Memories Archive - Page 5 of 6

AFI Helped my career!

Omaha Nebraska , US

I had just started a music magazine. I had no idea how media worked. The venue said I couldn’t photograph. I was devastated. I wanted to shoot my favorite band AFI so badly. I reached out on Instagram and within a few minutes I got a response and I was on the media list. It was one of the best shows I’ve ever shot. I will be forever grateful for that day! AFI for life.

The Concert In Vegas

Lakewood, CA, US

I remember it was my 14TH birthday! We were in Vegas going to see AFI with my dad and my sisters. When we got there we didn’t know that the concert was all general admission, so since we were all children with my dad, the only spot we could really find was all the way in the back next to the bar. The whole time we couldn’t really see anything but we still had a blast!

Ten year wait

Washington, D.C. , US

My best friend & I had a connection over this band since we were in middle school. We had just never seen them live for one reason or another. Seeing them at the 9:30 Club & having a barricade spot for it was an experience like no other. There was so much passion from the crowd. It was like everyone was transformed back into their 14 year old selves with how they were screaming along to every word. We had waited almost a decade to see this band & getting to finally experience it was the best form of catharsis ever.

2007

Mx City, MX

I still can’t believe that the second time the band came to Mx City, they actually throw down a M&G cause they got word from their crew that some DFers were in line, waiting. Bands don’t generally throw stuff like that down here, it was super cool, and 14 years later, one of my fondest memories. They all were awesome and gracious, took time to talk to each and everyone of us and snap photos (Davey was super sick and still went through it all, always with a smile). To this day it’s an honor to be a fan. I salute them and hope for 30 years more. *Through our bleeding, we are one*

BARTO PA, US

When I was 17, in November 1999, I went and saw AFI (who I was new to) open for Sick Of It All. I had some experience with punk and hardcore and deathrock. The opening bands (Hot Water Music and Indecision) were great, but then came AFI. There were Jack O Lanterns on stage, Davey came out in a vinyl gimp suit with a purple devilock. It was the best thing I ever saw. I started a band 2 months later.

Sing the sorrow, my fav ever

Mexico, City, MX

I was 12 years old when I saw the leaving song pt.2 video on mtv, since that day I became a huge fan. I used to hear non-stop sing the sorrow album and I rembered the whole concept and lyrics, had a huge impact in my life.

I’m almost 30 and that album stills shakes me. I’ve saw you at shows several times, been on a fan meeting and got my tom’s drum signed along with some albums and I also made my mom a huge fan of you guys, she even went with me to a concert.

Thank you for all those years of wonderful music 🖤🖤🖤

Disc Connection

Richboro, PA, US

Disc Connection, small record store in Bensalem, Pa (outside Philly) my hometown. There was about 20 people there maybe. The owner gave us a promo copy of Very Proud of Ya and it started super fandom that lives today with me a few close friends I still hang with today! Bought the “go ahead punk make my day” nitro comp. World changed!this is just one of many I could post about Thank you!

Warped Tour 2001

Cleveland, OH, US

I remember Warped Tour 2001.I remember you had a board set up outside your merch tent for people to write songs they wanted to hear you play, and for some dumb reason I was too nervous to write anything on that board. I have vivid memories of the sun setting as you started to play Malleus Maleficarum. Also of some girl heckling Davey and him saying “You’re just jealous cause I’m prettier than you sweetheart”. Best ever. You guys are everything to me.

Safe!

Beach Park, US

I started listening in 2000 when I was 10. I was married to a horrible man for 11 years, and AFI was my reprieve from abuse, from pain. I’d sing Days of the Phoenix while in labor, distracting my mind from the miracle of birth. Now I’m raising two AFI fanatics. But all I can say is thank you for being my safe place, my savior, and my reason to keep going.

My favorite band ever

MX

AFI has been my favorite band for years now, although I was very young, I can’t describe how the band helped me in many ways: since I was a kid I knew I was into the “strange and usual” Davey Havok and of course the whole band showed me that I shouldn’t be afraid to be myself, they introduced me to the music I enjoy the most: goth subculture and veganism are two movements that are part of my life now, and despite being borderline patient dealing with my own demons, AFI is always there to show me that there’s light in darkness and isolation and I’m very thankful for that, for changing my life with their music and the wonderful persons they are. In honor, I have a simple but precious to me tattoo of Jade and Davey, I can’t wait to get Adam and Hunter too and get the opportunity to meet them when they visit Mexico again since I haven’t had the pleasure to see them yet, and well, maybe get them to sign my tattoo and get tattooed that too.

