AFI

From Musician Dictionary

Contents: Top - 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Originally from Ukiah, California. Currently features Davey Havok on vocals, Jade Puget on guitar, Hunter Burgan on bass, and Adam Carson on drums.

A

Adam Carson

Drummer for AFI, from the band's formation to the present.

Advances in Modern Technology

Originally released on the now out of print AFI/Heckle split 7-inch. Later re-recorded and released on Very Proud of Ya.

Affliction

Track 7 on Decemberunderground. Some think the last two minutes which is titled "...And Then I'll Be Home" holds the key to something they've yet to figure out in the "Charlotte" mystery.

Answer That and Stay Fashionable

AFI's first ever studio album, released on Wingnut Records in 1995. Later re-released on Nitro in 1997.

Art

Illustrated character drawn by Alan Forbes. Originally created for the album artwork for Art Of The Drowning, he is the purple figure shown on the third page of the lyric booklet.

Art of Drowning, The

AFI's 5th full length studio album. Released on Nitro records on September 26, 2000.

Articia

Illustrated character drawn by Alan Forbes. Originally created for the album artwork for Art Of The Drowning, she is the counterpart of the "Art" character. Though Articia does not actually appear in the album art, she was often used on merchandise. A plush doll and vinyl figurine of her can be bought in AFI's online store.

A Single Second

"Memories dull my senses" is sung by Nick 13 (currently of Tiger Army). He often comes out and sings these parts at California AFI shows and is fond of giving members of the crowd his patented "crazy-eye" while doing so.

Aspirin Free

Originally released on the now out of print AFI/Heckle split 7-inch. Later released on Very Proud of Ya.

A Story at Three

Track 8 on The Art of Drowning. A lot of people think it's Jade singing the bridge after Davey yells "Requiem", but it's simply two different tracks of Davey put together.

At A Glance

Track 11 on Black Sails in the Sunset. Also released on the AP (Alternative Press) EP. Another Black Sails EP that was given with a certain issue of AP. If you want to practice your "Whoa" s, listen to the end of this song.

A Winter's Tale

Art of Drowning era b-side, featured on the 2001 Warped Tour Compilation on SideOneDummy. Also released on The Days of the Phoenix EP and the Punkzilla compilation.

D

Dancing Through Sunday

Jade was just jamming on that solo in the studio while recording Sing the Sorrow and Butch Vig thought it would sound totally bitchin' in the song, so they gave it a shot.

Davey Havok

Lead singer of AFI, from the band's formation to the present.

Days of the Phoenix

Thought to be about the band's "old days" at the Phoenix theater in Petaluma, CA. The video was shot at 14 Below in Santa Monica, CA in January 2001. The band invited fans to be a part of the video through the website. Song is also on The Days of the Phoenix EP.

Days of the Phoenix EP

Extremely rare CD only released in the UK. Features the b-side "A Winter's Tale".

Death of Seasons

Track 7 on Sing the Sorrow. Widely considered one of the band's most intense live songs.

Decemberunderground

AFI's 7th full length studio album. Released on Interscope Records on June 6th, 2006.

Demonomania

Misfits cover released on the A Fire Inside EP (1998)

The Despair Faction

-The Official AFI Fan Club, though the term "fan club" is often resisted, even by the band, as the group was intended to be a strong link between the band and big fans, not just a merchandise pack and a membership card.

-Opened in 2002.

-Even the name of the club was determined by a fan contest. The winner recieved the first DF membership.

-Some perks/contests over the years have included exclusively priced pre-sale tickets to shows, the opportunity to watch sound checks, meet-n-greets, a wreath made of the trees in the Girl's Not Grey video, an opportunity to sing backing vocals on Decemberunderground and hang out with the band, the opportunity to be featured in an AFI video project, exclusive merch, exclusive forums on the message board, pre-release access to track listings, artwork, and songs, etc.

-The DF considers itself (and truly functions, for better and worse) as it's own community.

-Though sometimes reffered to in the press as the name for all AFI fans, the DF was originally established to reward the beyond-everyday fan.

-Has seen three merch packages:

The devil-faced first package

The rabbit, STS themed package

The newest, owl/key package

Despair Factor, The

Famous for the Beetlejuice quote "My whole life is a dark room. One... big... dark... room."

Devil Loves You, The

Track 13 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

[DF]

Abbreviation DFers (and some non-DFers) use to identify themselves to each other on myspace. Upon finding out, Davey remarked it as "neat."

Dictionary, The AFI Dictionary

A dictionary of terms used in AFI's songs. Originally created on the Despair Faction Message Board.

