Death Cab For Cutie co-founder Chris Walla took his final bow with the group on Saturday (13Sep14) after 17 years in the lineup.

The guitarist/keyboardist announced the news of his departure in August (14) and exactly a month later, he took to the stage at the Rifflandia Festival in Victoria, Canada for his final gig.

Frontman Ben Gibbard paid tribute to his bandmate just before they played the final song of their set, Marching Bands of Manhattan.

Gibbard said, "Thank you so much for the last 17 years, Chris," as an emotional Walla concisely told the crowd, "Thanks".

At the end of the set, Walla, who was clearly moved while playing his final song with the band he helped create in 1997, embraced each of his bandmates and the quartet shared one last group hug on stage.

A replacement for Walla has yet to be announced.