AFI (band)

While still in high school in Ukiah, California, lead vocalist Davey Havok formed a band called AFI in November 1991 with Mark Stopholese and Vic Chalker.{{cite web|url=http://afinewshq.com/2010/09/24/afinewshq-exclusive-interview-with-afis-original-bassist/|title=AFINewsHQ Exclusive Interview with AFI's Original Bassist|accessdate=2024-06-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307011942/http://afinewshq.com/2010/09/24/afinewshq-exclusive-interview-with-afis-original-bassist/|archive-date=March 7, 2014|df=mdy-all}} At the time, the band did not know how to play any instruments. Stopholese suggested that his friend, drummer Adam Carson, join the band.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070629225052/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10466716/more_havok/3 An Extended Interview With AFI's Davey Havok]. Rolling Stone. Austin Scaggs. Jun 01, 2006 Stopholese learned guitar and Chalker learned bass, but Chalker was soon replaced by Geoff Kresge. By the end of October 1992, the band had played their first three shows, generally as an opener for a few other punk bands, including Influence 13, which featured future AFI guitarist Jade Puget and frequent collaborator Nick 13.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-04|title=AFI: Adam's Playlist|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CV3sybgPpBX/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CV3sybgPpBX |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|access-date=2021-11-18|website=Instagram}}{{cbignore}} AFI recorded their first EP, Dork (1993), with the now defunct band Loose Change, which also featured Puget.

The band briefly broke up in 1993, when the members left Ukiah to attend different colleges. They decided to commit to AFI full-time after an extremely positive experience and enthusiastic crowd response at a reunion show they played at The Phoenix Theater over Christmas break.{{cite web|author=|title=AFI interview (1999)|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDboO2yPIIs| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070404081712/http://youtube.com/watch?v=HDboO2yPIIs| archive-date=2007-04-04 | url-status=dead|access-date=2011-07-04|publisher=YouTube}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetrapset.net/160-adam-carson-afi/|title=THE TRAP SET|website=Thetrapset.net|access-date=June 14, 2021}}

AFI relocated to Berkeley, California and lived in a squat that was a decommissioned fraternity house.{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/features/afi-all-hallows-ep-interview/|title=AFI revisit 'All Hallows' EP as picture disc is reissued in time for Halloween|first=Jason|last=Pettigrew|website=Altpress.com|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=June 14, 2021}} Between 1993 and 1995, the band independently released vinyl EPs such as Behind the Times, Eddie Picnic's All Wet and Fly in the Ointment, as well as the compilation EPs This Is Berkeley, Not West Bay, AFI/Heckle, and Bombing the Bay (with Swingin' Utters).

File:AFI Berkley.JPG in late 1995]]

AFI's first full-length album, Answer That and Stay Fashionable was released July 4, 1995, on Wingnut Records. It was {{nowrap|co-produced}} by Doug Sangalang and Rancid's Tim Armstrong and Brett Reed. The album featured fast and upbeat hardcore songs, with humorous lyrical themes, which are vocalized in songs such as "Nyquil", "Cereal Wars", and "I Wanna Get a Mohawk (But Mom Won't Let Me Get One)".{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/926/AFI-Answer-That-And-Stay-Fashionable/ |title=AFI – Answer That And Stay Fashionable (album review) |website=Sputnikmusic |date=2005-01-14 |access-date=2011-07-04}} Around this time, they coined the term 'East Bay hardcore' to describe their genre.Andrew Miller (November 23, 2000). "[http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/asking-for-it/Content?oid=2162023 Asking For It] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307032039/http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/asking-for-it/Content?oid=2162023|date=2014-03-07}}". The Pitch.

AFI signed on to Nitro Records, a record label started by The Offspring's Dexter Holland and Greg K.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp8i7a6SNzk|title=AFI: Davey Havok & Mark Stopholese WHAT'S THE STORY? Interview March 19, 1997 San Francisco, CA, USA|website=www.youtube.com|date=April 7, 2022|accessdate=2024-06-25}} AFI would remain with the label until the release of the 336 EP (2002). In 1996, they released their second album, Very Proud of Ya. Two songs from their previous album, "Yurf Rendenmein" and "Two of A Kind", were re-recorded for this album. After several tours in support of the album, Kresge decided to leave the group. His spot was filled by current AFI bassist Hunter Burgan for the remaining album tour dates.

Burgan went on to help AFI record Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (1997) and was invited to become their full-time bassist.{{Cite web|date=Feb 17, 2017|title=Backspin: AFI on 'Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjGPgk325K0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/xjGPgk325K0| archive-date=2021-11-13 | url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-18|publisher=Yahoo!|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}{{Efn|Snapcase member Frank Vicario had been asked to join the band on bass, and was even featured in a photo shoot, but Burgan's performance on the album convinced the rest of the band that he should join permanently.}} Jade Puget, a former member of Influence 13 and Havok's close friend, also provided background vocals and additional guitar on the album, making it the first to feature all four current members of the band. It is also the first album to be copyrighted to the band's official moniker, A Fire Inside.{{Efn|name=name}} Subsequently, the A Fire Inside EP (1998) was released, after which Stopholese left the band and was replaced by Puget.{{cite web|url=http://www.amzmusiczine.com/11_00/jpuget.htm|title=AFI's (guitarist) Jade Puget|accessdate=2024-07-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020507033530/http://www.amzmusiczine.com/11_00/jpuget.htm|archive-date=May 7, 2002|df=mdy-all}}