Don't Change

Decemberunderground B-side featured on the promo Miss Murder single that got sent out as a value add at different times from different places. INXS cover.

Don't Make Me Ill

Track 13 on Answer That and Stay Fashionable. Also, the first AFI song that Davey Havok heard on the radio.

Dream of Waking

Bonus track available on the vinyl version of The Art of Drowning. Also available on the punkzilla compilation.

E

Eddie Picnic's All Wet

Early 7-inch released in 1994. Rare.

ENDGUITAR

A short and sweet guitar solo that was originally intended to go at the end of Endlessly, She Said, but was cut from the song. Jade posted it on his blog long before the album came out, and many "OMG is AFI lyke a country band r sumthin now?" threads on the message board were had.

Endlessly, She Said

Often referred to as one of the bands' favorite songs on DU.

Endlessly, She Said (Acoustic)

Performed for AOL Sessions Undercover.

Ever and a Day

Track 4 on The Art of Drowning. Nick 13 of Tiger Army gave Davey company on stage at the 2004 San Diego Street Scene show and sang the choruses with him.

Exsanguination

Track 3 on Black Sails in the Sunset.

F

Fall Children

Has been used to open shows along side Strength Through Wounding. Also the name AFI fans as a whole have adopted.

Fallen Like the Sky

DU-era B-side, originally only available from exclusive Target download, but later released on the Decemberunderground 7" boxset and on several Love Like Winter singles.

File 13

One of Hunter's favorite older AFI songs. Currently the oldest AFI song played at recent shows.

Fishbowl

Track 11 on Very Proud of Ya.

"Fog"

Instrumental track that was on the pre-Decemberunderground site.

Fritch

The Man Behind the Merch. aka The Merchandise Man. He handles the sales of AFI related clothing that goes on at shows. He is sweet and awesome, although he sometimes gives off a "grumpy" impression. He also plays a huge part in running the Despair Faction.

G

Geoff Kresge

The band's second bassist, who played on all recordings from Dork up to Very Proud of Ya. Has also played in Tiger Army.

Girl's not Grey

First single and track 6 off of Sing the Sorrow. Released on two singles and numerous radio promos. The song is often considered the first to bring AFI into the mainstream, especially with the help of its colorful and bizarre music video.

God Called in Sick Today

Track 12 of Black Sails in the Sunset, widely considered the ultimate AFI song.

The song where Davey climbs on the crowd for his now famous crowd-walk for the last chorus of the song. Yes, he will do it at your upcoming show. Note, if you try to grab his jewels, expect a mic to the face.

Was, for a short time, re-titled as God Called in Smith Today, a reference to tour manager Smith Puget, on the Death of Winter tour setlists.

Song title appears on a highly sought-after (and often bootlegged) t-shirt.

Great Disappointment, The

Track 8 on Sing the Sorrow. Has never been played live.

Great Disappointment, The (Demo)

Released on The Leaving Song Pt. II single.

H

Hunter Burgan

Current bassist of AFI.

I

I Heard A Voice

AFI's first ever live DVD, which was filmed at the September 15, 2006 show at the Long Beach Arena, on the Septemberunderground tour. It was the band's largest headlining show to date. Nick 13 of Tiger Army is also featured on the DVD singing his part on A Single Second, a track off of Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Initiation

The 39 second intro to The Art of Drowning.

Interview, The

Track 5 on Decemberunderground. Has yet to be performed live. The organ outro is also part of the Love Like Winter Long Form video that was released on Launch in November 2006.

I Wanna Mohawk (But Mom Won't Let Me Get One)

Originally released on the now out of print Eddie Picnic's All Wet 7-inch. Re-released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

J

Jack the Ripper

Decemberunderground B-side. Released on iTunes when you pre-ordered the album. Then released on the Love Like Winter single. Morrissey cover.

Jade Puget

Guitarist for AFI. Also a part-time Ninja. (Or full-time, it is not yet known.)

Jeffree Star

Friend of Davey's. Singer and musician. www.myspace.com/jeffreestar

Just Like Heaven

First performed on the MTV iCon show for The Cure, in front of The Cure. Features Marta, of Bleeding Through on the keyboard. 20 or so DF members were invited to attend the lovely taping in the UK in September 2004. The Cure cover.

K

Keeping Out of Direct Sunlight (an introduction)

Intro to Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. Old opener for shows.

