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The Afghan Whigs

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The Afghan Whigs
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1986 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
FounderGreg Dulli, Rick McCollum, John Curley, Steve Earle
Defunct2001 (initially)
FateReunited in 2011
Headquarters
Cincinnati
,
United States
Area served
International
Key people
Greg Dulli (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), John Curley (bass)
ProductsMusic albums, singles
Number of employees
4 (original lineup)
Websitewww.theafghanwhigs.com

The Afghan Whigs are a rock group originating from Cincinnati, Ohio, active initially between 1986 and 2001, and reestablished in 2011. The band’s primary lineup features Greg Dulli (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), and John Curley (bass). Rising amid the grunge movement, their sound evolved from raw garage rock to incorporate elements of R&B and soul. After independently issuing their first album in 1988, they secured a deal with Seattle’s Sub Pop label. Their fourth album and first on a major label, Gentlemen (1993), received widespread praise; Pitchfork recognized them as "one of the few alt-bands to flourish on a major label" during the 1990s.

Although Dulli had previously declared the band would not reunite after their 2001 split, The Afghan Whigs regrouped in 2012.

Formation and Big Top Halloween era (1986–1988)

The Afghan Whigs were formed in late 1986 in Cincinnati by Greg Dulli (vocals, rhythm guitar), Rick McCollum (lead guitar), John Curley (bass), and Steve Earle (drums). The group originated from Dulli’s earlier project, The Black Republicans, which Curley joined later. Curley introduced Dulli to McCollum, who was locally renowned for his creative use of effects pedals. Sharing a passion for R&B, McCollum and Dulli’s first rehearsal featured a cover of The Temptations’ "Psychedelic Shack." Dulli characterized the band as "a blend of the Band, the Temptations, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse." The name The Afghan Whigs was conceived by Curley as a humorous twist on the Black Republicans.

Following the dissolution of The Black Republicans, Dulli relocated to Arizona where he composed half of the tracks for their debut album Big Top Halloween (1988), which they self-released through their Ultrasuede label. With an initial pressing limited to one thousand copies, one copy found its way to Jonathan Poneman, co-founder of Seattle’s indie label Sub Pop, who signed the band in 1989. Although Sub Pop first intended to release a single, they soon offered a full recording contract.

Sub Pop signing and release of Up in It (1989–1990)

Upon joining Sub Pop, The Afghan Whigs became only the second act outside the Pacific Northwest region on the roster. In 1990, Sub Pop issued their sophomore album, Up in It, predominantly produced by Jack Endino, notable for his work with Nirvana. This album included the college radio favorite "Retarded" and garnered positive critical attention.

To support Up in It, the band toured with grunge trailblazers Mudhoney and Boston-based underground group Bullet LaVolta. After this release, they put out a limited edition single under No.6 Records under the name "Ornament," featuring vocals by Marcy Mays of Scrawl, who later contributed to their Gentlemen album.

Congregation and Uptown Avondale releases (1992)

The 1992 album Congregation along with the covers EP Uptown Avondale showcased the band's maturation into a distinctive style that combined soul, psychedelic influences, and punk vigor. Critics emphasized their fusion of sounds reminiscent of Stax and Motown with indie rock sensibilities. The Uptown Avondale EP featured interpretations of soul classics originally performed by groups such as The Supremes.

Music videos for prominent tracks from Congregation, including "Conjure Me" and "Turn on the Water," received rotation on MTV, establishing The Afghan Whigs as an emerging act to watch. During this time, they embarked on extensive touring schedules, including a U.S. tour alongside Scottish indie rock band Teenage Fanclub.

Signing with Elektra and the Release of Gentlemen (1993)

Following the momentum generated by Congregation, The Afghan Whigs secured a contract with major label Elektra Records after a competitive bidding process. This deal was notable for including financing of a film scripted by Dulli, which ultimately was never produced. Their major label introduction, Gentlemen (1993), was recorded at Memphis' renowned Ardent Studios, a location famous for sessions by artists such as Big Star and Bob Dylan.

Critics widely praised Gentlemen for its unfiltered lyrics and unique sound, setting it apart from the prevailing grunge movement led by bands like Nirvana. The album secured the No. 17 spot on The Village Voice's 1993 "Pazz & Jop" critics' poll. It also became their highest-selling record, moving 130,000 copies in the U.S. by 1996. Tracks like "Debonair" and "Gentlemen" received substantial airplay on MTV and college radio stations, while "Fountain and Fairfax" was featured on the television series My So-Called Life. A notable collaboration on the album includes "My Curse," which features vocals from Marcy Mays of Scrawl, as Dulli found the deeply personal lyrics challenging to perform himself.

