Interview with Davey at a metro Chicago in early 2000s
Los Angeles CA, US
I was the photographer for a zine called “Jaded in Chicago.” We had interviewed and photograph countless bands since the 90s. We covered so many bands from their start at the Fireside Bowl Chicago, up until they became extremely well known and successful (Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie, Alkaline Trio, etc). Sometime in the early 2000s we were covering AFI at the Metro in Chicago and Davey agreed to be interviewed. We met with him backstage. The editor, Bill, interviewed him and I sat there holding the camera I just took pictures with. I was mesmerized by Davey’s tattoos as a fellow lover of Nightmare Before Christmas. I found myself staring, likely uncomfortably for Davey, at the details of his tattoos and then his articulate answers. He saw this, but was so kind and interactive with me even though I was very shy meeting him. It was a moment to remember, and have been a fan since.
First concert
Edmonton Alberta, CA
Okay, so back in 2006 I came up to edmonton.
I was 13 at the time and I got tickets to go see AFI, my first concert loved afi they were and still are my favorite band.
Well at the show I was with my older brother (20 years older) and asked if I could go to the crowd and I was on my way, enjoyed the opener I was a chill experience so far and then AFI came on.
My brother told me how he witnessed everyone in the beer gardens run over to the stage and how the crowd just got hectic.
Well there I was In my first concert unprepared for what was happening I remember me and a group of Stangers tried to hold the line and out spot but it just wasn’t possible lol.
I remember moving back to a more chill part of the crowd and fucking Davey havok finishes a bottle of water and tosses it in the crowd and it just bumping me on the head with sniper precision.
Overall it was a good night and one that I could remember, really glad AFI was my first concert.
Long Roads.
Ogden, UT, US
I have had a weird life of solitude, isolation, and starting over multiple times. In one of my roughest periods I happened across AFI. Their album Sing the Sorrow resonated so profoundly with the sadness I had been working through for many years. It gave a voice to so much hurt and allowed me to move beyond pain that I had never been able to comfort in myself. Despite being impoverished for most of my life I managed to get the CD for myself. As circumstances changed and my life began to improve with effort and persistence… the first vinyl I ever purchased was the Red Special edition of Sing the Sorrow, which sits sealed, the plastic slightly damaged, one of my fondest possessions.
Leaving Song Pt 2. Music Video Contest
Los Angeles, US
I remember the elation of winning tickets off the radio as a 13 year old and thinking how cool I was to be going to my first real concert with my friends to see our favorite band AFI. I remember when the band put out the music video contest for the Leaving Song Part 2 and my friends and I going on a crazy mission to create the coolest music video tribute to our favorite band, even sneaking into the school auditorium after hours to film scenes. 20 years later and it’s what I do for a living. That was the literal moment I fell in love with filmmaking and decided to set out to become a Hollywood film director (or die trying). It would not be an exaggeration to say that AFI helped me discover who I was and what I truly love and for that I’ll forever be grateful.

AOD release show Oct 2000
Bay Area, CA, US
The AOD release show at the Fillmore in SF in Oct 2000 is to this day (1,000 shows later) in my top 3 most memorable and best shows I’ve had the privilege of attending. It was (personally) the best AFI you could want with nothing but AOD and before on the set list, the show was absolutely insane even for being at the Fillmore, & with Tiger Army and (sorry guys, probably the best band ever) The Nerve Agents on the bill, it made it quite literally one of the best shows you could ever ask for. Got this poster signed after the show outside and everyone was as nice as you could imagine.

My Collection
Nuevo Laredo , MX
My collection started when I was in high school in 2006, when Decemberunderground came out, in an instant I became a fan of them, I had already heard their song Silver and Cold years ago, only I didn’t know who they were but I really liked that song, and coincidentally I found it between those months when I got to know more about them after buying the Decemberunderground album, some time later I acquired their other albums and other accessories.
First time meeting
Olympia, Wa, US
Best friend and I, AFI road trip to Springfield Missouri. Met a radio DJ who invited us backstage to meet the band. They were fantastic and kind, commented on us being from Seattle and traveling all that way to see them. Month later at a DF meet and greet in Medford, Oregon, Davey mentioned that he remembered us from the Missouri show…that has always stuck with me.

Love Like Winter – Feb 2007
Oskaloosa, Iowa, US
I fell in love with AFI’s music when Sing the Sorrow was released, which is still one of my all time favorite albums and one that got me through high school. I live in a small town in the middle of the Midwest so seeing your favorite artists live didn’t always happen but I did get the chance to see them in Des Moines at Val Air Ballroom in Feb of 2007 and it was a blizzard! Horrible weather but we still waited outside for several hours so we could be upfront. Totally worth it.. the atmosphere, fans, and music were absolutely wonderful! I got some artwork from Sing the Sorrow tattooed on my neck shortly after which is now faded and definitely needs touched up and maybe the rest of the album added to it 🙂

Miss the sorrow
Monclova , MX
It’s 4pm. I get to the alley where the “A” artists’ labels are, and there it it’s, the brand new “Sing the sorrow” album. It was a long way from the store to my car. I get in, put the disc into the player and Miseria cantare trembled through the speakers and the next weeks, my stereo didn’t meet any other CD. 2021, l got a bargain of Sing the sorrow CD signed on eBay. Still looking forward to meet the band…still looking forward to an album that surpasses this masterpiece.
Love like 17
CA
It was a beautiful summer afternoon on August 13 2019. I was beyond excited to see AFI. My boyfriend spent the day with me, and as we drove to the concert 17 Crimes played. I typically get emotional when hearing the track because it reminds me of an honest youthful type of love , and carefree breezy summer days. As I sat enjoying the music filling the summer sky, my boyfriend grabbed my hand and lead me down to the bottom of the hill as 17 Crimes was playing… I wasn’t sure what the reason was…. Until he proposed to me in front of the crowds of people to my favourite band, and a very sentimental song. My heart truly was full, to have someone who finally understood me to the core, including the passion that is AFI and their artistry. That moment will be remain with me beyond and to all time.
My AFI Introduction
San Antonio, US
There I was a 7 year old boy in the backseat of my moms car. Little did I know she bought the new Decemberunderground album and my life would be changed forever. I can still remember hearing the opening Prelude 12/21 thinking what is this and how have I not heard it yet? Fast forward 16 years later AFI is still my favorite band but what makes it even better is that I finally get to see them live in concert February 2022 in ATX. Here’s to another 30 years of AFI!

Adam taking a pic with me, Seattle, 2010
Seattle, WA, US
This photo was taken after a show at Showbox Sodo in 2010. Adam
was so kind and generous with his time. He talked to everyone there, laughing
and taking pictures. I think it’s this kind of connection with their fans that
helps the band endure.