The Afghan Whigs

Emerging in the second half of the 1980s, the band The Afghan Whigs became a cult favorite on the American alternative scene of the 1990s — even without achieving major commercial success. Their unique sound, which blended elements of soul and post-punk, was anchored by singer-songwriter Greg Dulli, known for his visceral lyrics about distressing themes and tumultuous relationships.

Formed in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Greg Dulli (vocals and guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), John Curley (bass), and Steve Earle (drums), the group released their debut album, Big Top Halloween, in 1988 on Ultra Suede, a label founded by Dulli himself. The following year, they signed with Sub Pop, the label through which they released their next two albums: Up in It (1990) and Congregation (1992).

Critically acclaimed, Congregation paved the way for a contract with the major label Elektra Records. In 1993, Gentlemen was released, an album driven by the tracks “Debonair” and “Gentlemen,” which received heavy airplay on MTV and college radio stations.

In 1994, following an international tour, the Afghan Whigs took an extended hiatus, returning the following year to record new material. Before entering the studio, however, Steve Earle left the group and was replaced by Paul Buchignani. Black Love, their fifth studio album, was released in 1996. Two years later, they released 1965 on Columbia Records. The band announced their breakup in 2001, citing the geographical distance between the members as the main reason.

The group reunited in 2006 to record two new tracks (“I’m A Soldier” and “Magazine”), which were included on the compilation Unbreakable: A Retrospective 1990–2006, released in 2007 by Rhino Records.

After a 16-year hiatus from releasing new material, the group released the album Do To The Beast in April 2014. Maintaining a more consistent pace, In Spades followed in 2017, and How Do You Burn? in 2022.

In 2026, the year they celebrated their 40th anniversary, The Afghan Whigs embarked on a commemorative tour and returned to performing new material. Following the singles “House of I” and “Duvateen,” the band announced Soft Control. Released on August 21, 2026, the band’s tenth studio album features ten tracks and retains their signature blend of alternative rock, soul, and R&B, now accompanied by Greg Dulli’s reflections on aging, memory, and mortality.