AFI – Touché Amoré – and Coming – at The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

Even though the AFI show would not begin until 8pm; the line to enter the Fonda was stretched around the block. The anticipation in the air was practically tangible and felt as if the ensuing show would be momentous even among past AFI shows.

As with all live shows, this show was only made possible with plenty of fan support. So, naturally any chance Big Wheel Magazine gets to talk to fans about the bands they are into is a moment worth sharing. Tyler a fan of Big Wheel and a long-time fan of AFI had this to share: “I’m here to see one of my favorite bands. I’ve been listening to [AFI] since the late 90s, and growing up as a skater in Southern California allowed me to channel the aggression in their music into my skating. To me, they will always be a band that I can listen to as a way of channeling any anger I’m feeling into something productive. I think that everyone needs an outlet for their own aggression and for me AFI is my theme music to my outlet: skating.”

As poignant of a point that Tyler made, it would be remise not to touch on what Tyler’s friend (John) had to say “I’m here to see Touché Amoré. I went to High School with Elliot Babin (the drummer of Touché Amoré) and as soon as I got a call about his band playing tonight I got my ticket. I just knew that I had to be here to support him. You always support your friends in my book.”  

Both Tyler and John illustrated exactly why live music exists today. There is something about a live show that brings people together. And that “something” is just that people. People bonding over shared interest, no matter what their background or reasoning. Thanks to people like Tyler and John bands like: Calling, Touché Amoré, and AFI can bring shows like the one on Tuesday.

The first band of the night was "Coming", a band from Los Angeles, CA that formed in 2012. They are known for their abrasive guitar and discerning vocals. Their stage set up was minimal: opting for a modest “We are the Coming and we are glad to be back in our hometown” followed immediately by their first song, “Thoughts” as an introduction. After witnessing their live set it is clear that they are a band that offers a unique style worth checking out. Currently, Coming are on tour with AFI and have an album entitled “Destructure” available on their band camp.

The next band of the evening was "Touché Amoré". Also from Los Angeles, CA they formed in 2007 and have since released four studio albums. Widely regarded as a Post-Hardcore band, Touché Amoré takes their sound in a direction that is heavy on guitar and loud with their vocals. This show was no different. Touché Amoré set included songs like: “Art Official” and “Just Exist,” all of which were played with a tenacity that kept the audience tense and ready for AFI.

What began as the miscellaneous jeers of a crowd slowly growing impatient turned into silent anticipation for an instant as AFI took the stage as the last band for the evening’s festivities. With their new album “Burials” marking their 9th studio album installment in an illustrious musical career AFI has shown no sign of slowing down. 

Currently they are touring and in their show at the Fonda AFI brought an outstanding level of showmanship coupled with a distinct knowledge of how to play according to the audience's mood.

They opened up with “Leaving Song Pt. II” followed immediately by “Girls Not Grey.” The rest of their set consisted of songs like: “Bleed Black,” “The Conductor” and a cover of the Cure song “Just like Heaven.” Accompanied by what seemed like the entire venue singing along; they finished up strong with “Silver and Cold,” then exited the stage with a bow and “Thank you” to the audience.

 

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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