Cows were a post-hardcore/noise rock band from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The band formed in 1987 and disbanded in 1998. They were known for a unique mixture of punk rock played with large amounts of noise and surreal humour; their music is often considered noise rock. Their CD releases are often difficult to find, as most of them are out of print, with the exception of Whorn and Orphan's Tragedy. Some of their albums were never released in CD format. After disbanding, Shannon Selberg went on to front The Heroine Sheiks.

The band has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue, recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue. Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.

Origin

The band was formed in 1986 by Kevin Rutmanis on bass, Thor Eisentrager on guitar, then front man Norm Rogers and on drums Kevin's younger brother Sandris Rutmanis. Norm Rogers left the band in January 1987 to dedicate his time to drumming for the Jayhawks, returning in 1990 as the drummer. Shannon Selberg become the front man in February 1987. Sandris left the band in January 1989.

Live performances

The band are notorious for their raucous live performances. Acts 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, drawing on themselves, among others. Lead singer Shannon Selberg's trademark is that he has a tattoo illustrating the game Hangman 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."

Band members

Shannon Selberg – Vocals, Bugle, Trumpet, Trombone (1987–1998)

Kevin Rutmanis – Bass (1987–1998)

Thor Eisentrager – Guitar (1987–1998)

David van der Steen – Fifth Udder (1987–1992)

Sandris Rutmanis – Drums (1987–1988)

Tony Oliveri – Drums (1988–1990)

Norm Rogers – Drums (d. 2018) (1990–1995)

Freddy Votel – Drums (1995–1998)