AFI performs at 9:30 Club on Nov. 7, 2022. (Photo by Rashad Polk)

Touring in support of their latest album, Bodies, East Bay punk legends AFI recently gifted the DC area two consecutive sold-out shows at the 9:30 Club.

From the time openers Drab Majesty took the stage on Nov. 7, the first of the two shows, there was an almost tangible vibrance in the room that could be physically felt within the walls of the club. As the crowd continued to swell, the energy followed suit.

By the time “O Fortuna” blared through the house speakers and AFI took to the stage they wasted little time launching into their first song of the night, “Strength Through Wounding.” Like a pressure relief valve personified, frontman Davey Havok led the enthusiastic mass through the song’s chant — “through our bleeding, we are one!”

From there the band pumped out a set of material culled from 10 different releases. Despite the setlist containing songs from various stages of their career, nothing seemed out of place.

Each performance was uplifting and anthemic. “I Hope You Suffer” was particularly uplifting in that without missing a note, Davey Havok was able to continue singing from the stage to the venue floor, and then into the audience from atop the outstretched hands of the Despair Faction where fans doubled as a makeshift stage.

Once Havok was carefully returned to the stage he took the time to pay tribute to Mimi Parker of the band Low, who had recently passed away, by expressing a few kind words and dedicating the next song, “Tied to a Tree,” to her memory.

Watch AFI’s music video for “Tied to a Tree” from the album Bodies on YouTube.

With relentless energy, drummer Adam Carson kicked off “The Days of the Phoenix” with an extended drum intro featuring meticulous tom work. It wasn’t just Carson who still had gas in the tank. If not for Hunter Burgan’s massive bass tone, his instrument could have appeared to be a mere prop as his playing was not affected in any way by his acrobatics of running all over the stage and jumping off of anything in his way — monitors, drum riser, etc.

Not to be outdone, guitarist Jade Puget made sure his presence was felt over nearly every inch of the stage while spinning not only himself, but his instrument as well. Theatrics aside, he managed to never miss a note, and according to lore has never broken a guitar string onstage.

In spite of AFI’s fiery sets, Puget’s streak continues.

Check out more photos of The AFI performing at 9:30 Club in DC on Nov. 7, 2022. All photos copyright and courtesy of Rashad Polk.