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Galactic Cowboys

From Alfawiki
Galactic Cowboys
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1989 in Houston, Texas, United States
Headquarters
Houston
,
United States
ProductsHeavy metal music, progressive metal music

Galactic Cowboys is a heavy metal group originating from Houston, Texas, known for fusing progressive metal with vocal influences reminiscent of The Beatles and incorporating heavy thrash riffs similar to bands like Anthrax. Often regarded as "perhaps the most melodic metal band ever" within both Christian music and mainstream spheres, the members identify as Christians but have consciously avoided the label of a Christian band. Their touring history includes sharing stages with prominent acts such as Anthrax, Dream Theater, King's X, and Overkill. While they never achieved widespread commercial success, they cultivated a loyal cult fanbase.

Their initial breakthrough came through the involvement of producer and manager Sam Taylor and touring alongside King's X, which secured them a contract with major label DGC Records. Their self-titled debut album, Galactic Cowboys, was released in 1991 but was eclipsed by Nirvana’s landmark Nevermind. Following the underwhelming performance of their sophomore effort Space In Your Face (1993), they were dropped by DGC. Subsequently, they signed with Metal Blade Records in 1995, releasing four albums that adopted a more direct heavy/alternative metal approach before disbanding shortly before the release of their sixth album, Let It Go (2000).

After staging reunion concerts in 2009 and 2013, Galactic Cowboys fully reassembled with the original members in 2016. They then issued Long Way Back to the Moon (2017) through Mascot Records, marking their first new studio release in seventeen years.

Formation and initial period (1989–2000)

The genesis of Galactic Cowboys dates back to 1989 in Houston, Texas, when bassist Monty Colvin and drummer Alan Doss, previously part of The Awful Truth, joined forces with vocalist Ben Huggins and guitarist Dane Sonnier to establish the band following The Awful Truth’s dissolution.

In 1990, after catching the attention of A&R representative Gary Gersh, the group secured a lucrative million-dollar deal with DGC/Geffen Records. Marketed by Geffen as their forthcoming major act, their debut album Galactic Cowboys arrived in August 1991. However, its release was delayed and largely overshadowed by Nirvana’s breakthrough Nevermind. Although "I'm Not Amused" received some MTV exposure and critical praise, DGC offered minimal promotional backing. After moderate sales and touring efforts, they released their follow-up Space in Your Face in 1993. During these sessions, creative conflicts resulted in parting ways with producer Sam Taylor. This album marked their entrance into mainstream markets with minor hits "If I Were A Killer" and "I Do What I Do," both gaining airplay on MTV and radio.

Only two months into touring for this album, DGC ceased support and dropped the band, leading to the cancellation of a planned European tour. By June 1995, disillusioned by lack of progress, Sonnier and Doss departed, temporarily dissolving Galactic Cowboys. Soon afterward, Metal Blade Records extended an offer; founder Brian Slagel had previously expressed interest should DGC release them. The band quickly regrouped with guitar technician Wally Farkas stepping in for Sonnier. They then released their third studio album Machine Fish alongside the EP Feel the Rage in 1996. Their 1997 record The Horse That Bud Bought showcased a stylistic shift from metal toward a more subdued sound.

In 1998, they produced the concept album At the End of the Day, widely regarded as their artistic pinnacle. Just two weeks prior to its release, drummer Alan Doss exited; session drummer Erick Tatuaka joined them for touring duties.

Their final Metal Blade release was Let It Go, issued on June 20, 2000. This album featured lead vocals from all members and included drumming contributions from King's X drummer Jerry Gaskill. On April 28, 2000, they announced their disbandment to pursue individual projects. Monty Colvin later attributed this decision to frustration over stagnation and lack of clear direction: "I just felt like we weren’t going anywhere." The group did not embark on farewell tours or performances; vocalist Ben Huggins noted that only an extraordinary opportunity would motivate a reunion.

Reunion (2009–present)

Galactic Cowboys have produced cover versions of tracks originally by KISS, Petra, and Wings. In August 2009, the band came together again for a brief series of three concerts held in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. Shortly after these appearances, Wally Farkas departed from the group permanently. The founding members reunited once more for a singular performance at Houston’s Acadia Bar and Grill on September 13, 2013.

On July 4, 2016, bassist Monty Colvin revealed on his Rockcast podcast that the band had signed with a progressive music label and was developing a new album featuring the original lineup (Colvin, Huggins, Doss, Sonnier). This album, titled Long Way Back to the Moon, was released by Mascot Label Group on November 17, 2017.