File:AFI In Studio.JPG, during the recording of Black Sails in the Sunset]]

The band's next album, Black Sails in the Sunset (1999), was a musical turning point which featured a darker sound,{{cite web |url=http://www.afireinside.net/bio |title=AFI | Official site |publisher=Afireinside.net |access-date=2011-10-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927225745/http://www.afireinside.net/bio/ |archive-date=2011-09-27 }} mixing the band's original hardcore roots with dark romantic influences{{Efn|A poem by Charles Baudelaire, "De profundis clamavi," is present in the hidden track "Midnight Sun".}} and an emphasis on a more somber atmosphere and lyrics. The New York Times later referred to this as the point where Havok "developed into a singer and songwriter of substance".Neil Strauss. "For a Hardcore Bunch, a Breakout". The New York Times. March 16, 2003. During this period, AFI's style was considered punk rock.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090505225309/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/afi/albums/album/10483520/review/10500531/decemberunderground AFI: Decemberunderground : Album Reviews]. Rolling Stone. Neil Strauss. Jun 6, 2006 The influence of death rock and gothic rock was also apparent. Offspring frontman Dexter Holland was featured as a backing vocalist on two tracks.

The All Hallow's E.P. (1999) further explored the horror punk genre, featuring artwork and lyrics containing Halloween themes, including a cover of the Misfits song "Halloween". The song "The Boy Who Destroyed the World" was featured in the video game Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3,{{Cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34614&tab=credits|title=Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 – Credits|website=Allgame.com|access-date=June 14, 2021|archive-date=November 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141115202619/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=34614&tab=credits|url-status=dead}} and the single "Totalimmortal" was later covered by The Offspring.{{Cite web|title=Offspring * Total Immortal Lyrics, from Me Myself & Irene|url=http://www.soundtracklyrics.net/song-lyrics/me-myself-%26-irene/total-immortal.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928142118/http://www.soundtracklyrics.net/song-lyrics/me-myself-%26-irene/total-immortal.htm|archive-date=2008-09-28|access-date=2018-10-12}}

On September 19, 2000, AFI released The Art of Drowning, which debuted on the Billboard Charts at number 174, and peaked at number 9 on the Heatseekers chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName%3DAlbums%26model.vnuArtistId%3D175174%26model.vnuAlbumId%3D775285 |title=Billboard.com – Artist Chart History – AFI |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 17, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310203340/http://billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=175174&model.vnuAlbumId=775285 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 }} It continued to touch base with the horror punk genre, but expanded into styles that were a departure from previous works.{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8520/AFI-The-Art-of-Drowning/ |title=AFI – The Art of Drowning (album review) |website=Sputnikmusic |date=2006-08-02 |access-date=2011-07-04}} The album featured slower, more melodic songs that were more reminiscent of alternative rock, such as "Ever and a Day" and "6 to 8". Hardcore influences were present, more overtly on some tracks. The album sold over 100,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/1748 |title=AFI – Sing The Sorrow |date=March 14, 2003 |publisher=Punknews.org |access-date=2011-07-04}} "The Days of the Phoenix" was released as a single and video and had some moderate mainstream success, garnering the band more TV and radio airplay. The song reached the UK Singles Chart with its titular EP in 2001, peaking at number 152.{{cite web |url=http://www.ovguide.com/the-art-of-drowning-9202a8c04000641f8000000003190595 |title=The Art of Drowning Video |publisher=Ovguide.com |access-date=2011-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119143604/http://www.ovguide.com/the-art-of-drowning-9202a8c04000641f8000000003190595 |archive-date=2011-11-19 |url-status=dead }} The success of The Art of Drowning helped to encourage the band to pursue higher mainstream notoriety.

File:Jade puget.jpg]]

In 2002, AFI left Nitro Records. DreamWorks Records artists and repertoire executive Luke Wood signed them to the label following intense interest.{{cite web |url=http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_LWood.html |title=Interview with Luke Wood |publisher=HitQuarters|date=4 Mar 2002 |access-date=5 October 2011}}{{better source needed|date=April 2020}} Their first album for the label, Sing the Sorrow, was released in 2003. The album opened in Billboard{{'}}s top ten and scored enthusiastic lead reviews in major music magazines.Michael Tedder (June 19, 2003). "[http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/inside-out/Content?oid=2169373 Inside Out] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103054339/http://www.pitch.com/kansascity/inside-out/Content?oid=2169373 |date=2013-11-03 }}". The Pitch. The songs "Girl's Not Grey", "The Leaving Song Pt. II", and "Silver and Cold" had some Billboard chart success and exposed the band to even larger audiences. They were nominated in the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards for the MTV2 award category for the "Girl's Not Grey" video, which came to be their first VMA.

