Update – August 04th 11:49pm:
Kresge himself as responded with a statement, disputing the band’s claims. You can find it here.
Original Story:
AFI have shared the below statement detailing why they aren’t onboard with their former bassist Geoff Kresge selling AFI reissues on his own. Kresge performed with the band from 1992-1996 and had previously been involved with the Key Lime Pie label that put out three of the band’s earlier releases. He has since taken it upon himself to reissue an expanded version of the band’s 1993 release “Dork” without consulting the rest of the band. AFI themselves stated:
“Our former bass player, Geoff Kresge, is selling reissues of original AFI recordings. While we remain proud of every era of our 26 year existence, and certainly do not begrudge Geoff feeling reflective towards the four years he spent with us before he quit, we are confused why he has taken it upon himself to assume control of the shared Key Lime Pie label and release these records without notifying or consulting us.
We had always loved the fact that these releases were special limited edition items, pieces of history that we wanted to keep rare. Geoff has begun accepting pre-orders of the Dork EP and is including on it an unreleased song which he wrote no part of, without getting permission from the co-owners and songwriters. Geoff has never paid anyone in the band, including Mark Stopholese, their share of the proceeds of these sales, despite our repeated requests that he do the right thing and pay our shares.
While we do feel for what we can only assume is Geoff’s financial need, it simply is not fair for one person – a person who left the band willingly in 1996 – to benefit to the exclusion of the other owners of these recordings and writers of the songs. As fans, of course, we support your right to buy as you please, but we wanted you to know that we do not support these sales.”
