Naarm group Sacred Cowboys formed in early 1982 by lead singer-songwriter Garry Gray and Mark Ferrie on bass, both drawing from their experiences in the local post-punk scene - Gray from the proto-punk outfit Negatives and Ferrie from the new wave band The Models. The band's name was inspired by the 'Sacred Cows' characters from an episode of the 1960s TV show Get Smart, reflecting their iconoclastic approach that rejected genre labels, fashion trends and commercial hype in favor of boundary-pushing rock music.
The Sacred Cowboys have issued seven albums since their inception, with the latest record, In the Manifesto, recently released in March 2026. Their latest release shows the Sacred Cowboys do not indulge in one musical style. It’s a complex, atmospheric soundtrack with Gray’s uber cool delivery over sometimes sparse, sometimes weaving guitars and rich harmonies.
On Thursday June 11, the Sacred Cowboys dropped by PBS for an exclusive Studio 5 Live set on Junkyard. Listen back here to this special set and interview with host Michael Mulholland.
Check out a clip of the Sacred Cowboys performing 'Said The Spirit' live in Studio 5 below:
Studio 5 Live is made possible by Carlton Audio Visual and is supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
