Previously, I'd photographed AFI in a small, intimate venue. Then, they were set to play New York City's Roseland, and I wondered what difference that would make in the whole atmosphere. Not only that, but the lighting scheme had been significantly changed, so I wanted to have a new take on the Crash Love tour.
The lighting was much more sophisticated, less harsh and definitely more dramatic. It was also a hell of a lot harder to photograph, but that was my problem, not theirs. As their lighting director says, the lights are for the audience, not the photographer. We work with what we get.
The band, however, was just as energetic, giving their all with new songs and old. Davey Havok is the quintessential frontman, flamboyantly interacting with the crowd as if they're all old friends. And some of them are! Many AFI fans have been devoted to this band since their inception back in the 90's. Davey's look has changed many times, from punk to glam to his current Morrissey-esque 'do. His voice has also strengthened, as well as his lyrics. Jade Puget on guitar is a virtuoso, the melodic driving force, effortlessly shredding while pirouetting around the stage. Hunter attacks his bass with a savage force that still produces an epic counterpoint, grimacing at the crowd. And last but not least, Adam is a beast on the drums, pounding out the brutal rhythm like a man possessed.
The new songs may not be what old-school fans call "AFI", but they're unarguably tight and catchy, showing off the band's range. They do play a good share of their older material as well, and though the shows are short, usually not over an hour, they definitely give the audience their money's worth.
Not many bands have the kind of connection that AFI has with their fans. Go see an AFI show if you have a chance at all. It will be a show you won't soon forget.
AFI fans are colorful and patient:
Upcoming Tour Dates:
February 20 Brisbane Soundwave Festival 2010
February 21 Sydney Soundwave Festival 2010
February 26 Melbourne Soundwave Festival 2010
February 27 Adelaide Soundwave Festival 2010
March 1 Perth Soundwave Festival 2010
March 12 Nashville, TN Rocketown
March 13 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
March 15 Jacksonville, FL Plush
March 16 Tampa, FL The Ritz
March 18 Pensacola, FL Seville Quarter Party Plaza
March 19 New Orleans, LA House of Blues
March 27 Anaheim, CA Festival Grounds at Angel Stadium
April 5 Nottingham, UK Nottingham Rock City
April 6 London, UK Brixton Academy
April 8 Glasgow, UK ABC
April 9 Manchester, UK Manchester Academy
April 11 Newcastle, UK 02 Academy 2 Newcastle
April 12 Birmingham, UK 02 Academy 2 Birmingham
April 14 Hamburg, Germany Grosse Freiheit 36
April 15 Munich Give It A Name,Tonhalle
April 17 Milan, IT, Italy Alcatraz
April 20 Vienna Outdoor Arena
April 21 Warsaw, PL Stodola
April 24 Meerhout, BE Groezrock Festival
April 25 Dulsburg T-Mobile Extreme Playground
Jade
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