Tattoo By Dave

Bogotá, CO

After wait for almost 8 years I had the opportunity to See AFI Finally in My Country and my City in The Burial Era (2014), And I had the awesome chance to meet them, Jade and Dave one of my biggest inspirations in life and of course Adam and hunter (who were so polite that day). So to remember this moment even more I asked Dave to sign my arm the best he can just to get it tattooed, so he signed my arm and hours later in the festival I got it tattooed. I can still remember the energy of the guys when I Salute them :’). I took a few photos of the show that Night you can see it here Tumblr

A Story about Skateboards and Lovesickness

Braunschweig, NDS, DE

It was back in 2001 and I first came in touch with AFI while I was on a skate session with my friends. “The Boy who destroyed the world“ was played through a boombox and I instantly felt in love. Years later “Sing The Sorrow” came out and at that time I was so in love with my classmate. One day she came to school with a bag and an AFI pin on it. So I talked to her (I was a little bit shy back in the days) and we listened to STS nearly every recess.

To me AFI is the biggest band. I got so many memories connected with every single album. And AFI redefined through all these years in a positive way.

Thank you AFI!

Sixteen Years of Bliss

Los Angeles, CA, US

This band has changed my life since I was 12 years old. I have loved them for 16 years and they have never once faltered. They have led me in so many positive directions and life choices and I cannot appreciate AFI enough for being just the kindest, talented and beautiful humans. I had a couple of opportunities to meet them when I was 13 at their show in San Bernardino (very cringe photos of me, but we had to power through) and once at 15 at the Crash Love signing. I had the best night of my life seeing them at the Wiltern in 2017 where they played “The Despair Factor” which is one of my all time favorite songs and I just fell in love all over again. Thank you AFI for being just the most incredible band on this planet.

Unforgettable life Changing music

Phoenix, US

When I was 14 I discovered one album that changed my life,The Art of Drowning.I remember listening to TAD while my parents car was getting repaired. I remember listening to 6to8 on repeat thinking to myself these choruses are unforgettable.Little did I know even more unforgettable music,and musical evolutions would be on the horizon.Little did I know TAD drowning would change my life by making me a lifelong fan.

The Skirt

San Francisco, CA, US

This skirt is as old as the Despair Faction itself, and started as a way to make use of the armband that came with the first DF merch pack (17-year-old Kat thought armbands were fascist). It includes official patches, bootleg patches, handmade patches, handmade stencils, cannibalized t-shirts, and the signatures of all current band members (also Fritch and Smith). I have worn it to more than a dozen AFI shows, and it was featured in one of the tour diary videos from the Decemberunderground era (the Nashville show from the Love Like Winter tour, I think). I’m starting to run out of room, but managed to cram a Bodies patch on there to make sure it’s up to date.

UK shows

Scotland, GB

One of my favourite memories of the UK shows is all the people I’ve met along the way. Yes the drop of the lights and the first note being played is amazing but I’ve met some true friends outside of shows. Waiting for hours on a cold pavement create a bond haha.

Here’s one of many pics I have outside shows. This one is from the electric ballroom in London in 2006

First shows

Scotland, GB

I wasn’t supposed to be going to the offspring show when you supported in Glasgow then my friend got sick and gave me her ticket. I was blown away by you guys on stage and next morning bought a ticket to see you headline at king Tut’s venue. Set was amazing, you guys were so nice staying to chat with us after too. Haven’t missed a UK tour since with most recent being the deftones support.

Forever singing the sorrow

Vancouver, BC, CA

Before I had money and internet access, I could only listen to the radio. I’m forever thankful that 99.3 played “Girls Not Grey” which led me to discover AFI. There is no memory of my youth more pleasant than of lying in my bedroom at the age of 13 wishing my walls were black, liner notes in hand, and dissecting each word of Sing the Sorrow. I’m no expert on music but Sing the Sorrow, to me, is AFI’s Black Celebration. To this last point, as a 90s kid, I wouldn’t have discovered Depeche Mode without AFI. So, thank you for your music, and also thank you for leading me to Depeche Mode.

San Diego Shenanigans

Los Angeles, US

I was at a show in San Diego during the burials tour. I had met smith inside and he had a broken collar bone and he had told me he got it a couple shows earlier from a crowd surfer. After the show I met Jade and made a joke “hey jade I saw what you did to smith poor guy” to which he replied with “ya, had to teach him a lesson”. That had everyone laughing. It was an amazing show and I can’t thank the guys enough for all they’ve done for their fans.

