Plan A: The Afghan Whigs at Tipitina’s

In the 10 years since seminal ‘90s rockers The Afghan Whigs called it quits, charismatic frontman Greg Dulli has kept busy with side projects in the Crescent City and beyond.

There is, of course, his Marigny B&B, the Royal Street Inn, and downstairs haunt the R Bar, with its $10 haircut-and-a-shot Monday nights and Jameson-and-High Life-for-$5 hipster bat signal. But there’s also the Gutter Twins, Dulli’s searingly brooding collaboration with Mark Lanegan, and the sad bastard seduction of the Twilight Singers, whose 2006 release Powder Burns — recorded in a barely post-Katrina New Orleans — ranks among the best records of the aughts. And that’s to say nothing of his solo work, efforts with indie wunderkind Denver Dalley and violinist Petra Haden, and memorable contributions to a 2009 Eddie Hinton tribute.

Afghan Whigs Concert Photo

Dulli noted: The Afghan Whigs

For a generation of alt kids, though, Dulli remains the driving force behind the Whigs’ visceral blend of garage punk, funk and R&B. The Cincinnati born band — including bassist John Curley, lead guitarist Rick McCollum and original drummer Steve Earle — became an MTV staple in 1993 with “Debonair,” off of major label debut Gentlemen. The first non-Pacific Northwest act to land on the Sub Pop label, the Whigs’ era-defying sound — as much Stax and Motown as Seattle grunge and Neil Young — was embraced by both critics and cult audiences.

Check their cover of Frank Ocean’s “Lovecrimes” for proof that a little bit of soul goes a long way in the annals of alt rock cool. That Dulli and company put on a sexy, swaggering live show — a quarter century after their ’87 debut—makes their reunion at Tip’s all the more a must-see. Afghan Whigs, Wussy, 10 p.m. at Tipitina’s, October 19, $35.