The Black Love Period (1996)

Following the promotion cycle for Gentlemen, The Afghan Whigs broadened their exposure in 1996 with Dulli serving as executive producer for the Beautiful Girls soundtrack, contributing two songs and making an appearance in the film. Additionally, Dulli lent his vocals to the debut album of Foo Fighters.

Their fifth studio effort, Black Love (1996), was recorded across Seattle and Memphis, introducing new drummer Paul Buchignani. The album delved into darker themes such as obsession and paranoia, drawing inspiration from noir novelist James Ellroy and neo-noir cinema like Blood Simple. Its lyrical content was influenced by pulp fiction literature, Kenneth Anger's Hollywood Babylon, as well as crime photography by Weegee. The opening track was inspired by an unproduced screenplay linked to The Million Dollar Hotel.

On the commercial front, Black Love reached No. 79 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. Critics lauded its robust production quality and innovative blend of rock with elements rooted in black musical traditions, often drawing parallels to the 1970s era of Rolling Stones. The band supported this release with extensive touring activities, including opening slots for Neil Young.

Legal Conflict with Elektra and Transition to Sony/Columbia for 1965 (1998)

After experiencing only moderate commercial success with Black Love, The Afghan Whigs expressed dissatisfaction with Elektra over perceived neglect and business complications, which led to their departure from the label. They subsequently signed with Columbia Records to produce their next album, 1965. This separation had a personal impact on Dulli, inspiring songs such as "Neglekted"—initially titled "Sylvia"—which served as a critique directed at Elektra's executive Sylvia Rhone.

During a break in band activities when Dulli formed The Twilight Singers, The Afghan Whigs recorded 1965 at Daniel Lanois’ studio in New Orleans. Drawing once again on noir cinematic influences alongside rappers like Nas, the album received favorable critical reception for its fusion of soul and rock elements. Their touring schedule during this era included opening performances for Aerosmith. Notably, Dulli sustained a head injury during an altercation but recovered sufficiently to continue touring.

Disbandment (2001)

In 2001, The Afghan Whigs officially announced their dissolution through a press statement, citing geographical distances among members and family obligations as obstacles to producing new material. Dulli later characterized this separation as friendly rather than formal.

Reunion Phases (2006, 2011–Present)

The Afghan Whigs briefly reunited in 2006 to record two new tracks for their compilation album Unbreakable: A Retrospective 1990–2006, released by Rhino Records. These songs were well-received by critics who felt they aligned closely with the band’s earlier high-quality work.

A full-scale reunion occurred in 2011, leading to performances at All Tomorrow's Parties festivals in 2012 and appearances at Primavera Sound and Lollapalooza. This resurgence was sparked by collaborative tours involving Dulli and Curley. On May 22, 2012, they made their television comeback on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, performing both new material and classic hits. Their first complete concert since reuniting took place at New York’s Bowery Ballroom and was met with critical acclaim highlighting their energetic delivery and vocal strength. New tracks such as "See and Don't See" received airplay on prominent radio stations. Additionally, they released a cover version of Frank Ocean's "Lovecrimes" as a complimentary download.

At SXSW in 2013, The Afghan Whigs headlined The FADER FORT stage and performed alongside Usher, fueling intentions to create new music. In April 2014, they announced Do to the Beast, marking their first album of original material in sixteen years under Sub Pop Records. Prior to recording sessions, guitarist Rick McCollum departed; guitar responsibilities were fulfilled by Dave Rosser and other musicians. Drummer Patrick Keeler joined the lineup in 2014.

Their eighth studio release, In Spades, arrived on May 5, 2017. Later that year, guitarist Dave Rosser passed away following a battle with colon cancer.

In February 2022, The Afghan Whigs issued their first single in five years titled "'I'll Make You See God," which appeared on the soundtrack for Gran Turismo 7. Their ninth studio album, How Do You Burn?, was released on September 9, 2022 through BMG Rights Management, marking their first release outside Sub Pop since 1998's 1965.

