AFI (A Fire Inside) is an American punk rock band from Ukiah, California, formed in 1991. Since 1998, they have consisted of lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backing vocalist Adam Carson, bassist, backing vocalist and keyboardist Hunter Burgan, and guitarist, backing vocalist and keyboardist Jade Puget. Havok and Carson are the sole remaining original members. Originally a hardcore punk band, they have since delved into many genres, starting with horror punk and following through post-hardcore and emo into alternative rock and gothic rock.
This stop for AFI and their Bodies tour was a long time coming, and I do mean long. It seemed like it was never going to happen, but we all knew AFI wouldn’t let us down! The show was originally supposed to happen back in February on Valentine’s day. That would have been one special Valentine’s present. Well, things got derailed and rightfully so with everything going on in the world. A handful of shows were shifted around and the fall tour was announced with the make-up dates. The original tour had Cold Cave being the supporting act. A couple months after the dust settled around the world, the show was finally announced that it would be moved to Friday October 28th at the Marquee Theater. With it being so close to Halloween and multiple shows to choose from it was clear who’s fan base was ready to show up. You couldn’t have asked for a better weekend leading up to Samhain. The show instantly sold out and it comes to show how passionate and dedicated AFI fans are. Looking at their recent set list, it was amazing to see that they change it from night to night by asking fans on social media which songs they want to hear!
AFI means so much to many of us, no matter what time in our lives we started listening to them. There’s something in their music that deeply resonates within us, whether it be a traumatic experience, being bullied, or just that their music that puts you in that happy place. Most can agree that AFI has a special place in our lives. I’ve been listening to AFI since the early 90s, so while each record means something different to me, Burials got me through one of the toughest times in my life. That album was beautiful and perfectly dark! It hit me deep and to this day, from front to back it continues to be on repeat.
Of course I have to mention the album Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes; it’s an essential AFI album. I can still remember when I was a teenager and saw the video for “Third Season“, so it’s crazy to think how much an album or song can influence your life. This album did just that. It’s ingrained in my head seeing the band sitting on those steps dressed all in black, with the kid walking down the street. Let’s be honest, there was no fancy technology or anything spectacular to that video but somehow the everything worked. I was that angsty goth metal kid looking for something to give me direction, and that album and song made me feel I was a part of something bigger. It will always be my all time favorite video and song by AFI!
Opening up the show with “Girls Not Grey” was the perfect way to kick off a memorable night. Each member took the stage, and of course once Havok took the stage all hell broke loose. On the second song the crowd was instantly brought back to 2003 when they released Sing the Sorrow. It was such an amazing sight and sound with literally everyone singing along. It didn’t stop there with “Love Like Winter” and the beautifully dark song “Still a Stranger” right after. The first song they played off their new album Bodies was “Escape from Los Angeles“. AFI has grown and grown over the years, pushing their music to new heights and the latest album did just that, pushing the envelope and crossing over to the neo-and death goth/rock world.
A couple of highlights of the night were when they played the ever-so classic “The Boy Who Destroyed the World” and the special surprise during the encore, “Third Season“. The whole night was a memorable one that no one will forget! Everyone in the crowd shared tears, sang together, we got exactly what we came for. The world around us stopped that night and we were right there in that moment. Taking in everything AFI was giving us on that stage, nothing else mattered!
Set list
Encore:
A nu-wave/neo-goth band from Los Angeles, CA, Drab Majesty was originally founded by musician Deb Demure (Andrew Clinco), who later added Mona to take over keyboards and backing vocals.
They’re a unique experience that one must witness in person. I first stumbled onto Drab Majesty a couple years ago when a friend played “Oxytocin” for me. I was instantly hooked on this band. Their music was a little bit slower than most in the neo-goth underworld, but it had depth! Their music spoke to and got my through some dark times during the pandemic.
Check out Drab Majesty here
