AFI Biography

AFI, an American rock band originally formed in Ukiah, California, in 1991, has evolved through multiple genres, starting with hardcore punk and transitioning to styles such as horror punk, post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock. The founding lineup included Vic Chalker, Mark Stopholese, and lead vocalist Davey Havok, who met while in high school. Chalker departed early, and Geoff Kresge joined the band as they began their musical journey under the name A Fire Inside.

After a brief hiatus, the band reunited in 1993 for a performance at the Phoenix Theater in California. This led to a recommitment to their music career, culminating in the release of their debut album, Answer That and Stay Fashionable, in 1995. The album achieved moderate success, producing singles such as “I Wanna Get a Mohawk (But Mom Won’t Let Me Get One),” “Cereal Wars,” and “Nyquil.” Their humor-infused lyrics and unconventional themes quickly garnered them an underground following, paving the way for a contract with Nitro Records.

In the years that followed, AFI released a series of albums: Very Proud of Ya (1996), Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes (1997), and Black Sails in the Sunset (1999). While these albums enjoyed moderate success, it was the 2000 release of The Art of Drowning that marked a significant breakthrough for the band. This was further solidified by their sixth album, Sing the Sorrow (2003), which peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for an impressive 51 weeks. Featuring popular singles like “Girl's Not Grey” and “Silver and Cold,” the album was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 2006, becoming AFI's best-selling release.

With continued success, AFI released Decemberunderground in 2006, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "Miss Murder," known for its placements in various media, including the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Their subsequent albums—Crash Love (2009), Burials (2013), and AFI (2017)—sustained their momentum, each charting well on the Billboard 200.

As of now, the current lineup includes Davey Havok, drummer Adam Carson, bassist Hunter Burgan, and guitarist Jade Puget, with Havok and Carson being the sole original members. AFI has released eleven studio albums, ten EPs, one live album, and one DVD to date. Their most recent album, Bodies, was released on June 11, 2021, reflecting the band’s ongoing evolution and commitment to their artistry.

Overall, AFI has made a significant impact on the alternative and punk-rock scenes, known for their dynamic sound and thematic depth, and they continue to engage with a dedicated fan base through their music and live performances.