In June 2006, AFI's seventh studio album, Decemberunderground, was released on Interscope Records. The album's first single, "Miss Murder", reached No. 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Charts.{{cite magazine|url=https://billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName%3DSingles%26model.vnuArtistId%3D175174%26model.vnuAlbumId%3D775285 |title=Billboard.com – Artist Chart History – AFI |magazine=Billboard |access-date=August 22, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310203349/http://billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Singles&model.vnuArtistId=175174&model.vnuAlbumId=775285 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 }} The release reflects the continually changing and growing fan base of the band, and the album debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard charts.{{cite news |title = AFI burns brightly with No. 1 debut |work = Billboard |date = 2006-06-14 |url = https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58141/afi-burns-brightly-with-no-1-debut |access-date = 2006-07-08| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060711122405/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58141/afi-burns-brightly-with-no-1-debut| archive-date= 11 July 2006 | url-status= live}} The album has been certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of over 500,000 copies of the album.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=decemberunderground&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2007&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |title=RIAA Certifications for Decemberuderground |website=Recording Industry Association of America |access-date=2007-10-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924153612/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=decemberunderground&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2007&sort=Artist&perPage=25 |archive-date=2015-09-24 }} The album's second single, "Love Like Winter", was successful on MTV's Total Request Live and was retired after 40 days on the countdown.

On December 12, 2006, AFI released their first DVD, I Heard a Voice – Live from Long Beach Arena, featuring a live performance shot in Long Beach, California. The performance was later released on December 13, 2007, as a live album, and charted at number 133 on the Billboard 200, and number 16 on the Hard Rock Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/275313/afi/chart|title=Billboard Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2016-05-06}} The album was well-received, with punknews.org giving it a four-star rating and commenting that when hearing or seeing the performance "you begin to realize AFI are truly a great live band," and that at some points "Pantera would say turn the noise down."{{cite web|url=http://www.punknews.org/review/6163 |title=AFI – I Heard a Voice DVD |date=March 23, 2007 |publisher=Punknews.org |access-date=2012-03-29}}

File:AFI at Live Earth.jpg of Live Earth in 2007]]

On July 7, 2007, AFI performed on the American leg of Live Earth. They performed "The Missing Frame", "Love Like Winter", "Miss Murder", and a cover of David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust".

In July 2009, Havok announced that after two years of writing and recording, a new album titled Crash Love would be released on September 29, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/news.php?newsid=9855|title=New AFI record due Sept 29th.|website=Sputnikmusic|access-date=2009-07-08}} It was recorded with producer David Bottrill (who was later dismissed in favor of Joe McGrath and Jacknife Lee).{{cite magazine|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=556728|title=Quick Hits: Sheryl Crow, My Chemical Romance, AFI|access-date=2008-01-30|magazine=FMQB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131100941/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=556728|archive-date=31 January 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://board.afispace.com/index.php?showtopic=13984 |title=News about the album! – The Complete AFI Series Message Board |publisher=Board.afispace.com |access-date=2011-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707092521/http://board.afispace.com/index.php?showtopic=13984 |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} The first single from the album, "Medicate", was released on August 25, 2009, and reached number 7 on the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart. Another single, "Beautiful Thieves", followed later in the year. Havok called Crash Love "the album by which we'll be remembered".{{cite web|title=Biography|url=http://www.afireinside.net/bio/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224173931/http://www.afireinside.net/bio/|archive-date=February 24, 2012|access-date=September 30, 2009|work=afireinside.net|publisher=AFI|df=mdy}} It was the band's first release to make a significantly smaller impact than their previous effort,{{Cite web|date=Feb 17, 2017|title=Backspin: AFI on 'Crash Love'|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pB7bUy-4TQ&list=PLCEKuyxDUiWGiFhqA8d_oLvLmgzvUaZB4&index=8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211113/9pB7bUy-4TQ| archive-date=2021-11-13 | url-status=live|access-date=2020-12-18|publisher=Yahoo!|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} but peaked at number 12 on the Billboard 200.

File:Flickr - moses namkung - AFI-4.jpg]]

From April to June 2013, several teaser videos were released on AFI's website.{{cite web| last = Whitt| first = Cassie| title = AFI launch cryptic video on website| work = Alternative Press| date = April 17, 2013| url = http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/afi_launch_cryptic_video_on_website| access-date = April 18, 2013}}

The band was announced to play Riot Fest 2013, as well as being signed to Republic Records.{{cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/afi_sign_to_republic_records_plan_fall_2013_album_release |title=AFI sign to Republic Records; plan fall 2013 album release – News – Alternative Press |website=Altpress.com |date=2013-06-27 |access-date=2016-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603160634/http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/afi_sign_to_republic_records_plan_fall_2013_album_release |archive-date=2016-06-03 |url-status=dead }} A single titled "I Hope You Suffer" was released on July 23,{{cite web|url=http://afinewshq.com/2013/07/22/i-hope-you-suffer-now-available-on-itunes/|title='I Hope You Suffer' Now Available On iTunes|work=AFI News Headquarters|access-date=21 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215115340/http://afinewshq.com/2013/07/22/i-hope-you-suffer-now-available-on-itunes/|archive-date=15 December 2013|url-status=dead}} and the title of the album, Burials, was announced.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/afis-davey-havok-talks-maximalist-new-album-20130723|title=AFI's Davey Havok Talks Maximalist New Album|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=21 December 2014}} Another single, "17 Crimes", was released on August 6.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/17-Crimes/dp/B00E6BTKM8/|title=Amazon.com: 17 Crimes: AFI: MP3 Downloads|work=amazon.com}} The third single from the album, titled "The Conductor", was released on September 9. The album was released on October 22, produced by Gil Norton. It peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200.

