Concert Review: The 15th Annual 89X Birthday Bash, featuring Yeah Yeah Yeahs, AFI, et. al. - Page 7

(Karen rocks and motherfucking rolls)

And while the day could have just ended for me after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs show, Laura had other ideas as she demanded we stay for AFI's set...

(Quick, spot the phallic symbol! AFI's Jade Puget reenacts Triumph of the Will)

Evening set in as AFI invaded the outdoor stage. I'd heard they were great live, but Davey Havok, Jade Puget, Hunter Burgan and Adam Carson blew any sort of expectations I had out of the water. AFI was nothing short of amazing. The energy Havok brought to the stage was staggering as he erupted into a vocal rampage that was felt by the entire audience - who, in turn, began crowd surfing (which is never a good thing when half of the show-goers are 14-year-old girls in tube tops). Havok was all over the place, pouncing on the raised drummer's pad more than once and emitting his intensity to the furthest brim of the stage on either side. Although the performance was exciting and energetic, it wasn't overdone or immature in any way. Havok's voice was distinct, unhindered and resonant, and the band's chemistry was wonderful. Havok's tightly-clothed body, by the way: also flawless.

(Laura's Adonis in eyeliner: Davey Havok)

Personally, I had never been too interested in AFI. I heard many an awed review from friends I had in high school, but I hadn't really believed them. But then there was a moment, even before AFI's set began, as I stood in the photo-pit cleaning my lens and leaning against the stage, that I realized I was in for an adventure. The crowd was so excited and built-up that I could feel their body heat pressing against my body, as if it were an electrical shock. And then they took the stage. I'm not going to pretend that I will ever buy an AFI album or wear one of their shirts. But there's no way I can lie and say that AFI are not an amazing live band. Davey Havok became a whirlwind of black hair, black clothes, and pulsating voice. It was more the equivalent of seeing a caged tiger begin to sing than any man. There are some performers who transcend the boundaries of personal preference and genre, forcing you to acknowledge their talent, and Davey Havok is one of them.

Article Author: Modern Pea Pod

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