As most of you are aware, Geoff Kresge has been selling re-issues of past AFI records including “Behind the Times”, “Eddie Picnic’s All Wet” and most recently taking pre-orders for the Dork EP, which is AFI’s first-ever record (and hardest to find). While I was personally unaware of any issue with him doing this - at the same time I have to admit I thought it was weird. I thought it was weird because otherwise, these re-issues were never advertised through any other group and or party (AFI members), etc.
Well, AFI have officially released a statement regarding these re-issues. Simply put, Geoff has been doing this on his own without consulting the band. AFI does not support the sales of these re-issues. You can read their statement below:
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.
Source: link below
I will admit that I ordered several copies of the Dork EP re-issue with reasons that many who do NOT own the original can relate to. However, I will say that my wife and I had also accidently ordered several of the “Eddie Picnic’s All Wet” instead of the Dork and tried to contact “Rick”? from Atom Age Industries for a refund and never heard back…
Regardless, be sure to read the statement. I can say that I personally will NOT be supporting Geoff any longer. My purchases will go through AFI’s official store and to AFI directly on their tours.
ALSO, Matt Wedgley of Wedge Records has responded to this statement with some clarity as his company released the “Fly in the Ointment 7”:
Wedge Records is owned and operated by me, Matt Wedgley and nobody else. There are no partners or employees. I consider the guys in AFI (past and present) dear friends of mine. I have never heard one complaint from any member or anybody in their management with regards to myself or my record label. I have released these records out of nothing but love and I am proud of the hard work that I put in to make them as cool as possible. I have been friends with Geoff as well as the other members of the band for over 20 years. Geoff has always helped me out with graphic design work for the label and he’s always done it free of charge. I have always paid every artist on Wedge Records what I promised and more and I will continue to do so for as long as I live. If anybody feels that they’re owed any money or anything for that matter, they can contact me directly on IG or my personal email mattwedgley@gmail.com
Source: Viewed in his comments here: AFI Headquarters on Instagram: "Don't buy from Geoff. Statement from AFI's Facebook." Thanks @LordOfTheLeftHand for the heads up!