In a June 2016 interview with Aggressive Tendencies, Puget confirmed that AFI had begun working on new material for their tenth studio album.{{cite web|last=Ralph|first=Caitlyn|date=July 1, 2016|title=AFI confirm new album is coming|url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/afi_confirm_new_album_is_coming|access-date=July 3, 2016|work=Alternative Press}} On October 27, the band released two new songs via Spotify, "Snow Cats" and "White Offerings".

The band's tenth album, AFI (also known as The Blood Album), was released on January 20, 2017. Puget served as the main producer. The album peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200. Other singles were released, including "Aurelia" and "Hidden Knives".

On October 26, 2018, the band surprise-released a new single called "Get Dark" on Spotify and iTunes. This was followed by The Missing Man EP on December 7, featuring five new songs.

On March 25, 2020, AFI was announced as a headliner for the Two Thousand Trees Festival on July 10 of the same year. Puget was interviewed by Kerrang! to promote the festival appearance and said that "hopefully at least a couple of songs" from the band's eleventh album would be released by then.{{cite web |title='It's an eclectic record – a little bit left of center.' – Jade on New Album |url=http://afireinside.net/its-an-eclectic-record-a-little-bit-left-of-center-jade-on-new-album/ |website=afireinside.net |access-date=2 April 2020 |date=March 28, 2020}} On April 27, 2020, Puget said that the album was finished, but that its release date was being pushed back as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.{{YouTube|id=I2jwtMZBG9Q|t=185}} The next day, it was announced that the Two Thousand Trees Festival was being pushed back to 2021, also due to the pandemic.{{cite web |title=2000 Trees Festival postponed until 2021 |url=http://afireinside.net/2000-trees-festival-postponed-until-2021/ |website=afireinside.net |access-date=28 April 2020 |date=April 28, 2020}}

On January 15, 2021, the band released the tracks "Twisted Tongues" and "Escape from Los Angeles".{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Laura|date=2021-01-15|title=AFI Unveil Two New Tracks Twisted Tongues And Escape From Los Angeles|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/230612/9|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Stereoboard|language=en}} On February 25, it was revealed that the album would be called Bodies, and be released on June 11. Along with the announcement, the band revealed two new songs as another joint single, "Looking Tragic / Begging for Trouble".{{cite web|last=Lewry |first=Fraser |title=AFI detail upcoming album Bodies, launch two new songs|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/afi-detail-upcoming-album-bodies-launch-two-new-songs|access-date=2021-02-26|website=loudersound|date=February 26, 2021 |language=en}} On April 9, "Dulceria / Far Too Near" were released,{{Cite web|last=Richards|first=Will|date=2021-04-10|title=AFI share two new songs, including one co-written by Billy Corgan|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/afi-share-two-new-songs-including-one-co-written-by-billy-corgan-2917793|access-date=2021-04-11|website=NME|language=en-GB}} followed by "Tied to a Tree" on May 25.{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Emily|date=May 25, 2021|title=AFI show their evolution on striking new single, Tied To A Tree|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/afi-show-their-evolution-on-striking-new-single-tied-to-a-tree/|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Kerrang!}}

On March 11, 2023, AFI played Sing the Sorrow in full for the first and last time at the Kia Forum on the album's 20th anniversary, supported by Jawbreaker, Chelsea Wolfe and Choir Boy.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-12 |title=AFI roars through 20th anniversary 'Sing the Sorrow' show at Kia Forum |url=https://www.dailybreeze.com/2023/03/12/afi-roars-through-20th-anniversary-sing-the-sorrow-show-at-kia-forum/ |access-date=2024-01-10 |website=Daily Breeze |language=en-US}}