Legacy

The Afghan Whigs have left a significant mark on a wide range of artists across various musical styles, including Jimmy Eat World, The National, The Gaslight Anthem, The Horrible Crowes, The Hold Steady, My Chemical Romance, and Millencolin. The Italian indie rock group Afterhours, who toured extensively in the United States between 2006 and 2011 under the mentorship of Greg Dulli, also acknowledge The Afghan Whigs as a major influence.

On June 23, 2009, a tribute compilation was released featuring performances by Mark Lanegan, Joseph Arthur, and eleven other musicians inspired by the band’s work.

Lyrical themes

From the outset, Dulli’s songwriting for The Afghan Whigs has revolved around a blend of dark humor intertwined with subjects such as drug addiction, sexual transgressions, and thoughts of suicide, frequently conveyed through an intimate, first-person narrative. Numerous prominent tracks delve into the complexities of power within romantic relationships. The album Gentlemen is noted for its raw and unsettling exploration of masculine stereotypes, including themes of sadomasochism and isolation. Meanwhile, Black Love presents lyrics focused on themes of vengeance and brutal honesty.

Dulli’s creative output also reveals an enduring interest in and empathy for the anti-hero, a perspective shaped by a childhood discussion with his grandfather about the nuances of morality: "Good people aren't good all the time and bad people aren't bad all the time." This exploration of moral ambiguity remains a cornerstone of his songwriting approach.

Covers

Alongside their original compositions, The Afghan Whigs are well-known for their reinterpretations of classic songs, particularly soul and R&B hits from their formative years. Their cover repertoire extends across multiple genres, including renditions of The Rolling Stones' "Cocksucker Blues", Neil Young's "Like A Hurricane", as well as songs originally by The Supremes, Prince, PJ Harvey, The Fugees, and TLC. Their album Congregation includes "The Temple" from the soundtrack of Jesus Christ Superstar, and they have performed Pink Floyd's entire The Wall album live. They also revived the seldom-covered 1970 soul piece "See and Don't See" by Marie "Queenie" Lyons. Staying connected with current music trends, they premiered Frank Ocean's "Love Crimes" during their 2012 reunion tour. Furthermore, they contributed a cover of Lou Reed's "I Love You, Suzanne" to the tribute album The Power of The Heart: A Tribute To Lou Reed, released by Light In The Attic Records on April 20, 2024.

Other projects

  • Greg Dulli has partnered with Mark Lanegan in the project known as The Gutter Twins.
  • Dulli remains active both recording and touring with his evolving ensemble The Twilight Singers as well as pursuing solo work.
  • He took on the role of executive producer for the Italian indie-rock band Afterhours and supported their U.S. tours from 2006 through 2011.
  • John Curley plays bass for Fists of Love.
  • Rick McCollum serves as guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter for Moon Maan.
  • Michael Horrigan is bassist for Brendan Benson.
  • Steve Earle is drummer for the rock group Moonbow and leads Earle Grey; he also performs drums for Santa Rosa-based band the Fizz Fuzz.
  • Dulli provided most lead vocals on the soundtrack to Backbeat (1994), which featured a supergroup including Dave Grohl performing early Beatles songs.

Members

Present lineup

  • Greg Dulli – vocals, guitar, keyboards (1986–2001, 2006, 2011–present)
  • John Curley – bass guitar (1986–2001, 2006, 2011–present)
  • Rick G. Nelson – keyboards, strings, guitar, backing vocals (2011–present)
  • Patrick Keeler – drums (2014–present)
  • Christopher Thorn – guitar (2021–present)

Past members

  • Rick McCollum – guitar (1986–2001, 2006, 2011–2012)
  • Steve Earle – drums (1986–1995)
  • Jon Skibic – guitar, backing vocals (2013–2021)
  • Paul Buchignani – drums (1995–1996)
  • Michael Horrigan – drums (1997–2001, 2006)
  • Cully Symington – drums (2011–2014)
  • Dave Rosser – guitar, backing vocals (2011–2017)
  • Mark McGuire – guitar (2013–2014)

Touring personnel

  • Doug Falsetti – percussion, backing vocals (1996–1998, 1999)
  • Barbara Hunter – cello (1996)
  • Harold "Happy" Chichester – keyboards, backing vocals (1996, 1999)
  • Susan Marshall – backing vocals (1997–1999)
  • Steve Myers – backing vocals (1997–1999)
  • Josh Paxton – keyboards (1998, 1999)

Timeline

Discography

Albums

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Review22
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