History of The Dodos in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2026

The dodo (Raphus cucullatus) was a flightless bird endemic to the island of Mauritius. First recorded by Dutch sailors in 1598, the species was famously flightless, having evolved in isolation without natural predators. This lack of defensive instincts made the dodo highly vulnerable to the arrival of humans and invasive species, such as rats, pigs, and monkeys, brought by European explorers. These introduced predators preyed on the dodos' eggs and competed for food, while human hunting further decimated the population. The dodo became extinct in the late 17th century, with the last widely accepted sighting occurring around 1662. Today, the dodo serves as a potent symbol of anthropogenic extinction and the fragility of island ecosystems. Its rapid disappearance remains a significant case study in conservation biology, highlighting the catastrophic impact human arrival can have on endemic species.

2005: Formation of The Dodos

In 2005, musician Meric Long, a solo singer-songwriter in San Francisco, was introduced to Logan Kroeber by a mutual acquaintance, leading to the formation of the musical duo known as The Dodos.

March 2006: Release of Dodo Bird EP

In March 2006, Meric Long self-released his solo EP titled Dodo Bird, a project where he performed every instrument himself. This release served as a catalyst for the formation of The Dodos, as Long met Logan Kroeber while performing these songs, leading to a collaboration that combined West African Ewe drumming techniques with metal-influenced acoustic guitar rhythms.

2006: Release of Beware of the Maniacs

In 2006, the duo released their debut album titled Beware of the Maniacs independently under their original band name, Dodo Bird.

December 2007: Signing with Frenchkiss Records

In December 2007, the band The Dodos officially signed a recording contract with the label Frenchkiss Records.

2007: Touring and Rebranding

Throughout 2007, the band engaged in extensive touring to support their debut album. During this time, they gained critical acclaim and popularity, leading them to officially change their name from Dodo Bird to The Dodos.

March 2008: Release of Visiter

In March 2008, The Dodos released their second studio album titled Visiter, which went on to receive significant critical acclaim.

April 2008: The Origin of the Visiter Album Title and Artwork

In April 2008, The Dodos member Long explained that the unique spelling of their album 'Visiter' originated from a drawing gifted to the band by a student at Dorsey High in South Central L.A. The band had performed for the class, an experience they found rewarding, and subsequently decided to use the student's drawing as the album cover and incorporate other student artwork into the final album release.

July 27, 2009: UK Digital Release of Time to Die

On July 27, 2009, The Dodos released their album Time to Die for digital download within the UK market.

July 28, 2009: US Digital Release of Time to Die

On July 28, 2009, the digital download version of the album Time to Die was officially made available in the United States.

August 31, 2009: UK Physical LP Release of Time to Die

The physical LP edition of the album Time to Die was released in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2009.

September 15, 2009: US Physical LP Release of Time to Die

On September 15, 2009, the physical LP version of The Dodos' album Time to Die was released to the US market.

2009: Fools featured in Miller Chill advertisement

In 2009, the song "Fools," originally released on the band's album Visiter, gained mainstream exposure by being featured in a commercial for the beverage Miller Chill.

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2010: Performances at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo

Throughout 2010, following the release of their album, The Dodos performed live sets at the major music festivals Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

March 15, 2011: Release of the album No Color

On March 15, 2011, The Dodos released their fourth studio album titled No Color, which included guest vocal features from artist Neko Case.

March 24, 2011: No Color US Chart Performance

As of March 24, 2011, The Dodos' album No Color reached a peak position of number 70 on the US music charts.

December 2011: Performance at ATP Nightmare Before Christmas

In December 2011, The Dodos performed at the ATP Nightmare Before Christmas festival in Minehead, England, after being selected by the curators, Les Savy Fav and Pavement.

2012: Passing of Christopher Reimer

In 2012, touring member of The Dodos and guitarist for the band Women, Christopher Reimer, passed away in his sleep, deeply influencing the lyrical content of The Dodos' subsequent album, Carrier.

August 27, 2013: Release of the album Carrier

On August 27, 2013, the indie rock band The Dodos released their fifth studio album titled Carrier through Polyvinyl Record Co. and Dine Alone Records in Canada, featuring the lead single "Confidence" which the band performed on the Late Show with David Letterman.

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January 30, 2015: Release of Individ

On January 30, 2015, the indie rock band The Dodos officially released their sixth studio album, titled Individ.

October 12, 2018: Release of Certainty Waves and Forum

On October 12, 2018, The Dodos released their seventh studio album titled Certainty Waves through Polyvinyl and simultaneously unveiled a new song and accompanying music video for the track Forum.

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November 12, 2021: Release of Grizzly Peak

On November 12, 2021, The Dodos released their eighth studio album titled Grizzly Peak, which includes tracks such as "The Surface", "Annie", and "With a Guitar".

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