On October 3, legendary rockers AFI released their twelfth studio album, Silver Bleeds the Black Sun… It’s an album that shows why they’re still going strong after three decades, as it flaunts AFI’s ability to evolve while still catering to their fans. The darkness, the drama, the whimsy—it’s all there, and it’s also all on AFI’s current fall tour, where they are performing these songs live, along with some of the classics.
The night started off with electronic act TR/ST. With a synth-driven sound that featured haunting vocals and rhythmic melodies, TR/ST created a moody yet engaging atmosphere. Fans were treated to old and new favorites like “Sulk,” “Shoom,” and “Bicep,” so whether they have been with TR/ST since the beginning or are new to the party, they were able to get a taste of the different eras. And although vocalist Robert Alfons was obscured mostly by shadows, he still owned the stage and got everyone moving. Such minimal lighting meant more attention to the music and vocals, and at the end of the day, these are the elements of a concert that matter most.
To the rousing chant of “Through our bleeding, we are one,” AFI made their way to the stage. As the members came out one by one, the chanting got louder and the energy in the room became more powerful. Everyone was so united in this moment, and it was one of those experiences that make live shows so worthwhile. Frontman Davey Havok was as flamboyant and as ready as ever, working the stage and the crowd with every fiber in his being. Whether he was spinning the mic stand over his head, running from one side of the stage to the other, or hitting a pose, he was putting on a show and making every moment count. New tracks from Silver Bleeds the Black Sun…, like “Holy Visions,” “Behind the Clock,” and “Marguerite,” seamlessly meshed with old favorites like “Love Like Winter,” “I Hope You Suffer,” “The Days of the Phoenix,” and “The Killing Lights.”
It felt as if the set had just started when, before we knew it, AFI reached their final song of the night, “Silver and Cold.” It was such a bittersweet moment, as nobody wanted this good thing in their life to come to an end. Still, there was nothing left for fans to do but to sing the final notes, accept Davey’s air kisses, wave one final goodbye to the band, and shuffle out of the venue and into the night.
While this Tampa date on the tour is a wrap, the memories and music will continue to inspire and live on until AFI make their eventual return in the future.
AFI
TR/ST
Photos + Review by Christine Sloman | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!