AFI's music has been classified under many genres of music, including punk rock,{{cite web |last1=Barnard |first1=Laurent |title=This Is Hardcore: AFI – The Art Of Drowning |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/this-is-hardcore-afi-the-art-of-drowning |website=LouderSound |date=September 10, 2015 |access-date=July 3, 2022}}{{cite web |url=http://www.houstonpress.com/music/aftermath-afi-looking-slightly-dated-but-still-bringing-the-goth-rock-at-verizon-6504532 |title=Aftermath: AFI, Looking Slightly Dated but Still Bringing the Goth-Rock at Verizon |work=Houston Press |date=November 23, 2009 |last=Hlavaty |first=Craig}}{{cite web|url=http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2013/06/afi-sign-republic-records|title=AFI sign to Republic Records|access-date=21 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320010746/http://thecelebritycafe.com/feature/2013/06/afi-sign-republic-records|archive-date=20 March 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv/2006/05/09/TV-Notes-Gilmore-Girls-creator-bids-farewell-with-season-finale/stories/200605090178|title=TV Notes: 'Gilmore Girls' creator bids farewell with season finale|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=21 December 2014}} hardcore punk,{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/afi-mn0000589630/biography|title=AFI – Biography – AllMusic|author=Steve Huey|work=AllMusic|access-date=21 December 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/96754/9|title=AFI UK Tour Dates & Ticket Details Announced|author=Saard|work=Stereoboard.com|access-date=21 December 2014}} emo,{{cite journal |title=A.F.I. |journal=Cincinnati Magazine |page=232 |issn=0746-8210 |date=October 2009}}{{cite journal |title=VANS WARPED TOUR |journal=SPIN |volume=22 |number=7 |page=97 |issn=0886-3032 |date=July 2006}}{{cite web |url=http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20061016afi_afi |title=AFI |publisher=Bmi.com |author=Bruce Britt |date=October 15, 2006}}{{cite web|last=Parker |first=Nick |title=AFI Brings Emo Punk to Salt Lake City |date=July 19, 2006 |url=http://media.www.slccglobelink.com/media/storage/paper442/news/2006/07/19/Entertainment/Afi-Brings.Emo.Punk.To.Salt.Lake.City-2133215.shtml |work=The Globe |publisher=Salt Lake Community College |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427212525/http://media.www.slccglobelink.com/media/storage/paper442/news/2006/07/19/Entertainment/Afi-Brings.Emo.Punk.To.Salt.Lake.City-2133215.shtml |archive-date=April 27, 2009 }} gothic rock,{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2006/06/18/afis-vampire-fetish-makes-it-hard-to-take-band-seriously/ |title=AFI's vampire fetish makes it hard to take band seriously |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=June 18, 2006 |author=Greg Kot}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/afi-confront-their-chaos-in-no-resurrection-song-premiere-20131015 |title=AFI Confront Their Chaos in 'No Resurrection' – Song Premiere |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Gentile |first=John |date=October 15, 2013}} horror punk,{{cite web |url=http://www.northjersey.com/arts-and-entertainment/music/new-addition-to-family-of-misfits-1.1437299?page=all |title=Horror punk pioneers the Misfits to perform at Starland Ballroom |publisher=NorthJersey.com |date=October 21, 2015 |last=Aberback |first=Brian |quote=The Misfits' influence spreads far and wide, from latter-day horror-punk bands like AFI, the Alkaline Trio and Japan's Balzac to heavy metal icons Metallica.}}{{cite web |url=http://b-sides.tv/reviews/20131029-afi-new-album-burials-released |title=AFI New Album 'Burials' Released |publisher=B-sides.tv |date=October 29, 2013 |last=Clement |first=Kaitlyn |access-date=November 25, 2015 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702161220/http://b-sides.tv/reviews/20131029-afi-new-album-burials-released |url-status=dead }} {{nowrap|post-hardcore,{{cite web |url=http://kroq.cbslocal.com/2013/04/17/afi-coming-out-with-new-album-in-september-2013/ |title=AFI Coming Out With New Album In September 2013 |publisher=CBS |date=April 17, 2013 |access-date=6 July 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/afi-girls-not-grey-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/|title=No. 23: AFI, 'Girl's Not Grey' – Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs|work=Loudwire|date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=21 December 2014}}}} skate punk,{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |publisher=Omnibus Press |author=Colin Larkin |date=May 27, 2011 |quote=Although often described as a cross between goth rock and hardcore punk, by the time of their commercial breakthrough in 2003, the Ukiah, California, USA-based quartet AFI (an acronym for A Fire Inside) started out as a straight ahead skate/ punk band.}} alternative rock,{{cite web|url=http://www.soundspheremag.com/reviews/live/afi-rock-city-nottingham-april-5-2010/|title=Live Review: AFI [Rock City, Nottingham] April 5, 2010|date=April 6, 2010 |access-date=21 December 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://events.seattlepi.com/tucson_az/events/show/368719087-afi|title=Events|work=seattlepi.com|access-date=21 December 2014}} screamo,{{cite magazine |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/afi-sing/ |title=A.F.I.: Sing the Sorrow |magazine=PopMatters |author=Stephen Haag |date=April 17, 2003}} garage punk, and pop-punk.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-afis-davey-havok-on-his-emotions-and-hair-disasters-20131022 |title=Q&A: AFI's Davey Havok on His Emotions and Hair Disasters |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Gentile |first=John |date=October 22, 2013}}

