Galactic Cowboys was a heavy metal band based in Houston, Texas. They combined progressive metal with a style of vocals influenced by The Beatles and the heavy playing style of thrash bands such as Anthrax. They have been described as "possibly the most melodic metal band ever to exist in Christian or general markets."^[1]

History

Galactic Cowboys was formed in 1989 in Houston, Texas by bassist Monty Colvin and singer drummer Alan Doss, after being together in The Awful Truth. After that band broke up, they added singer Ben Huggins and guitarist Dane Sonnier.

In 1990, the band was signed to DGC and released their eponymous debut album in 1991. Despite some favorable criticism, the band was ignored by the label due to the success of Nirvana's Nevermind during that same time. After poor sales and some touring, they returned to the studio and released Space In Your Face in 1993. Space was the band's break into the general market.^[1] The album garnered some minor hits for the band with "If I Were A Killer" and "I Do What I Do", both of which received regular airplay at MTV and the now-defunct radio station ZROCK respectively. At this point, the band was dropped from DGC, parted ways with manager Sam Taylor, and guitarist Dane Sonnier left the band.

After briefly breaking up, the band reorganized with Wally Farkas on guitars and a new deal with Metal Blade Records, and released their third album, Machine Fish, in 1996. That same year they also released an EP titled Feel The Rage that included some original songs, two covers and two live tracks. In 1997, they followed with The Horse That Bud Bought which was a minor departure into a toned-down style.^[1]

At this point, the band recorded what many fans regard as their masterpiece, At The End Of The Day in 1998. This album marked a return to the heavier style featured in previous releases.^[1] However, two weeks before the album's release Alan Doss decided to leave the band. Erick Tatuaka was hired to fill in for Doss during their subsequent tour, but was not a member of the band.

In 2000 the band announced the release of their last album titled Let It Go. The album included lead vocal contributions from all members. Most of the drumming duties were handled by Jerry Gaskill (King's X), a good friend of the band.^[1]

As of 2007, the former members of the band continue to be active in the music scene.

Members

Monty Colvin

The bassist and backing vocalist for Galactic Cowboys from 1991 until 2000, Monty Colvin embarked on a solo career in 2000 with his band project Crunchy. The first album, All Day Sucker, released in 2001, defined the Crunchy sound as fun, pop punk with a slight heavy guitar edge. On Crunchy's 2nd album, Clown School Dropout, the band was stripped down to Monty playing most of the instruments and bringing in a hired drummer; here Monty added a bit more crunch to the formula. Band influences include the Wildhearts, Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters, and the Ramones, in addition to the aforementioned Galactic Cowboys. A new Crunchy album is in the works, entitled Loserville. It is due to be released in 2007.

Alan Doss

Since dropping out of the music business for awhile, Alan has since involved himself with managing and producing. Most recently, he has served in that capacity for the bands Ashbury Keys and Jambi's Revenge, also contributing instrumental work (notably on keyboards) to the outputs of those bands.

Ben Huggins

Ben's musical activities of late have included recording and playing with his new band Gristle, in addition to guest appearances with artists such as The Phlegmatics. A Gristle album is expected to be released in 2007.

Wally Farkas

Wally has worked as a distributor for hip hop artists in the Houston area. He teamed with Ty Tabor of King's X to release an ambient album under the name Xenuphobe in 2006. Recently, he established a new record label for a handful of artists with which he has had prior connections.

Dane Sonnier

Since leaving Galactic Cowboys, Dane has kept involved in the music world, most notably in The Sonnier Brothers Band, the band he formed with his brother Len.

Trivia

• Before forming Galactic Cowboys, bassist Monty Colvin and drummer Alan Doss were in the band The Awful Truth, along with David Von Ohlerking. They only released one album.
• The band have toured with many famous metal and hard rock acts such as Dream Theater, Overkill, Anthrax, and King's X.
• The band appeared in the 1994 movie Airheads, under the name 'Sons of Thunder'.^[1] The one original song they performed for that movie, "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful", is not available anywhere, and only is heard for about 10 seconds in the movie.
• Galactic Cowboys have made videos for the songs: “I'm Not Amused”, “If I Were a Killer”, “Fear Not”, “Feel The Rage”, “Evil Twin” and “Nothing To Say”.
• Galactic Cowboys have recorded cover versions of songs by KISS, Petra and Wings.
• Monty Colvin and DeeDee Ramone are cousins.

Band members

• Monty Colvin - Bass, vocals (1991 - 2000)
• Alan Doss - Drums, vocals, keyboards (1991 - 1998)
• Wally Farkas - Guitar, vocals, keyboards (1995 - 2000)
• Ben Huggins - Lead vocals, guitar, blues harp (1991 - 2000)
• Dane Sonnier - Guitar, vocals (1991 - 1995)

Discography

• Galactic Cowboys August 20, 1991
  Galactic Cowboys
  August 20, 1991
• 
  Space In Your Face
  June 8, 1993
• 
  Machine Fish
  January 30, 1996
• 
  Feel the Rage (EP)
  October 8, 1996
• 
  The Horse That Bud Bought
  July 15, 1997
• 
  At The End Of The Day
  September 22, 1998
• 
  Let It Go
  June 20, 2000

References

Further reading

• "Galactic Cowboys". HM Magazine (67). 1997. ISSN 1066-6923. Retrieved 2007-04-24. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

External links

• Galactic Cowboys Official Website Biography, lyrics, etc
• Official Message Board Talk to Galactic Cowboys fans
• Monty Colvin Official Website Former Galactic Cowboys bassist's own site
• Monty Colvin's MySpace page
• Ben Huggins' MySpace page
• Alan Doss' MySpace page
• Wally Farkas' MySpace page
• Dane Sonnier's MySpace page
• Greg Hatfield's Galactic Cowboys Website Fansite
• MySpace Tribute Page With bio and sound samples