Profile in ‘GQ’ Details American Football Star’s Battle with Alcoholism

American Football is gearing up to release their highly-anticipated fourth album, known as LP4, this spring, marking their return after a seven-year hiatus. In a comprehensive profile in GQ penned by Grayson Haver Currin, the band’s inner workings and personal struggles are laid bare, revealing a mix of poignant details and troubling revelations.

Lead singer and guitarist Mike Kinsella openly acknowledges his struggles with alcohol, describing himself as a “high-functioning alcoholic” and a “drunk fucking idiot.” The profile delves into concerns expressed by numerous sources regarding Kinsella’s drinking habits, with his brother and Cap’n Jazz bandmate, Tim Kinsella, expressing deep dismay at the band’s overall relationship with alcohol, likening it to a frat hazing mentality.

In contrast, drummer Steve Lamos has been sober for 18 months, a stark juxtaposition to Kinsella’s battles with alcohol. The article sheds light on Lamos’ departure from American Football in 2020, citing feelings of being belittled by Kinsella and losing creative control over his work as contributing factors. Despite their tumultuous history, Lamos eventually rejoined the band two years later, driven by a sense of camaraderie with his bandmates.

The profile also delves into Kinsella’s personal life, including the dissolution of his marriage, largely attributed to an online affair that led to his current marriage. In discussing the musical direction of LP4, Kinsella reveals a newfound sense of self-assuredness, stating, “I used to be insecure, but now it’s like, ‘You cannot kill me. I’m dead. I got divorced with kids, and I’m responsible for that. I’m dead.”

Amidst the weighty revelations, the article also shares lighthearted anecdotes, such as the Kinsella brothers’ mother baking a cake for Fugazi and the band’s early ties to the straight-edge movement. Furthermore, it touches on the band’s history, from their coming of age to the inception of Polyvinyl Records and the evolution of “Midwest emo.” The decision to purchase the American Football house, now an Airbnb, is explored, along with the complex interpersonal dynamics between band members.

The GQ profile offers a comprehensive and intimate glimpse into the world of American Football, capturing the band’s journey, from personal struggles to musical evolution. With its rich detail and candid revelations, this piece serves as a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and the complexities that accompany their artistic pursuits. Dive into the depths of American Football’s story through this illuminating profile, and prepare to be both moved and impressed by the raw honesty and vulnerability on display.