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Afghan Whigs Release First Album in 40 Years

8/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Afghan Whigs released Soft Control, their first album in 40 years.
Frontman Greg Dulli said Soft Control matches the darkness of 1993’s Gentlemen and that its lyrics stress consequence over judgment, inspired by Motown writers Holland-Dozier-Holland.
He removed “Be Sweet” from the Gentlemen setlist because its lyric “dick for a brain” defined the band’s image, refusing to play it.

History

Historical Context

In 1993 the Afghan Whigs released Gentlemen on Elektra, their debut that sold 130,000 U.S. copies and placed No. 17 on the Village Voice’s 1993 Pazz & Jop poll. After disbanding in 2001, reuniting in 2012 and issuing albums, frontman Greg Dulli announced the 2026 Soft Control album, reviving the band’s dark, soul-inflected style. The comeback mirrors a 1990s-era alt-rock pattern of reviving classic R&B influences.

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Story summary

The Afghan Whigs released Soft Control, their first album in 40 years.
Frontman Greg Dulli said Soft Control matches the darkness of 1993’s Gentlemen and that its lyrics stress consequence over judgment, inspired by Motown writers Holland-Dozier-Holland.
He removed “Be Sweet” from the Gentlemen setlist because its lyric “dick for a brain” defined the band’s image, refusing to play it.

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