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Cows | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota,USA |
| Genres | Noise rock,post-hardcore,hardcore punk |
| Years active | 1986–1998 |
| Labels | Treehouse Records Amphetamine Reptile Records |
| Past members | Band members |
Cows were anoise rock band fromMinneapolis, Minnesota who formed in 1986 and disbanded in 1998. The band’s music mixedpunk rock withsurreal humour and copious amounts ofnoise played through distorted amplifiers and trumpet bleats, codifying them as anoise rock band.[1] Throughout their career Cows released nine studio albums, all but one on the Minneapolis-based labelAmphetamine Reptile Records. A star in honor of the Cows is on the outside mural ofFirst Avenue.
Cows formed in 1986 withKevin Rutmanis on bass,Thor Eisentrager on guitar, then front manNorm Rogers on vocals, and on drums Kevin's younger brother Sandris Rutmanis. Norm Rogers left the band in January 1987 to dedicate his time to drumming forthe Jayhawks, later returning to play drums for Cows in 1990.Shannon Selberg become Cows’ front man in February 1987, providing both vocal andbugle duties. Sandris left the band in January 1998 and Cows disbanded thereafter.[2]
After disbanding,Shannon Selberg went on to frontThe Heroine Sheiks.
Cows were notorious for their raucous live performances. Actions the band have performed onstage include kicking people in the front row, spitting on the stage, throwing the microphone stand into the crowd, throwing food at the crowd, and drawing on themselves, among others. Lead singerShannon Selberg's trademark is that he has a tattoo illustrating the gameHangman on his body that reads "F_CK" and another tattoo of an anchor with the word "DAD" on top of it. One reviewer wrote about the band's shows, "I have no doubt that the Cows know how to play their instruments. What I don't understand is why they refuse to tune them."[3]
Cows have been honored with a star on the outside mural of theMinneapolis nightclubFirst Avenue,[4] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[5] Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.[6]
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