Fuse

Birmingham Al, US

I was 11-12 years old. I sit down with my father who is watching fuse tv at the time. I hear a piano and look at the tv to see Davey Havok for the first time. Silver and Cold will always be close to me. This memory was the start of my search to find my identity. In a lot of ways AFI has always been there opening doors for me at each new chapter. Silver and cold will always be where it started for me. I am so thankful for this band and the music that has helped medicate the depressions and traumas that life brings. You guys helped me find myself and I’m eternally grateful! Happy 30th AFI!

Through our bleeding we are one

Best Show Ever

Baltimore, MD, US

The Art of Drowning tour in 2001 was the third time I had seen AFI. The show was at a tiny club called Valentine’s in Albany. We got there early and waited outside, as we always did. We watched AFI’s tour bus pull up, and Davey and Adam were kind enough to chat with us for a while on the sidewalk and take pictures. The show was incredible – I somehow got myself on the stage and was able to take tons of photos, and Adam kept making funny faces at me. Afterwards, he gave me a drumstick which I still have, and Jade gave me his pick which I made into a necklace, and I got to meet Hunter after the show. It was such a magical night that I will never forget and is probably my best show memory ever.

That time Davey gifted me a ticket to the best concert of my life…

San Diego, CA, US

A few years ago, someone on the AFI subreddit posted about giving away free tickets to the Missing Man show in SD. I was skeptical but I messaged them anyway and they said that a ticket was all mine with a picture as proof. Honestly, I was still skeptical up until a “friend of the band” handed me the ticket outside of the venue that night. The band ended up playing Synesthesia for the first time ever at that show as well as a bunch of my personal favorites, including Feed From The Floor and Endlessly, She Said. When I got home, I sent a message to my anonymous benefactor, thanking them for the ticket. Then I looked more closely at the picture they sent earlier and realized that I was actually thanking Davey himself. Thanks again for the unforgettable night!

AFI saved me

Mexico City, MX

I remember the first time I listened to AFI; it was “Miss Murder” and that song blew my mind, then I bought the Decemberunderground album, saw them at a show, after that purchase and that concert, my world changed; in those days I was a teenager struggling with depression, I had many suicidal tendencies, I hurt myself, I felt alone and like nobody understood what I was being though (neither I) but AFI was always there for me supporting me with their art and with their lyrics I knew that someone out there felt the same that I felt, you don’t know guys how much you helped me in the darkest days, almost 15 years passed since I listened to you for the first time, you had saved me so many times and I wouldn’t be able to thank you enough for that, I still struggling with depression but your art always remember me that I’m not alone and there’s so many people that love me and take care of me.

Happy 30 years!!!

Hope to see you soon in Mexico 🇲🇽 🖤

A Love Story

Chilliwack, CA

I fell in love with AFI in highschool like most of their fans. My sister used to play Black Sails and AOD so loud in her bedroom I began to know all the lyrics. I’ve been front row at all 8 of their shows I attended in Vancouver, B.C. except when I was 8 months pregnant I had a group of friends surround me to protect me. My sister and I share our love for AFI still to this day. We even got tattoos a while back to always remember their influence. Much love Davey, Jade, Hunter and Adam ❤️

TV changed my life

Reno, NV, US

I was around 12 years old when I saw the snowy music video for Love Like Winter on my TV screen and it changed my life. I could not stop thinking about it in for days after and I got that album gifted to me. Almost 15 years later I still hold AFI in my heart. Thank you for making the art you do and for helping a younger me grow through the hardship of being a teenager.

Black sails and wings

Vinita, OK, US

I have been an AFI fanatic since 2001. A close friend of mine introduced me and there was no turning back. I have three AFI tattoos. My black sails, a pumpkin and my star with a fire inside surrounded by wings. These tattoos remind me of all of the AFI concerts I have been to and my bestfriend. I can’t wait to see you all in concert again. And I just want to meet you one day!

