AFI (A Fire Inside) light up The Brooklyn Paramount with a full packed of New Yorkers.

On October 15, AFI is set to ignite Brooklyn Paramount. Reflecting on my high school days, I remember being a skinny kid—far from one of the “cool kids.” I was among those quiet students who found solace in music and my guitar, with few genuine friends in my life. My home environment didn't offer much comfort either. Music has always served as a profound escape for me. I would spend countless hours wandering the streets at night with my headphones on, or simply enjoying music in my room. When I chose to skip classes, you'd typically find me at a park, my Sony Walkman in hand, cranking up the volume through my earphones.

One afternoon, while looking at the latest album releases, I stumbled upon a record titled “Answer That and Stay Fashionable.” It was 1995 when AFI (A Fire Inside) launched this album. Their sound was unfamiliar to me, as I was more inclined toward heavier bands like Megadeth, Slayer, Testament and etc. Nevertheless, their music quickly became a daily staple for me. While I wouldn’t label myself a devoted fan of AFI, they were undeniably one of the bands that helped alleviate my feelings of isolation. For years, I listened to their music, hunting down every album and single I could find and purchasing each one.

Regrettably, I lost touch with their music over the past two decades and was unaware that they were still active. So, when I discovered they were scheduled to perform in New York City, I was overjoyed! Finally, AFI was coming to my city, and I was determined to be there.

30 minutes after the opener stepped out on the stage, the energy in the venue went crazy, filled with the unmistakable enthusiasm of dedicated AFI fans, reflecting my own fervor for the band. Long before the musicians took the stage, the crowd ignited with chants, heightening the anticipation. After about twenty minutes, drummer Adam Carson made his way to the kit, soon followed by guitarist Jade Puget, bassist Hunter Burgan, and finally, the magnetic frontman Davey Havok.

When Davey stepped onto the stage, it was a breathtaking moment—he dashed across, leaped onto the center riser, and raised his arms in triumph as the band kicked off one of their iconic songs, “Girls Not Grey.” From the very first note, the audience was entirely absorbed in the music. It is rare to witness a band capable of generating the kind of energy that AFI exudes.

Davey Havok's presence on stage is captivating; his performance is not only exhilarating but also dramatic, evocative, and electrifying. The band possesses a remarkable ability to transcend the boundaries of time and space. Standing on the venue's floor, you are transported to a dark, otherworldly paradise crafted by Havok, where themes of dichotomy and dualism guide you through the swirling emotions his lyrics evoke. Each person embarks on a unique journey shaped by Davey's enigmatic words, which explains AFI's appeal to such a diverse range of fans. The atmosphere in the venue that evening was charged with intense emotion. As I surveyed the audience, I noticed many individuals with tears streaming down their faces. It was a remarkable scene, filled with enthusiastic mosh pits and crowd surfing that continued until the band concluded their performance.

They are undoubtedly an exceptional live band. If you haven't had the opportunity to see them perform, I highly recommend attending one of their shows. This was my first experience witnessing them live, and I was truly impressed by Davey Havok; his energy was remarkably contagious.

SETLIST

• Miseria Cantare – The Beginning 
• Girl's Not Grey 
• Love Like Winter 
• Holy Visions 
• The Lost Souls 
• Veronica Sawyer Smokes 
• Behind the Clock 
• Dancing Through Sunday 
• Begging for Trouble 
• File 13 
• I Hope You Suffer 
• The Bird of Prey 
• A Single Second 
• Beautiful Thieves 
• Nooneunderground 
• The Days of the Phoenix 
• Silver and Cold 
• Totalimmortal