The three shows - in Dallas, Austin and Houston - will reunite vocalist Ben Huggins, bassist Monty Colvin, guitarists Wally Farkas, and drummer Alan Doss on stage for the first time in nearly a decade. Dane Sonnier, who played guitar on the first two Cowboys records and remains an extended member of the family, will join the group for several songs.

"The Cowboys," as they are affectionately known, played their last show together on December 10, 1999 in Dusseldorf, Germany, before parting ways. "We were cruising in our starship just off the shoulder of Orion and got sucked into a wormhole," said Huggins. "For the past nine years Galactic Cowboys have been living in an alternate universe where, in large part, we lost touch with one another. It took almost 10 years to find one another again. Immediately we boarded our starship and came out the other side of the wormhole ready to rock!"

Or, as Colvin added, "We thought it would be fun. Fans have been asking us to do this for years, but we finally felt like it was the right time for us to get back together and just have fun playing some shows. Well, that, and we finally decided to put aside our intense hatred for each other!"

Fans can expect a mixture of songs from all of the Cowboys albums, with an emphasis on the earlier recordings. The group, however, has no plans to showcase any new material. "It's like when you go see the Stones and they say, 'Here's something off the new album!'" said Colvin. 'That's usually when everyone goes to the bathroom. I think they can still expect a very energetic show, but it's always been about the songs. We've got great songs, and we plan on playing a pretty long set. They can also expect it to be loud...so bring earplugs."

Galactic Cowboys signed with DGC (Geffen) in 1990 and released two critically acclaimed albums, a self-titled release (1991) and "Space in Your Face" (1993). In 1995, the band moved to Metal Blade Records and recorded "Machine Fish" (1996), followed by the EP "Feel the Rage," also released in 1996 (which included covers by Paul McCartney's Wings and KISS). "The Horse That Bud Bought" (1997) followed these releases. In the spring of '98 the Cowboys began recording again, which resulted in "At the End of the Day."

"We are hoping the true fans who have been asking for this will get themselves to Texas," Colvin said. "These shows are for YOU! The fans wanted this, and we are looking forward to jamming for them again. And perhaps even crushing their skulls...and that's a good thing!"

Galactic Cowboys, with special guests Galea and Leaf, dates are as follows:

August 13, 2009 Thu. The Prophet Bar, Dallas , TX
-Tickets: $13 in advance $15 at the door. Doors: 7:30 p.m.
August 14, 2009 Fri. Stubbs, Austin, TX
-Tickets: $13 in advance $15 at the door. Doors: 9p.m.
August 15, 2009 Sat. Warehouse Live, Houston , TX
-Tickets: $13 in advance $15 at the door. Doors: 8 p.m.

www.galacticcowboys.com