[Graduation Live & Farewell Concert] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026]
For students in bands, many of you probably perform live around graduation time—at events like graduation thank-you parties, graduation live shows, or farewell gigs for departing members.
Of course, it’s great to play those memorable songs you performed many times while in school.
But since it’s a special occasion, a lot of you might be thinking about playing songs that fit the graduation theme!
Still, it’s not always easy to come up with graduation-themed songs…
So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of popular graduation songs that are perfect for band performances.
We’ve selected not only band songs, but also singer-songwriter tracks that would work well with a band setup, so feel free to use this as a reference for choosing your setlist.
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[Graduation Live / Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (21–30)
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
At this milestone as you leave your place of learning, “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” is a song you’ll want to perform with your friends.
The song fits many moments, but its meaning deepens even more in the grand event of graduation.
Spitz’s warm melody and hopeful lyrics will support those of you taking your first steps toward the future.
In the place where you spent your sensitive school years, you’ll play music that resonates in your friends’ hearts one last time.
That moment will surely be a wonderful beginning to a new journey.
It’s a classic that embodies bonds—perfect for the departure that is graduation.
elevated lineELLEGARDEN
A four-piece rock band, ELLEGARDEN, known as skilled musicians with each member also active in other bands.
This track, included on their fifth album ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS, is a short rock number that still delivers ELLEGARDEN’s signature catchy melodies and striking arrangements.
The lyrics look back on school days that weren’t only fun and evoke a life that continues even after graduation, giving a sense of powerful encouragement for those setting out on a new path.
It’s a memorable song that colors the final memories of youth at a graduation live show.
[Graduation Live & Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You’ll Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (31–40)
Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN
Formed in 1996, BUMP OF CHICKEN is popular across generations.
Many of the teachers likely listened to their songs during their own youth.
Released in 2014, “Tomodachi no Uta” (“Song of Friends”) features lyrics that, while reflecting on bonds and memories with friends, also make you aware of the passage of time.
Friends can be an uncertain presence, and it may be difficult to stay friends forever.
Even so, this song, which encourages you to keep walking while believing in your friends, is perfect for expressing gratitude.
dear my friendHi-STANDARD
A track from the classic album “MAKING THE ROAD” by Hi-STANDARD, the rock band that has led Japan’s melodic hardcore scene.
The lyrics are all in English, but when you look at the content, you can feel a message written about a friend who’s far away.
Those lyrics filled with friendship, bonds, and compassion are also perfect for graduation scenes! The lines before the chorus that vow to meet again are especially moving.
The tempo is fast and the performance is a bit challenging, but if you love Hi-Standard or melodic hardcore, there’s no reason not to play this song at your graduation live show!
After the cherry blossomsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
It’s a spring-like song with a cherry blossom theme.
It’s performed by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, and I bet many students tried covering their songs while in school.
The track has that signature fresh, driving feel of theirs, and it seems like it would really get the crowd going live! The lyrics, woven with familiar, accessible words, are very uplifting—perfect for graduation season when you’re setting off on a new path.
That said, true to their style, it’s a technically demanding piece, so solid practice is a must!
March 9Remioromen
“March 9th” by Remioromen is a classic graduation song.
Many of you probably sang it at your graduation ceremony with piano accompaniment! For your graduation live show, why not perform this standard tune with a cool band sound? Of course, the song was originally performed with a band, so it will definitely shine on stage! It’s a relaxed-tempo piece, making it easy to practice, but be careful—the tempo tends to speed up! And don’t forget, the guitar solo in the middle is a major highlight!
Last SongOfisharu Higedan Dism
A song I’d like to recommend for the milestone of graduation is “Last Song” by Official HIGE DANDism.
Its faintly bittersweet lyrics seem to speak for the feelings of everyone setting out on a new path.
Satoshi Fujwara’s warm, heartfelt vocals bring back memories of the days when friendships and love were nurtured.
With its gentle, easy-to-listen-to melody and relaxed ballad style, this piece can captivate an audience live if you practice well.
As you bask in the afterglow of the graduation ceremony, why not perform this track to color both the end of your youth and the start of something new?