AFI
January 19, 2017
Amoeba Music Store- Los Angeles, CA
With a line beginning to form around Amoeba at 8am, the question of most passersby’s was “What’s the line for?” The answer to that question was an intimate show by AFI, just one day before the release of their self titled, 10th studio album AFI (The Blood Album).
Fans who had pre-ordered the record or vinyl at Amoeba were given a ticket to watch the show and were also treated to a limited edition poster. Close to 700 fans packed in between the aisles at Amoeba, ready to witness what could potentially be considered the first show of the Blood Era, or a warm up show, at the very least.
After a brief introduction, the band made their way onto the small stage at around 5pm. “Good morning, Amoeba,” Lead singer, Davey Havok said as he peered into the audience. “Welcome to our record store…buy all the records, so they continue to exist. We are AFI.” Havok said as the band kicked off their short, 5 song set with Snow Cats, the first single off AFI (The Blood Album), which was followed by their 2000 single, The Days of the Phoenix, from their The Art Of Drowning record. This one really brought the old school fans back, and everyone in the store sang along. As per usual Davey Havok fashion, being on stage 
wasn’t enough for him; he jumped off the stage and strutted through the aisles, singing and holding out the microphone for fans to sing. When he reached the back of the store, he lifted himself atop of one of the CD stands, standing on the CD’s as fans helped him keep his balance. He joked how this was harder than usual, as the CD stands were shaky.
The band slowed things down a bit with Heart Stops from Burials and continued with a live debut of Aurelia, another single off their latest release. The pop infused rock song had everyone singing and dancing along. There was a small break in between Aurelia and the final song of the night, Bleed Black, when a small boy walked on stage, sporting a puffy jacket with an AFI patch on it. He spoke to Havok who replied “I can’t hear you, but your outfit is very nice.” The crowd laughed as Havok explained that he had in-ear monitors and the boy was talking quietly so he couldn’t hear anything. Guitarist Jade Puget joked saying he was a “natural father,” as the rest of the band laughed.
“Thank you so much for coming, we hope you enjoy the new record- this is not on it.” Havok said as Puget went into the opening chords for their 2003 song Bleed Black. On bass, Hunter Burgan was trying to get all his energy out, which is usually achieved through jumping off drum risers and stands at shows. Puget, is known for spinning in circles and holding his guitar up and of course, Havok is constantly moving. All these movements were difficult to achieve at this show because it was such a small stage, but somehow, they still managed to excite the crowd and move around in their (somewhat) usual ways, without colliding into each other, which is quite impressive.
This show was an amazing preview to what is to come from the upcoming AFI tour. They mixed in new songs, old songs and even the old old songs. It’s been four years since their last headline tour, and going off of this short, intimate show alone, we know it will meet & exceed all expectations.
Review by: Nicole Lemberg
See our video Recap of the show here:
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Be sure to check out AFI in a city coming to you. Dates below:
1/20 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Troubadour*
1/21 — Oakland, Calif. — Fox Theater*
1/23 — Portland, Ore. — Roseland Theater*
1/24 — Vancouver, British Columbia — Commodore Ballroom*
1/25 — Seattle, Wash. — The Showbox*
1/27 — Salt Lake City, Utah — The Depot*
1/28 — Englewood, Colo. — Gothic Theatre*
1/30 — Minneapolis, Minn. — First Avenue*
1/31 — Chicago, Ill. — Riviera Theater*
2/1 — Toronto, Ontario — Danforth Music Hall*
2/3 — New York, N.Y. — Hammerstein Ballroom
2/4 — Boston, Mass. — Paradise Rock Club**
2/6 — Philadelphia, Pa. — Union Transfer**
2/7 — Washington D.C. — 9:30 Club**
2/8 — Baltimore, Md. — Rams Head Live
2/10 — Orlando, Fla. — The Plaza Live**
2/11 — Atlanta, Ga. — Buckhead Theatre**
2/13 — Houston, Texas — White Oak Music Hall
2/14 — Austin, Texas — Emo’s**
2/15 — Dallas, Texas — South Side Music Hall**
2/17 — Tempe, Ariz. — The Marquee**
2/18 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint**
2/20 — San Diego, Calif. — Observatory North Park**
2/21 — San Diego, Calif. — Observatory North Park**
*Featuring special guest Chain Gang of 1974
**Feature special guest Nothing
All shows feature Souvenirs as the opener
