The Afghan Whigs

Singer/guitarist Greg Dulli was studying film at the University of Cincinnati, where he met fellow students Steve Earle and Rick McCollum, who also played drums and guitar respectively, and they formed The Afghan Whigs with the addition of John Curley on bass. Initially playing a primitive form of garage music, they formed their own independent label Ultrasuede to release their debut album 'Big Top Halloween' in 1988. It achieved a devout underground following and became a college radio favourite attracting the attention of Seattle label Sub Bop. This resulted in the release of a single, followed by the 1990 album 'Up in It' and they subsequently embarked on an intense touring schedule around America and Europe.

Their influence as a trailblazing grunge band grew with the release of third album 'Congregation' in 1992, which they reinforced with a highly regarded EP of soul and R&B covers, 'Uptown Avondale'. The big time beckoned with their signing to Elektra Records and the release of fourth album 'Gentlemen' to great critical acclaim and an influential single, 'Debonair', which featured heavily on MTV. Another album, 'Black Love', followed, but failed to achieve the expected commercial breakthrough and the cracks began to show with the departure of drummer Earle who was replaced by Paul Buchignani. They split in 2001, but the release of compilation album 'Unbreakable' in 2006 prompted a brief reunion. They didn't get together again until 2012 to play for the 'All Tomorrow's Parties' festival. It led to more touring and a brand new album, 'Do to the Beast', though Dulli and Curley were the only original members. In 2017 they released a brand new album called 'In Spades'.