Jumping On The Bed

Dunmore, PA, US

The first time I recall hearing AFI was at a sleepover at my two friends’ place across the street. They were sisters. Their older brother had the decemberunderground CD in his room and while he wasn’t there, my friends and I turned it on and jumped around on his bed listening to it. I specifically remember wondering why he was screaming but I loved it. I also remember seeing the CD booklet and I was mesmerized by their sense of fashion. We were maybe 9 years old or so. One day I finally bought the CD for myself, and eventually most of their others. AFI is one of the first bands I ever got into and I’ve been a huge fan ever since. They helped me understand my dark feelings more, which helped me cope and better express those feelings. They helped me out when I used to cry alone in my bedroom. They helped me develop my own style that I was comfortable with as well, and I still practically dress the same way to this day. I am finally going to see AFI live in February and it’s really been a long time coming. I’m 22 now. I’ll be forever grateful for this band.

15 year old me and my favourite AFI t-shirt.

Winnipeg, CA

15 year old me at my friends place back in the day. I’m 35 now and still a huge fan of AFI and always will be. My friend toke this photo and clearly I wasn’t ready for the picture lol. I first saw AFI when I was around the same age in the picture. When I saw them live that was the first time I heard of them and I fell in love with the band and the lifestyle they lived. I myself have a dark side to me but also can be very loving and caring also. AFI’s album “The Art of Drowning” helped me through a lot and also made me realize who I am supposed to be. And that’s someone that stands out from the crowds and be original and unique. Thank you and happy 30 year anniversary AFI love you guys till death.

Richard Beilman 🤘🦇🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Of Greetings and Goodbyes

Castaic, CA, US

I saw AFI at the Wiltern in Los Angeles in 2017 when they were touring on The Blood Album. I’d seen AFI about 6 times at this point in my life and for the most part they had similar set lists each time. This time was different. The set list was absolutely stacked with Paper Airplanes, This Celluloid Dream, and Total Immortal. But nothing will compare to when they played my absolute favorite song, Of Greetings and Goodbyes. I got into AFI when I was 13. In 2017 I was 28 years old and I never thought I’d hear that song live ever. When they kicked in with those first 2 snare/kick drum hits I lost my fucking mind. My wife and I looked at each other like oh my God it’s finally happening! I’ve been to hundreds of concerts over the course of my life and that moment, that 2 minutes will forever be at the top of the list. There will never be a more important band in my life than AFI. Thank you Davey, Adam, Jade, and Hunter for the music you’ve made and will hopefully continue to make. Long Live A Fire Inside.

This Time Imperfect

CA, US

Sing The Sorrow holds a dear place in my heart as my favorite album of all time. My mother bought me the album when I was 5 years old and even bought me a matching shirt with it. Times were rough as my father left, but listening to that record with my mom in our car each day kept me happy. I even performed Dancing Through Sunday at a school talent show. Thank you for being a part of my life and memories, AFI.

30 Years of AFI

We all form one dark flame

AFI Helped my career!

Omaha Nebraska , US

The Concert In Vegas

Lakewood, CA, US

My son Phoenix

Sarasota, Florida, US

Ten year wait

Washington, D.C. , US

2007

Mx City, MX

Mexico 2014 🇲🇽

Mexico city, Mex, MX

BARTO PA, US

Sing the sorrow, my fav ever

Mexico, City, MX

Free CD

Birmingham, england, GB

Disc Connection

Richboro, PA, US

Warped Tour 2001

Cleveland, OH, US

Davey on Sunset

Los Angeles, CA, US

Safe!

Beach Park, US

AFI at first sight

Austin, TX, US

My favorite band ever

MX

Eternal

Sanger,ca , US

Hope your well

Fayetteville, Ar, US

First song I heard

Shelbyville, IN, US

opera house toronto

Saint Catharines, Ontario, CA

Tattoo By Dave

Bogotá, CO

A Story about Skateboards and Lovesickness

Braunschweig, NDS, DE

Sixteen Years of Bliss

Los Angeles, CA, US

Unforgettable life Changing music

Phoenix, US

The Skirt

San Francisco, CA, US

UK shows

Scotland, GB

First shows

Scotland, GB

Forever singing the sorrow

Vancouver, BC, CA

21 years later I finally see them!

Carmarthen, Wales, GB

San Diego Shenanigans

Los Angeles, US

Happines

Santiago, CL

Fuse

Birmingham Al, US

Best Show Ever

Baltimore, MD, US

That time Davey gifted me a ticket to the best concert of my life…

San Diego, CA, US

AFI saved me

Mexico City, MX

Jannus Landing 2007

Saint Petersburg, FL, US

A Love Story

Chilliwack, CA

I’ve had this whole world drained from me.

Teaneck, NJ, US

Guided my life

Ontario, CA, US

First and only show

Gold Coast Queensland, AU

TV changed my life