AFI's sound has constantly changed. AFI originally were a hardcore punk band.{{cite web |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/633/afi-very-proud-of-ya |title=AFI – Very Proud of Ya |publisher=Punknews.org |last=Moran |first=Chris |date=October 22, 2001 |access-date=April 12, 2018}}{{cite web |url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/qanda-with-davey-havok-from-afi-playing-revolution-wednesday-6436734 |title=Q&A with Davey Havok from AFI, Playing Revolution Wednesday |work=Miami New Times |last=Landau |first=Ericka K. |date=November 17, 2009 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} AFI's first three albums, Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995),{{cite web |url=https://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/answerthatandstayfashionable |title=AFI Answer That And Stay Fashionable |work=Alternative Press |last=Heller |first=Jason |date=June 22, 2010 |access-date=April 13, 2018}} Very Proud of Ya (1996), and Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (1997),{{cite magazine |title=Nü Day Rising |magazine=Spin |volume=19 |number=4 |issn=0886-3032 |date=April 2003 |last=Gross |first=Joe |page=102}} all have been described as hardcore punk. AFI's fourth album Black Sails in the Sunset and the band's fifth album The Art of Drowning both have been described as horror punk.{{cite web |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/12221/afi-burials |title=AFI – Burials |publisher=Punknews.org |last=Yancey |first=Bryne |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} AFI's 2003 album Sing the Sorrow is considered post-hardcore{{cite web |url=http://dailycampus.com/stories/2017/2/10/the-blood-album-by-afi-a-cross-section-of-25-years-making-music |title='The Blood Album' by AFI, a cross-section of 25 years making music |work=The Daily Campus |last=Gilbert |first=Matthew |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} and emo.{{cite web |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2004/may/23/emo-bands-drawing-young-audience/ |title=Emo bands drawing young audience |work=The Spokesman-Review |last=Kappes |first=John |date=May 23, 2004 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} Decemberunderground, which features elements of music genres like electronic, new wave, industrial, punk rock, hardcore punk, and synthpop,{{cite web |url=http://music.ign.com/articles/711/711277p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225045041/http://music.ign.com/articles/711/711277p1.html |title=AFI – Decemberunderground |website=IGN |last=Thompson |first=Ed |date=June 5, 2006 |archive-date=February 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |access-date=July 19, 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/decemberunderground-mw0000540890 |title=Decemberunderground – AFI |website=AllMusic |last=Apar |first=Corey |access-date=April 12, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/reviews-afi-7950 |title=AFI: Decemberunderground |work=NME |date=May 26, 2006 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} is considered alternative rock,{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/with-decemberunderground-afi-rode-tacit-approval-all-t-1798267996 |title=With Decemberunderground, AFI rode tacit approval all the way to the top |work=The A.V. Club |last=McFarland |first=Kevin |date=April 15, 2014 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} post-hardcore and emo.{{cite web |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jamiejones/can-you-guess-the-classic-emo-album-by-the-cover-art |title=Can You Name The Classic Emo Album By The Cover Art? |publisher=BuzzFeed |first=Jamie |last=Jones |date=September 18, 2015 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} AFI's 2009 album Crash Love is considered alternative rock{{cite web |url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/49/album-afi-crash-love |title=Album: AFI – Crash Love |work=Dead Press! |last=Andrews |first=Jonathan |access-date=April 12, 2018}} and pop rock. AFI's 2013 album Burials is considered alternative rock{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/burials-20131022 |title=AFI: Burials |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Powell |first=Mike |date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2018}} and gothic rock. AFI's 2017 self-titled album, also referred to as The Blood Album, has been described as new wave, post-punk and gothic rock.{{cite web |title=AFI – AFI (The Blood Album) |url=http://themusic.com.au/music/albumreviews/2017/01/12/afi-afi-the-blood-album-carley-hall/ |last=Hall |first=Carley |work=The Music |date=January 12, 2017 |access-date=April 13, 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/afi-the-blood-album-mw0003012735 |title=AFI (The Blood Album) – AFI |website=AllMusic |last=Yeung |first=Neil Z. |access-date=April 12, 2018}} In 2021 AFI released their 11th album Bodies, which has been described as continuing their gothic rock sound and taking a greater influence from new wave.{{Cite web |title=AFI's 'Bodies' Is Mostly Lifeless {{!}} Exclaim! |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/afi_bodies_album_review |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=AFI's 'Bodies' Is Mostly Lifeless {{!}} Exclaim! |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-06-11 |title=Album review: AFI – Bodies |url=https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-afi-bodies |access-date=2024-07-08 |website=Kerrang! |language=en}}

Louder wrote, "Long before My Chemical Romance topped the charts with the anthemic ‘'Welcome to the Black Parade'’, California's AFI were already injecting their brand of punk with gothic imagery and a sense of theatricality. By the time Gerard Way’s band arrived, AFI had already built a devoted fan base incorporating punks, hardcore fans, goths, metallers and every other type of musical pariah imaginable. They were a band that couldn't help but stand out everywhere they went." AllMusic described AFI as "Northern California hardcore punk revivalists" whose style "evolved to include alternative rock, post-punk, emo, and new wave flair". The Chicago Tribune said that the band "morphed from a conventional garage-punk band into a gothic-rock arena act." Loudwire said that the band "developed from more of a SoCal punk style into a somewhat gothic post-hardcore band".{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/afi-girls-not-grey-top-21st-century-hard-rock-songs/|title=No. 23: AFI, 'Girl's Not Grey' – Top 21st Century Hard Rock Songs|work=Loudwire|date=June 28, 2012 |access-date=21 December 2014}} The Encyclopedia of Popular Music said that "Although often described as a cross between goth rock and hardcore punk, by the time of their commercial breakthrough in 2003, [AFI] started out as a straight ahead skate/punk band."{{cite book |title=The Encyclopedia of Popular Music |publisher=Omnibus Press |author=Colin Larkin |date=May 27, 2011 |quote=Although often described as a cross between goth rock and hardcore punk, by the time of their commercial breakthrough in 2003, the Ukiah, California, USA-based quartet AFI (an acronym for A Fire Inside) started out as a straight ahead skate/ punk band.}} PopMatters wrote, "To call California-based hardcore/screamo quartet A.F.I. a band without a flag in the current modern rock landscape is not an unfair assessment of their situation."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/afi-sing/ |title=A.F.I.: Sing the Sorrow |magazine=PopMatters |author=Stephen Haag |date=April 17, 2003}} Rolling Stone categorized the band as pop-punk.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/q-a-afis-davey-havok-on-his-emotions-and-hair-disasters-20131022 |title=Q&A: AFI's Davey Havok on His Emotions and Hair Disasters |magazine=Rolling Stone |last=Gentile |first=John |date=October 22, 2013}} AFI has often been labeled as "gothic punk" due to the band's appearance, but AFI band members never considered the label accurate. Jade Puget has said, "Goth-punk isn't a style of music, it doesn't even exist."Alex Burrows. Rolling Stone, March 2003

