Johnny Marr joined the band

In 2006, Johnny Marr (formerly of the Smiths ) joined the band after Gallucci quit amicably. Modest Mouse released their next album, We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank , on March 20, 2007 after its original release date of December 19, 2006 was delayed. The album also included bonus track and single ” King Rat “, which actor Heath Ledger had known about before the track was released; the band was formally introduced to the actor while on their 2007 tour in Australia. Ledger proposed an outline for a music video to the group, and with his film collective, the Masses , immediately began working on it once he had the band’s approval. Upon Ledger’s death in January 2008, the video went unfinished.