Q: When did you first start collecting?

I believe it was around the turn of the century that I purchased my first painting.

 Sas Christian

Q: Do you remember the first piece you purchased?

Absolutely. It was Camille Rose Garcia's "You Won't Be Sick Long"

Q: Do you still have that piece?

Of course, It hangs between my Martin Witfooth and Weiner's Watchdogs.

 Q: Tell us about your collaboration with Camille Rose Garcia?

It's such an honor. For our record Camille has created 12 separate prints, each inspired by one of the songs on Crash Love. The sets are limited to 1000.

Q: As a artist  do you understand the process of painters?

Through having made music for 18 years now, I can relate to the time, emotion and attention that goes into creating any form of art, but I can't even begin to understand the technical aspects of painting.

 Martin Wittfooth

Q: Does art inspire your music?

 Absolutely, art inspires art.

Q: Is collecting a passion or a burden at times?

Collection is a huge passion of mine that only burdens me financially but I find that digits on a bank account statement aren't nearly as satisfying  to look at as, say, an original Robert Williams is.

 Lola

Q: Tell me about your upcoming tour?

I'm typing this on a 747. We're flying to Tokyo for three nights and then we return to the states. Our record comes out Sept 29th so we're playing the Roxy in LA before starting a North American tour that will last until next year. I think Jan will have us back in Europe, Feb is Australia and  it will be more US dates thereafter.

Q: What is the inspiration behind the new work?

Lyrically speaking most of the album focuses on the cultural crash we're experiencing now, particularly the crash in art culture. Musically it's the most straightforward rock record that AFI has created. 

 Jonathan Weiner

Q: I remember many chats with you on the phone on your way to and from the studio, how long was this album in the making?

It took 9 months to write the record and an additional 9 to record it. We probably wrote around sixty songs before deciding to track 14 of them.

Ray Ceasar 

Q: Have you ever designed the artwork for any of your covers and such?

Well, the graphic image that's on the new album is based on something that I  quickly scratched onto a note pad in the studio. The version you see, created by Jason Noto, is far superior to what I drew. You only need look to one of the 7 or so people who've allowed me to tattoo them to see a permanent representation of my artistic inability.

Q: Do you paint?

 I wish.

 Mercedes Helnwein

Q: Do you collect other than paintings?

Yes, I have a David Lachapelle and few Chris Anthony's, both of whom I'd like to acquire several more pieces from. Juxtapoz also just turned me on to Anna Moller and I really enjoy her work as well.

Chris Anthony 

Q: You are always the best dressed guy in the room, is that from you alone or do you have help?

Why, thank you Richard! Sometimes I get help from Christian, Alexander, Anne, Dries, and Margiella, but beyond them it's all me.

Sylvia Ji 

Q: Do you get time to browse galleries when on tour?

Rarely, but I try to. I was just in Berlin but never had time to make it to Merry's. I've only been able to stop by Jonathan's once. 

Q: If you where not a musician what would you be?

I've always loved theatre and I'd hope I'd still be performing on some stage or screen.

 Jeff Soto

Q: what do you see as the impact of art on today’s society?

Art gives people escape, inspiration, catharsis , comfort and as our friend Shepard has shown us, hope.

Q: What are you looking forward to in Japan?

I really look forward to playing. We're supporting a very amiable pop star named Himuro and we'll be playing 6 songs in front of 30k people before returning to join him for his encore. He covers one of our singles from DU. I would love to shop but, lamentably, I don't think my press schedule will allow.

YUMIKO KAYUKAWA

Q: what kind of legacy would you like leave?

I'd love for people to continue to appreciate and be inspired by what I've created long after I've stopped creating.

Q: Any advice for young artists and musicians?

Do only what you love and give not a fuck if people have negative things to say about it. Being unpopular generally means that you're doing something right. If fame and fortune is all that you aspire to, please just stop, and spare us all.

Q: Greatest joy?

Performing.

Q: Biggest fear?

Losing my voice.

Q: First impact of art in your?

Come to think of it, even before my mid 80's purchase of a "keep your hands inside the car" Robert Williams Litho, I loved Nagel. Who didn't? Musically, though, the first record I ever owned was AC/DC's Back in Black. I had asked for it, for my birthday, the year it was released.

A big thank you to Davey for taking time to chat with us and share some of his personal thoughts on life, art and music. Also for taking time to shoot just a few pieces from his collection for us all to enjoy.

Davey Havok and the always beautiful Brittany 

My Pleasure, thanks Richard and The Chipster !