Key Lime Pie

Vinyl only track for Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

Kill Caustic

First performed in Ventura CA at AFI's first show in almost 2 years. The first word of mouth of this song was when 15 or so lucky DF members got to go into the studio with the band and do backing vocals and stomping and clapping on the album. They were all played this track. They also heard Miss Murder, which was the track they did vocals on.

Killing Lights, The

Track 10 on Decemberunderground. Has only been played twice on the Summer Shudder tour.

Kiss and Control

Track 9 on Decemberunderground. Has yet to be played live.

Kung-Fu Devil

Track 10 on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

L

Last Caress

Vinyl only track on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. Misfits cover.

Last Kiss, The

Last time played was on the Summer Shudder tour, in Las Vegas at the House of Blues. 2nd night. Lucky if you hear this track live.

Leaving Song, The

Track 11 on Sing the Sorrow. Played once on a Canadian music television show, in front of a live audience. Also performed live at the start of their latest tour, January 1st, 2007 Petersburg, FL.

Leaving Song, The (Demo)

Released on The Leaving Song Pt II single.

Leaving Song Pt. II, The

Second single off of Sing the Sorrow. Usually the 3rd song played at shows now.

Let It Be Broke

Track 5 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Lost Souls, The

Track 2 on The Art of Drowning. When played live, Davey used to front flip straight into the crowd right before he needed to start singing.

Love Is a Many Splendored Thing

Originally released on the now out of print Eddie Picnics All Wet 7-inch. Re-released on the now out of print This Is Berkeley Not West Bay compilation 7' inch. Re-released as a vinyl only track on Very Proud of Ya.

Love Like Winter

The second single off of Decemberunderground. Usually the last song at shows before the encore. They often drop white confetti to imitate snow on the last half of the song.

Lower It

Vinyl only track on Black Sails in the Sunset.

Lower Your Head and Take It In the Body

Track 7 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

M

Malleus Maleficarum

Last time this song was played live was at the (infamous) San Diego Street Scene in August of 2004. Also released on the Black Sails EP. First song Jade wrote with the band.

Man in a Suitcase

On the original release of Answer That and Stay Fashionable as a bonus track. The Police cover.

Midnight Sun

Secret track on Black Sails in the Sunset.

Mini Trucks Suck

An early song that never made it onto any EPs or albums, and was released on the official website. This song was said to be played in the band-mate's high-school, in the area called The Tri.

Miseria Cantare-The Beginning

Intro track to Sing the Sorrow. Intro to all the Sing the Sorrow tours and the Five Flowers tour. Once Decemberunderground was released it was only played on the second night at venues they were playing two nights in a row. A live version was released on the Hard Rock Live promo CD.

The Missing Frame

Song off Decemberunderground and a possibilty for the album's third single.

Miss Murder

First single off of Decemberunderground. Usually the last song played at shows now.

The "HEY!"'s are sung by the band and the Despair Faction members listed in the liner notes.

Miss Murder UK Radio Edit

Has a different bridge than the album version. Was released to pansy radio stations who felt the screaming was not "radio-friendly".

Miss Murder VNV Nation Remix

Remix of Miss Murder done by Ronan Harris of VNV Nation, who also helped out on Decemberunderground. A Love Like Winter remix was also said to be in the works, but it has yet to appear.

Mikey Rhino

Former sound and light guy. Parted ways on good terms after a long tenure with the band around summer 2006. Has been spotted hanging out at an AFI show or two since.

Modern Epic

Track 20 on Very Proud of Ya.

Monster, The

A strange phenomenon that affects lead vocalist Davey Havok. It's in his neck. And it hurts.

Morningstar

Interchanges on the setlist at shows with This Time Imperfect.

Mother in Me, The

Track 8 on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

MTV Awards

1. In 2003 AFI won the MTV Video Music Award for the "Girl's Not Grey" music video.

2. In 2006 AFI won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video "Miss Murder", beating out bands such as Panic! At The Disco, 30 Seconds To Mars, Green Day, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers.

3. In 2006 AFI was nominated for the MTV Video Music Award Latin America - Best International Rock Band.

My Michelle

Guns N Roses cover for compilation CD Punk Goes Metal.

N

Narrative of Soul Against Soul

Track 5 on Black Sails in the Sunset. Some look at it as a anti-suicide anthem, and it has helped fans overcome their problems in the past.

Nephilim, The

Track 3 on The Art of Drowning. Also the name tied to the "bat" on the Art of Drowning CD label. This same bat is found on some Art of Drowning era merchandise, and is a popular tattoo design among AFI fans.

