AFI is a band that two and a half years ago, I wouldn’t have seen myself listening to. I’d never listened to their music, never even heard of them until I saw Live Freaky! Die Freaky! with the commentary on and Davey’s name was mentioned. Even then, I only assumed AFI was like every other band that I didn’t really care for, but a few months later after being encouraged by some internet buddies to listen to them, I realized I’d assumed wrong.

From the moment I began listening to them I KNEW I needed to see them live. So I bought tickets to their next show – only $20, which is the second to lowest price I’ve paid to see a concert in my life. Not only that, but it was at this tiny venue that only holds five-hundred or so at the most. I’m lucky I even scored the tickets.

I can remember the days leading up to the show pretty vividly. I’d bought tickets for my friend as well, and every day the concert got closer, we got more and more excited to see them. We had no idea what to expect, how good they were going to be live, and how amazing it was going to be to actually be in the pit at a show rather than in seats.

I met up with another friend once we got to the venue after standing out in line for about an hour in the freezing cold, only in t-shirts. He assured me that they were amazing live, so I stuck by him and slowly made my way towards the front just before the show began.

The opening acts that night were Dear and Departed and Sick of It All. The first band was awful – it was almost impossible to get amped with them. But when Sick of It All came onstage, that was when the real fun began. Moshing is one of the single best experiences ever, and Sick of It All really helped to compliment AFI with their energy and ready the crowd for the main event. So when AFI came on stage, the band shrouded by a white curtain so we saw nothing at first but a silhouette, I knew it was going to be epic.

The funny thing about such dedicated fans and pits is that it’s the only time you don’t mind having smelly bodies surrounding you and a sweaty armpit or two in your face. I hardly noticed that when AFI performed, hardly noticed anything at all but the atmosphere and the sheer emotionality Davey expressed through the lyrics, Adam through the pounding of his drums, Hunter through his bass and Jade through his guitar. Each of them were so in tune with the music – even Hunter, who I later found out had the flu – and each other. The moment I remember most vividly is the comraderie between them, the way they joked on stage, particularly Davey and Jade after Davey managed to rip his pants.

After the show, I knew this would be a band that I’d have to follow, and now, they’re one of my favorite bands of all time. I’ve never been so happy to be proved wrong.