music
‘I had to learn how to be a feminist’: Greg Dulli on surviving grunge, shunning misogyny, and Afghan Whigs’ glorious return
With a soulful sound and soul-baring lyrics, the Afghan Whigs rode the post-Nirvana boom to the big leagues. Their frontman explains his exploration of the male ego – and how Usher got the band back together
TL;DR
- The Afghan Whigs' music combines soul and funk influences with sophisticated rock, featuring frontman Greg Dulli's dark, consequence-focused lyrics.
- Dulli's upbringing and early exposure to Motown and gospel music shaped his songwriting, which often explores themes of dysfunction and loss.
- The band navigated the post-Nirvana music scene, signing with major labels and releasing seminal albums like 'Gentlemen' and 'Black Love'.
- After parting ways, Dulli pursued solo projects and collaborations, eventually reforming the Afghan Whigs in 2012.
- The band's recent album, 'Soft Control,' reflects Dulli's current reflections on mortality and enduring life lessons, with John Curley being the sole original member.
- Dulli discusses his personal evolution, including learning to be more feminist and confronting his own hypocrisy and ego in his songwriting.