Galactic Cowboys:
It all started with an interview I read in Heaven's Metal Magazine entitled, "Galactic Cowboys in your Face". It was there that I learned of a band that was being compared to the "Beatles meets Metallica" and the "Partridge Family on acid". The music was said to be a blend of soaring vocal harmonies and heavy grinding metal. The article intrigued me so much that I knew I had to check this band out.
I still remember the excited anticipation of tearing into the plastic surrounding the tape, "Space in Your Face". Once I played it I knew within the first few bars of "Space In Your Face" that I had a new favorite band. By the end of the tape, I knew I had a favorite bass player. The musical sonics were unlike anything I had ever heard before - and I loved it!
Fast forward to April 22, 1996, the Machine Fish Tour. My friend and I decided to make the long trip from Toronto, Canada, to Huntington WV to see the Cowboys in concert. We were so pumped to finally see them play live in person. When we got to the club we were told that Ben had blown his voice out the night before and needed the day off. The Cowboys would not be attending. We were devastated having driven all that way.
A few more weeks passed and information came out that the Galactic Cowboys would be playing in Toronto with King's X. Words cannot describe how relieved we were that we would finally be able to see the Cowboys live. That day was one of the most memorable of my life. A couple friends and I went to the gig early and managed to meet the Cowboys before the show. I had the opportunity to meet my favorite bass player Monty Colvin, and was able to try on his 8 and 12-string Hamer basses for a few pictures. We hung out back stage, got autographs, had pictures taken with the band and even went out to dinner with them and Ty Tabor. The concert blew us away! The Cowboys played tight heavy unrelenting metal that left us begging for more. From those pictures taken with Monty that day came his request to use my face for a painting. I was thrilled that he wanted to use me in his art. Little did I know that my portrait would be in the CD tray of the next album, "The Horse That Bud Bought". I became the "Evil Twin". (thanks Monty!)
Through the years, the Galactic Cowboys have been a constant source of musical inspiration and enjoyment. No other band has captured my interest and allegiance as much as the mighty Galactic Cowboys. The Cowboys are a mainstay in my musical experience and an underlying sound-track to my life. The absolute talent and creativity the Cowboys had were second to none. The world can only hope for a reunion. See you among the stars...
Signed,
Evil Twin (Andrew Rudd Ð Toronto, Canada)