New Patron Saints and Angels, The

Track 9 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

No Poetic Device

Track number 8 on Black Sails in the Sunset. Rarely played live nowadays. The last time it was played was on the most recent Love Like Winter tour, at Davis and the first Mexico date, on March 1st and April 19th, 2007, respectively.

No Reason

Minor Threat cover. Only performed live.

Now the World

It was originally released on The Despair Faction website along with Reivers Music as a treat for the members of the fan club. It was then released not long after on the "336" picture disc also with Reivers Music on the reverse side. Once the band went into the studio to record Sing the Sorrow they took the song and recorded it again, releasing it on the UK version of Sing the Sorrow as an extra track, and the red Girls not Grey 7-inch that was given away at numerous pre-sales and gatherings for the Sing the Sorrow release. The song was first played January 23, 2003 at the Anaheim House of Blues on the Death of Seasons tour before the release of Sing the Sorrow. Rumor has it that it was played once more in the UK. This fact is held over the heads of those who could not obtain tickets to said show to this day.

Ny-Quil

Originally released on the now out of print Dork EP 7-inch. Re-released on the now out of print Eddie Picnics All Wet 7-inch. Re-released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

O

Of Greeting and Goodbyes

Track 6 on The Art of Drowning. Yet to be played live.

On The Arrow

A Decemberunderground B-side. Available when you purchase Decemberunderground off of iTunes. Later released on one of the Love Like Winter singles.

Open Your Eyes

Originally released on the now out of print Fly in the Ointment 7' inch. Re-released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable. Circus Tents cover.

Overexposure

Track 2 on the A Fire Inside EP.

P

Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings)

Track 9 on Sing the Sorrow. Never played live.

Paper Airplanes (Makeshift Wings) (Demo)

Released on The Leaving Song Pt. II single.

Perfect Fit

Track 5 on Very Proud of Ya.

pH Low

Track 4 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda

Track 2 on Black Sails in the Sunset. Also released on the Black Sails EP. Title comes from a skin disease that is a harsh reaction to sunlight.

Prayer Position, The

Track 7 on Black Sails in the Sunset. Rarely ever played live. Also released on the Black Sails EP.

Prelude 12/21

Intro track to Decemberunderground. Intro song that replaced Miseria Cantare (The Beginning) at live shows.

Q

R

Rabbits Are Roadkill On Rt. 37

Sing the Sorrow B-side. Later released as it's own single and on MySpace Records Volume 1. A mention of "rabbits are roadkill" can be found in the Sing the Sorrow CD booklet. Later released as a bonus track along side Head Like a Hole on the UK and Japan release of Decemberunderground.

Red Hat

Released on the now out of print Dork EP 7' inch.

Reivers Music

Originally release to The Despair Faction in late 02 as a treat for being so loyal to the group. Later released on the "336" picture disc and the Girls not Grey single. When it is pronounced, the title sounds like "Reverse Music", and many have been trying to reverse the song. It is said by some fans that the song sounds as good backwards as it does forwards.

Rejected

Rancid cover. Only performed live.

Rio

Performed acoustically (and partially) on BBC's The Lockup Radio show sometime around late 2003. Duran Duran cover.

Rizzo in the Box

Originally released on the now out of print Behind the Times EP 7-inch. Re-released on the now out of print Eddie Picnics All Wet 7-inch. Re-released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

R.J.

AFI's guitar tech.

Rolling Balls

Originally released on the now out of print Behind the Times EP 7-inch. Re-released as a vinyl only track on the Very Proud of Ya. Re-released on the AFI CD.

S

Sacrifice Theory

Used to be played directly after Strength Through Wounding at older shows. Rarely played live now.

Salt For Your Wounds

Track 11 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Self Pity

Originally released on the Dork EP 7-inch. Re-released as a vinyl only track on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

Seven Nation Army

Covered at a radio show in Glendale AZ in Nov 06. The White Stripes cover.

Shatty Fatmas

Track 17 on Very Proud of Ya.

Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes

AFI's third studio album released on Nitro Records on November 11, 1997.

shyboyswin.blogspot.com

Jade's blog. Has featured everything from AFI updates to "If I messaged you on myspace, it's not me" disclaimers to Blaqk Audio updates to videos of Smith flipping off babies.

Silver and Cold

Third single off of Sing the Sorrow. Live version released on the Hard Rock Live promo CD.

Sing the Sorrow

AFI's first album to be released on a major record label. It's their 6th full length studio album. Released on Dreamworks Records on March 11th, 2003.

Ska

"Do you know what it is?" (Hint: It's not Answer That & Stay Fashionable.)

