It all started in about May of 2006, and I remember it really well. I was 12 years old, and watching Much Music, and there was a band being interviewed. I had no idea who they were but I kept watching it, and then their new music video premiered.

I remember loving the song, but not knowing whom the band was, or what the song was. Later, I searched for the song name (and eventually found it). Although I knew that one song, I sang Miss Murder for the longest time.

The month later, in the first week of June, we had a class trip to Ottawa. At that time, I was till crazy over AFI (yes, I still only knew one song). One day on the trip, we had a chance to eat at the mall for a quick lunch. They told us we had about 20 minutes, and to just get something fast. Well, I did that… My roommates and me swallowed our lunches whole (thank you guys!) so I could run to the nearest HMV to buy Decemberunderground. I ran like crazy in that mall just so I would be sure I would get that CD before we had to leave.

I bought Decemberunderground, and listened to it non stop all summer. If you would’ve asked me then anything about AFI not relating to DU or the name’s of the guys, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you. But hey, that was 2 and half years ago.

So I literally went backwards with their albums. I bought STS the winter that year, and now I have two more albums left in order to complete my collection (VPOA, SYMAOYE are hard to find here).

At this point in my life, I don’t know what I would do with out AFI. And everyone says that about his or her favourite band, but it’s true. I look to them for inspiration every single day, and those times when it feels as if all odds are against you, I listen (or think about) AFI.

When they announced they were recording the new album, I went absolutely crazy! Thousands of thoughts rushed through my head. But the one thing I am anticipating the most is a tour. I’ve only been able to watch recording of AFI concerts, but the reality of me possibly seeing them live in the next year thrills me. I sang along to IHAV in my room, but to be able to sing along with Davey in person would be hands down the greatest moment of my life. I don’t want to jinx anything (I probably have already), but I cannot wait. I will do anything for those tickets. Anything.

So I’ve only been an AFI fan for 2 and half years, don’t know the lyrics to the first song they recorded, and I definitely don’t have any killer tattoos yet. But I’m only 14, and am just glad to be a part of this fan base. I know it sounds cheesy, but even though we are from all over the world and large variety of ages, we are still able to come together for the one thing we all have in common: an immense love for AFI.

I have AFI to thank for so much, and I have only the upmost respect for them.