Puget, who has produced much of the band's music, stated in 2021:

{{blockquote|Anyone who knows our catalog knows that no two records really sit together. Some sit a little closer, maybe. We do certain things, just by virtue of who we are, that are consistent, but those things come about organically. Every time we do something, I have to judge it on its own merits. Some fans are going to judge a new album, or a new song, based on what's come before. But as artists, we can't do that, because it would only hinder our creativity.}}

AFI have drawn inspiration from a diverse range of artists. "We have many, many influences that span the musical spectrum", Havok told the Boston Globe. "Each of us grew up on everything from punk to hardcore to dark '80s UK stuff like the Cure, Bauhaus, Joy Division, and [the] Sisters of Mercy. And there were rock bands like Guns N' Roses and Metallica and industrial bands like Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Front 242 and Alien Sex Fiend. And we all love the Smiths."{{Cite web|url=https://rockdirt.com/afis-long-answered-influences/7013/|title=A.F.I.'s Long Answered Influences|date=July 23, 2003|website=Rockdirt.com|access-date=December 17, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113115335/https://rockdirt.com/afis-long-answered-influences/7013/|archive-date=January 13, 2016}} Other groups that have inspired AFI include the Teen Idles, Dag Nasty, Government Issue, Negative Approach, Earth Crisis, Snapcase, Refused, Sick of it All, the Cro-Mags, Minor Threat, Black Flag, the Misfits, the Germs, and State of Alert.{{cite web |last=Childers |first=Chad |title=XTRMST's Davey Havok Talks Straight Edge Inspiration, Future Plans + More |url=https://loudwire.com/xtrmst-davey-havok-straight-edge-inspiration-future-plans/ |website=Loudwire |date=November 21, 2014 |access-date=8 December 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://archive.org/details/GAT_1998092401/page/16/mode/2up|title=Believe it or not: a punk band from California|date=24 September 1998|work=The Gateway|page=16|access-date=21 April 2023}} AFI have also been influenced by electronic band OMD, whom Havok said "have and will continue to musically and emotionally inspire" him.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/afi_we_wanted_to_do_rock_but_keep_it_interesting.html|title=AFI: 'We Wanted to Do Rock but Keep It Interesting'|last=Rosen|first=Steven|date=28 September 2009|website=Ultimate Guitar|access-date=6 March 2021}}{{cite book|last=Houghton|first=Richard|date=2019|title=OMD: Pretending to See the Future|edition=expanded paperback|publisher=This Day in Music Books|page=455|isbn=978-1-9161156-2-0}}

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, AFI have been "hailed as being responsible for bringing back the big '80s rock chorus."{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/07/1060145794806.html |title=Wreaking Havok |website=Smh.com.au |date=2003-08-08 |access-date=2016-05-06}} The band has received much praise in particular from Alternative Press, which has supported the group since the mid-1990s. The publication rated the band's major-label debut, Sing the Sorrow, as the most anticipated album of 2003, and noted that it "blew the doors off goth-punk as we knew it".{{cite web|url=http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/jerryfinnalbums |title=Alternative Press | Features | The List on AP: 9 classic albums Jerry Finn left his mark with |publisher=Altpress.com |date=2008-10-20 |access-date=2012-03-29}} AFI has also been granted responsibility for paving the way for the rise of the visual element of rock bands in the 2000s; in a December 2006 article, Revolver Magazine wrote that "AFI have increased the importance of a band's visual identity and the flair for the theatrical," adding that "when a group like Panic! at the Disco borrows imagery from a movie such as Moulin Rouge!, you have to consider the precedent AFI set when they borrowed cues from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas."{{cite book|url=http://daveyfan.buzznet.com/user/photos/davey-and-adam/?id=3182616#id=3777383|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712102507/http://daveyfan.buzznet.com/user/photos/davey-and-adam/?id=3182616%23id=3777383|archive-date= July 12, 2012|url-status=dead|author=Revolver Magazine|edition=December 2006|title=Davey Havok has Agreed to Receive the Drag Queen|page=69|date=December 2006}} Shoutmouth.com placed AFI at number 22 on its list of the 25 most influential punk bands, noting that the band "have evolved with each album, showing that a punk band can not only change, but stay true to their sound at the same time. AFI have been on a constant rise through their career, and as such, {{sic|eeked|expected=eked}} out the honors".{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/the_25_most_influential_punk_bands.html |title=The 25 Most Influential Punk Bands | News @ |publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com |date=2007-07-31 |access-date=2012-03-29}} After Sing The Sorrow{{'s}} release, Yorkshire Evening Post described Havok's voice as one of those "you'll love or hate, but one thing can't be denied, this guy has range beyond belief".Jim Seton (March 15, 2003). "Full speed ahead". Yorkshire Evening Post. Recognized by his trademark flair and vocal style, Havok has been recognized as "a bona fide rock god" by Alternative Press.

