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AFI Kicks Off Fiery Tour in Madison 

After nearly 30 years, A Fire Inside (AFI) returned to Madison to kick off their fall 2025 tour at The Sylvee. The band and city were reunited just days ahead of their new album release, set for Oct. 3.

Tuesday night’s show marked their first visit to Madison since the 1990s. It didn’t need to be sold out to feel the anticipatory energy coursing through the venue. As the main floor and balcony filled with eager fans, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie tethering everyone together. It was a trifecta of excitement: the tour opener, an impending album release, and a decades-long hometown return — all converging for one unforgettable night.

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Moody and Compelling

Heading into the photo pit, it was invigorating to be among other creatives gathered for this unique experience. Like the fans in the audience, every photographer behind the lens shared an admiration for the band that was both energizing and inspiring. Eight of us were vying for a spot in the pit, exchanging small smiles while doing our best not to step on toes or block key shots of the onstage action.

That said, the band, especially frontman Davey Havok, made it easy to capture compelling moments.

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As the house lights dimmed, the crowd began chanting, “Through our bleeding, we are one,” fueling an angst-ridden sense of unity throughout the venue. Seconds later, the band emerged, with Havok commanding the stage in what became an incredibly high-energy performance. He was flanked by guitarist Jade Puget and bassist Hunter Burgan, with drummer Adam Carson behind the kit. Though Havok and Carson are the only original members remaining, the chemistry among the lineup made for a powerful and engaging set.

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Havok’s look has evolved dramatically since the Decemberunderground era. Gone are the emo-core hairstyles, eyeliner, and facial piercings. He took the stage with a curly, almost afro-like hairstyle and a handlebar mustache. Though a far cry from the aesthetic my 13-year-old self might have expected, it reflected the band’s evolution, shifting from melodramatic darkness toward a sound laced with 1980s flair.

Off to a Blazing Start

They launched into their set with “Girl’s Not Grey,” “Love Like Winter” and “End Transmission,” immediately captivating the crowd with intense stage presence. The band leaped, moved fluidly across the stage, and maintained relentless energy throughout.

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Early in the first song, I stumbled slightly over a cable in the photo pit — only to realize it was connected to Havok’s microphone. Whatever cable management had been in place was clearly no match for the band’s kinetic performance.

That energy continued through the night. At one point mid-set, Havok misjudged a jump into the photo pit and took a bit of a tumble. From the balcony, I watched as security rushed in, but Havok quickly gave a thumbs-up to the band’s photographer before diving right back into the show. The moment was a perfect example of the wild, chaotic fun they brought to the stage.

A Softer Closeout

AFI returned for a two-song encore, opening with the live debut of a new track titled “The Bird of Prey.” Havok noted that no one had heard it before and that it was the first time they were performing it live. Though fans couldn’t sing along, the moment created a feeling of exclusivity and collective anticipation. The song showcased a newer direction for the band, reinforcing their continued evolution.

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They closed the night with “Silver and Cold,” a fan-favorite from Sing the Sorrow. While the track has its energetic moments, it offered a more restrained ending to an otherwise high-octane set.

As the band took their final bows and exited the stage, I overheard an audience member ask, “Oh, so no ‘Miss Murder’?” I wondered the same thing. Given that it remains their most-played song on streaming platforms (and was further cemented in pop culture via Guitar Hero), I half-expected it to appear on the set list.

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That said, I didn’t feel let down by its absence. After years of being defined by that one track, it makes sense that AFI would choose to spotlight other aspects of their catalog. Judging by the crowd’s response, plenty of longtime fans didn’t mind either.

Setting the Stage With TR/ST

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Opening act TR/ST set the tone for the evening. The darkwave project, led by frontman Robert Alfons and joined by drummer Lia Braswell on tour, delivered a moody, confessional sound that reminded me a lot of The xx. Their set was an atmospheric start to the night, and definitely worth arriving early for.

See the Full Gallery of the Night Here!

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If you captured any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see. 

https://afireinside.net/

https://trstonline.net/

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AFI Setlist The Sylvee, Madison, WI, USA 2025, 2025 Fall Tour
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