudly claims TPC as one of its musical treasures, a formidable and devoted fan base has formed globally, passionately embracing the band’s unique sound. Many fans took to social media following the band’s farewell announcement to share fond memories of their first concerts, intimate moments shared with loved ones through TPC’s music, and heartfelt wishes for the future endeavors of the band members.
During an afternoon meet-up at the charming back patio of Round the Horn in Roncesvalles, songwriter/bassist Dave Monks and keyboardist/guitarist Graham Wright enjoy a leisurely drink while discussing their journey. Despite having recently performed together at a festival, they humorously note the ongoing need to catch up with one another, reflecting on how the dynamics of touring have shifted over the years. Touring life is no longer characterized by endless hours on the road, where bandmates were each other’s sole entertainment, as personal obligations and family commitments have taken precedence in their lives.
“It has been three years since we did a proper tour, but that whole time, we were actively either considering new music or doing summer shows,” shares Wright. “Even when the pace slowed down, the band was still evolving and exploring new possibilities, which made the experience feel alive.”
“We knew we were gonna do something and we were exploring ideas, whether it be creating new music or marking an anniversary tour,” adds Monks. “Finally, we decided, ‘We’re saying goodbye.’ Graham mentioned before that it’s not about us ending—it’s more about the transition into a new phase.”
Regarding TPC’s legacy, Monks, Wright, guitarist Josh Hook, and drummer Greg Alsop unanimously agreed it was time to embark on one final journey together. Before the release of their last album in 2018, the band engaged in deep discussions about their future, contemplating whether they would disband or continue on as a unit. Ultimately, Monks persuaded his bandmates to pursue another record, which culminated in the self-titled album, TPC.
Releasing TPC and touring afterward was fulfilling for the band, yet when conversations regarding their future resurfaced, there was a profound sense of agreement that they were reaching a natural end point. It wasn’t as if they had been consciously working toward this finale; the band had still been actively creating new tunes and planning performances until the decision was reached.
For instance, their recent double single release—Just A Scratch and Catch Me If You Can—debuted in March 2024 alongside their announcement for The Final Tour. These tracks encapsulate the band’s current artistic expression and direction, distinct from older records that could have been used as promotional farewells. They emerge organically from the band’s ongoing narrative.
“They would have felt different had we set out to intentionally create our last songs,” reflects Wright. “Being aware of that possibility could have influenced our approach, but these tracks represent our genuine explorations.”
For two decades, TPC has shared their artistic journey with the world, documenting their evolution through seven records. As this chapter closes for the band, it’s only natural that they will reunite in the future, even if they diverge for now. Wright is currently involved with an Oasis tribute group named Parklife and is also collaborating with former bandmate Josh Hook in a project called Girlfriend Material. Meanwhile, Monks is busy with Anyway Gang, featuring notable talents like Sam Roberts, Chris Murphy, and Menno Versteeg.
Despite the changes that lie ahead, Tokyo Police Club’s members are committed to maintaining their friendships and will continue to support one another as creative peers. A goodbye to the band inevitably signifies a shift in their relationships.
“Being in a band creates an inherent momentum; losing that can feel like losing support,” Monks observes. “While there’s excitement in the possibility of new beginnings, there’s also this realization that I’m left to navigate this alone. It’s an oddly unromantic sentiment, but I think that’s one of the things that will resonate most as we say farewell.”
What initially began as the concept of a single farewell show in Toronto blossomed into The Final Tour, largely influenced by heartfelt pleas from fans across the globe who wished to witness one last performance. This tour expanded into a months-long journey throughout the U.S. and Canada, culminating in four emotional shows at History in Toronto, and even igniting a special reunion for fellow Canadian indie band Hollerado to open for two of those performances, despite their own split in 2019.
Monks and Wright assure fans that their decision to conclude Tokyo Police Club is indeed final, although they jest about the prospect of reuniting someday to support Hollerado on a future tour. In all seriousness, they admit they are uncertain about their next steps following the tour’s completion.
Though TPC will cease to exist as a collective, the spirit of their collaboration will undoubtedly persist. New projects and fresh musical endeavors will continue to forge connections among the members of Tokyo Police Club.
“There is still a wealth of music to create,” Monks assures. “Ultimately, we don’t need to view this through the lens of the future. What truly matters is this moment we share.”
Their friendships and musical connections as they explore individual paths.
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**INTERVIEW WITH DAVE MONKS AND GRAHAM WRIGHT OF TOKYO POLICE CLUB**
**Interviewer:** Thanks for joining me today, Dave and Graham! It’s bittersweet to see TPC coming to an end. How are you both feeling about this farewell?
**Dave Monks:** It definitely feels surreal. We’ve shared so much over the past two decades, and while it’s sad to say goodbye, we’re excited about what lies ahead for each of us. We still want to celebrate our journey together through this final tour.
**Graham Wright:** Exactly! It’s not just about closing the door; it’s about transitioning into a new phase. We’ve grown so much, not just as a band, but as individuals. It feels right.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned that the decision to say goodbye came naturally. Can you elaborate on that?
**Graham Wright:** Sure! After the release of our last album, we started having deeper conversations about our future. It wasn’t a decision we rushed, but over time, it became clear that we were at a natural conclusion. We were still creating music and had projects lined up, but the vibe felt different.
**Dave Monks:** And when we decided to put out our recent singles, *Just A Scratch* and *Catch Me If You Can*, it felt like a fitting continuation of our journey rather than a farewell. Those songs represented where we are right now.
**Interviewer:** As you wrap up this chapter, what do you hope fans will take away from your music and legacy?
**Dave Monks:** We hope fans remember the joy and connection our music brought to their lives, whether at concerts or through personal moments. Each song is a snapshot of our evolution, and we hope they resonate with listeners for years to come.
**Graham Wright:** I’d add that we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received globally. The stories fans have shared—about their experiences with our music—have truly touched us. It’s amazing how music can foster connections across time and space.
**Interviewer:** You both mentioned future projects. Can we expect to see collaborations between you after TPC?
**Graham Wright:** Absolutely! I’m involved in a couple of projects, including an Oasis tribute band and working with Josh on *Girlfriend Material*. It’s nice to keep that creative energy flowing in different directions.
**Dave Monks:** And I’m busy with **Anyway Gang**, collaborating with some fantastic artists. We’ll continue to support each other’s journeys, and who knows—maybe there will be a TPC reunion down the line!
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! Thank you both for your time and insights. Best of luck on The Final Tour and in your upcoming endeavors!
**Dave Monks:** Thank you! We appreciate it!
**Graham Wright:** Yes, thank you! We can’t wait to see our fans one last time on this tour!