In the summer of 2024, Galactic Cowboys initiated a Kickstarter campaign to fund their forthcoming album, A New Mission. The campaign successfully secured close to $90,000 to enable self-production. The songwriting team consists of Ben Huggins, Monty Colvin, and Dane Sonnier. Alan Doss chose not to participate in this project and was replaced by Johnny Simmons—Doss’ bandmate from the Houston cover group The Rikkis and drummer on Atomic Opera’s Gospel Cola. The album is planned for release in late spring or summer of 2025. Additional information can be found on their Kickstarter page under "galactic-cowboys-a-new-mission".

Monty Colvin

Serving as bassist and backing vocalist for Galactic Cowboys from 1991 to 2000, Monty Colvin embarked on a solo venture with his band Crunchy starting in 2000. Their first album, All Day Sucker (2001), embraced an energetic pop punk sound infused with heavy guitar riffs. The subsequent release, Clown School Dropout, featured Colvin performing most instruments himself and introduced a more aggressive tone. His musical inspirations include Wildhearts, Cheap Trick, Foo Fighters, and Ramones. The third album, Loserville (2007), included a guest appearance by Kerry Livgren of Kansas. Additionally, Colvin contributed to Livgren’s 2021 solo project The Resurrection Of Lazarus: A Cantata, incorporating recordings made two decades earlier.

Colvin hosts an occasional hour-long podcast called "Monty's Rockcast" and sells his artwork online; some Galactic Cowboys album covers display his paintings. He is also related to Dee Dee Ramone (Douglas Glenn Colvin) from the Ramones.

Alan Doss

After withdrawing from active performance duties, Alan Doss concentrated on producing and managing bands such as Ashbury Keys, Toy Subs, and Jambi's Revenge. He also provided keyboard and bass parts for their recordings.

Ben Huggins

Following his tenure with Galactic Cowboys, Ben Huggins established the band Gristle and collaborated with acts including The Phlegmatics. Gristle’s debut album, Cold Blue Sky, was digitally released on July 17, 2010.

Wally Farkas

Wally Farkas has been involved in distributing music for Houston hip hop artists and teamed up with Ty Tabor from King's X to produce two ambient albums under the name Xenuphobe ("1.0" in 2006 and "2.0: Electrolux" in 2007). He founded Molken Music, a label dedicated to supporting artists he previously collaborated with.

Farkas co-produced and performed guitar on Doug Pinnick’s album Strum Sum Up and announced plans for a solo album titled Past Due, which has yet to be released. In 2015, he toured with dUg Pinnick's Texas Poundation and subsequently joined Houston band Peace and the Chaos on tour.

Dane Sonnier

Following his exit from Galactic Cowboys, Sonnier continued his musical pursuits, notably creating The Sonnier Brothers Band alongside his brother Len, who also serves as lead guitarist for Gristle. He took on the role of lead guitarist in the Houston-based modern rock group Sevenfold and was involved with Texas Poundation, maintaining his participation even after rejoining Galactic Cowboys.

Appearances in other media

  • The group featured in the 1994 movie Airheads under the name "Sons of Thunder". Their original track, "Don't Hate Me Because I'm Beautiful", is only accessible through a brief clip within the film and has not been released elsewhere.

Band members

Current

  • Monty Colvin – bass guitar, vocals (1989–2000, 2009, 2013, 2016–present)
  • Ben Huggins – lead vocals, guitar, blues harp (1989–2000, 2009, 2013, 2016–present)
  • Dane Sonnier – guitar, vocals (1989–1995, 2009, 2013, 2016–present)

Former members

  • Alan Doss – drums, vocals, keyboards (1989–1998, 2009, 2013, 2016–2024)
  • Wally Farkas – guitar, vocals, keyboards (1995–2000, 2009), drums (1998–2000)
  • Jerry Gaskill – drums (studio) (2000)
  • Johnny Simmons – drums, vocals (studio) (2024–2025; deceased 2025)
  • Erick Tatuaka – drums (touring) (1999)

Timeline


Discography

Music videos

Videos were produced for the following tracks:

  • "Evil Twin"
  • "Fear Not"
  • "Feel the Rage"
  • "I'm Not Amused"
  • "If I Were a Killer"
  • "Nothing to Say"
  • "Internal Masquerade"
  • "Zombies"

Further reading

External links

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