Smile

Another one of AFI's shorter tracks, off Art of the Drowning.

Smith Puget

Creator of "El Diablo" (vodka and red bull), which "makes you act a-fool, son!" Also brother of guitarist Jade and Tour Manager for AFI. Often featured in videos on Jade's blog.

Soap Box Derby

Track 9 on Very Proud of Ya.

Song 2

Blur cover performed at midnight(ish) 1st Jan 07 at the MTV Goes Gold New Years Celebration. Has been played at live shows several times since.

Strength Through Wounding

Intro track to Black Sails in the Sunset. Original opener at shows until Sing the Sorrow was released. Kids still chant "Through our bleeding, we are one!" at the shows.

Summer Shudder

Usually played at current shows. Performed at Video Game Awards.

Synesthesia

Released on the UK version of Sing the Sorrow as a extra track.

Synesthesia (Demo)

Released on The Leaving Song Pt. II Australian single.

T

Take the Test

Track 15 on Very Proud of Ya.

Tegan and Sara

Hunter plays bass on their 5th full length, to be released Summer 2007.

The Boy Who Destroyed the World

Originally from All Hallow's EP, most recently played at the 3/3/07 show in San Bernadino, California.

Theory of Revolution

Originally released on the now out of print Fly in the Ointment 7' inch. Re-released on Very Proud of Ya.

Third Season

Track 6 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes. The only video for any track on that album.

This Celluloid Dream

Only been played a handful of times on the Sing the Sorrow tour.

This Celluloid Dream (Demo)

Released on The Leaving Song Pt. II Aus single.

This Secret Ninja

One of the better know Very Proud of Ya songs. Last played in AZ in April of 06.

Three Reasons

Track 2 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Three Second Notice

Track 10 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Tiger Army

AFI and TA have significant ties, most of them stemming from growing up in the same music scene, and are good friends.

Jade and Nick were in Influence 13 together.

Adam played drums on the original Temptations EP and on the Self Titled album. Then the later released Early Years EP features the original 3 tracks from the Temptations EP and a unreleased Misfits cover, American Nightmare, and early versions of F.T.W and Nocturnal. All of which Adam played on as well.

Geoff (former TA bassist) was the second AFI bassist.

AFI (and specifically Davey) have done backing vocals on many a TA album.

Davey has performed "Incorporeal" with TA at the Hollywood House of Blues at their first record release show for Ghost Tigers Rise.

Nick 13 has often lent his voice to AFI albums.

Nick 13 often performs A Single Second with AFI.

Today's Lesson

Filth Cover.

Totalimmortal

The only video off of the All Hallows EP. Played on the Septemberunderground tour, usually before Love Like Winter.

tranquilmammoth.blogspot.com

Hunter's blog- has a wide array of articles from ANALYZE THIS to video blogs.

Triple Zero

Track 14 on Shut Your Mouth and Open Your Eyes.

Two of a Kind

Originally released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable. Re-released on Very Proud of Ya.

U

Under the Rose

A magazine AFI puts out usually before a record release. Despair Faction members are the only ones who can receive the magazine. It contains interviews, lyrics, and a lot of other stuff that the band has done. There has been two issues. The last one was put out a few months before Decemberunderground came out.

V

Values Here

Released on the Bombing the Bay AFI/Swingin' Utters split 7-inch. Dag Nasty cover.

Very Proud of Ya

AFI's second studio album released on Nitro Records in 1996.

W

Wake-up Call

Track 3 on Very Proud of Ya.

Weathered Tome

Track 10 on Black Sails in the Sunset.

Wester

Track 11 on The Art of Drowning. The song everyone wants to hear live. Also released on The Days of the Phoenix EP.

Who Knew?

Released on the Black Sails EP.

Who Said You Could Touch Me?

Originally released on the now out of print Behind the Times EP 7' inch. Re-released on the now out of print Eddie Picnics All Wet 7' inch. Re-released as a vinyl only track on Very Proud of Ya.

Woodie Awards

AFI won the 2006 Woodie award for Woodie Alumni.

X

Y

Your Name Here

Track 11 on Answer That and Stay Fashionable.

Yürf Rendenmein

Originally released on Answer That and Stay Fashionable. Re-released on Very Proud of Ya. When pronounced, some believe the title is "Your Friend And Mine".

Z

Ziggy Stardust (Acoustic)

Performed for AOL Sessions Undercover. David Bowie cover. Also recently played at the 3/3/7 show in San Bernardino, California and on the April UK tour.

Contents: Top - 9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z