In 2003, The Pitch described the band's fan club as a "particularly excitable bunch", adding that "there's also the type of sentiments that put the cult back into cult success, such as links to something called 'the Church of Havok'."

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Current

• Davey Havok – lead vocals (1991–present)
• Adam Carson – drums, backing vocals, percussion (1991–present)
• Hunter Burgan – bass, backing vocals, keyboards, programming (1997–present; session member 1997)
• Jade Puget – guitars, backing vocals, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, programming (1998–present, session member 1996–1997)

{{col-3}}

Former

• Mark Stopholese – guitars, backing vocals (1991–1998)
• Vic Chalker – bass (1991–1992)
• Geoff Kresge – bass, backing vocals (1992–1997)

{{col-end}}

Timeline

{{#tag:timeline|

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ScaleMinor = unit:year increment:1 start:1992

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id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals

id:bvocals value:pink legend:Backing_vocals

id:guitar value:green legend:Guitars

id:bass value:blue legend:Bass

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion

id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards,_programming,_piano

id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album

id:other value:gray(0.5) legend:EP/split_album

id:bars value:gray(0.95)

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color:studio

at:07/04/1995

at:06/18/1996

at:11/11/1997

at:05/18/1999

at:09/19/2000

at:03/11/2003

at:06/06/2006

at:09/29/2009

at:10/22/2013

at:01/20/2017

at:11/11/2021

color:other

at:06/11/1993

at:03/31/1995

at:09/29/1998

at:10/05/1999

at:04/30/2001

at:12/02/2002

at:12/07/2018

at:03/03/1993

at:09/01/1995

at:11/01/1995

at:04/27/1999

at:10/01/1999

BarData =

bar:Davey text:"Davey Havok"

bar:Mark text:"Mark Stopholese"

bar:Jade text:"Jade Puget"

bar:Vic text:"Vic Chalker"

bar:Geoff text:"Geoff Kresge"

bar:Hunter text:"Hunter Burgan"

bar:Adam text:"Adam Carson"

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bar:Jade from:11/01/1998 till:end color:guitar

bar:Jade from:11/01/1998 till:01/01/2009 color:keys width:7

bar:Jade from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2018 color:keys width:7

bar:Vic from:start till:04/01/1992 color:bass

bar:Geoff from:04/01/1992 till:05/01/1997 color:bass

bar:Hunter from:11/11/1997 till:end color:bass

bar:Hunter from:11/11/1997 till:01/01/2009 color:keys width:7

bar:Hunter from:01/01/2016 till:01/01/2018 color:keys width:7

bar:Adam from:12/10/1991 till:end color:drums

color:bvocals width:3

bar:Geoff from:04/01/1992 till:05/01/1997

bar:Mark from:01/01/1996 till:11/01/1998

bar:Adam from:01/01/1996 till:end

bar:Jade from:11/01/1998 till:end

bar:Hunter from:11/11/1997 till:end

}}

{{main|AFI discography}}

;Studio albums

• Answer That and Stay Fashionable (1995)
• Very Proud of Ya (1996)
• Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (1997)
• Black Sails in the Sunset (1999)
• The Art of Drowning (2000)
• Sing the Sorrow (2003)
• Decemberunderground (2006)
• Crash Love (2009)
• Burials (2013)
• AFI (2017)
• Bodies (2021)

Footnotes

{{notelist}}

Citations

{{Reflist}}

• AFI by Andi Coulter. J-Card Press. [https://www.jcardpress.com/shop/p/afi IBSN 979-8-9891947-4-2]

{{wikiquote}}

{{Commons and category|AFI (band)}}

• {{Official website|https://www.afireinside.net/}}
• {{Discogs artist}}

{{AFI (band)}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Afi}}

Category:Alternative rock groups from California

Category:Punk rock groups from California

Category:Hardcore punk groups from California

Category:MTV Video Music Award winners

Category:Musical groups established in 1991

Category:Musical quartets from California

Category:Horror punk groups

Category:Interscope Records artists

Category:DreamWorks Records artists

Category:Emo musical groups from California

Category:American gothic rock groups

Category:American post-hardcore musical groups

Category:Nitro Records artists

Category:Adeline Records artists

Category:Rise Records artists

Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines

Category:1991 establishments in California

Category:Skate punk groups

Category:American punk rock groups