[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 Want to Play with a Band [2026] (41–50)
Spring Comes to UsUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
What comes to mind at graduation is, after all, the days we spent with our treasured friends, isn’t it? This rock tune is perfect for looking back on our school life.
It’s a track by the band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN, known for hits like “Tracer of Orion,” released in 2018 as their 14th single.
It drew attention when it was chosen as the opening theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.
Their characteristically bright, exhilarating sound feels unbelievably good to listen to! It’s sure to make for a smile-filled live performance!
[Graduation Live / Farewell Party] Graduation Songs You Want to Play with Your Band [2026] (51–60)
forget-me-notSplit BoB
Split BoB is a next-generation girls’ rock band from Aichi Prefecture.
When they released this song, all the members were actually in their senior year of high school.
It’s a genuine graduation song created by high schoolers.
The memories from our school days are something wonderful that we can never forget, no matter how much time passes.
This song is about that.
When I turn around…Janne Da Arc
When it comes to graduation songs by visual kei rock bands, this is the one.
Released in 2006 as Janne Da Arc’s 25th single, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film HIRAKATA, in which the band members appeared.
It’s a nostalgic, grand rock number that sings of parting from someone important and the hope of meeting again someday.
Blue SpringRADWIMPS
It’s a coming-of-age song that, just like the title suggests, is packed with heartfelt messages for friends you spent time with.
It’s a track by the rock band RADWIMPS, known for hits like “Zenzenzense,” and it was included on their debut album released in 2003.
They say the song was written when they were in high school, and you can definitely feel that youthful energy in the overall vibe.
Simple is best—the punk rock sound should be easy to play even for beginners.
Perform it with all your heart!
GOODBYE TO ROMANCE10-FEET
10-FEET is a three-piece rock band whose loud sound and genre-blending style—incorporating reggae, hip-hop, and more—has earned strong support.
The song “GOODBYE TO ROMANCE,” which closes their second album REALIFE, also drew attention for featuring chorus contributions from members of allied bands like SHACHI and Maximum the Hormone.
That feeling when days you once even found bothersome transform into special memories at the moment of graduation is something many people have likely experienced themselves.
With its driving, high-speed ensemble that heightens the sense of a turning point, this is a fitting number for the final live show of one’s student days.
Sparkle sparkle!Kishidan
Claiming the fusion of punk rock and yankee style as “Yank Rock,” Kishidan is a six-member rock band known for their striking look—pompadours and school uniforms—and catchy songs.
This is their fifth single overall.
As billed, it’s a graduation song that brightly calls for graduation from school and a dull everyday life, delivering an uplifting message over a high-speed rock sound that’s irresistibly catchy.
Graduates who didn’t really enjoy their school days may find themselves relating to the lyrics about finally moving on to the next stage.
It’s a rock tune perfect for hyping up a graduation live show, recommended for students who want to welcome graduation in a 100% celebratory mood.
Path of HopeSambomasutā
If you want to play a passionate yet gentle song that really hits you in the heart, Sambomaster is a great pick.
Among their tracks, this one is especially beloved as a graduation song, thanks to its lyrics themed around setting off on a new journey.
After graduation, everyone will start walking their own paths toward their individual goals.
In those moments, you might feel anxious about traveling roads you haven’t seen before.
This song gently wipes away those worries and gives you a soft push forward.
It’s a tender, mellow rock ballad—perfect when you want to move everyone to tears.
