Cowboy Hunters Join GANS at The Hairy Dog and Derby Is in for an Absolute Treat

When GANS rolls into The Hairy Dog later this year, Derby won’t just be getting one of the UK’s most exciting alternaWhen GANS rolls into The Hairy Dog later this year, Derby won’t just be getting one of the UK’s most exciting alternative rock acts. Joining them on the bill will be Cowboy Hunters, and if the TRENDNG team has learnt anything over the past few months, it’s that arriving early for this support act isn’t optional.

We’ve already had the pleasure of seeing Cowboy Hunters twice in 2026, first opening for Bob Vylan and then again tearing up the stage at Bearded Theory Festival. If we’re being completely honest, we’d be buzzing if Cowboy Hunters were coming to Derby for a headline show of their own. The fact they’re arriving as a support act makes this one of the strongest double bills we’ve seen announced for The Hairy Dog this year.

Cowboy Hunters are a two-piece who somehow create a sound far bigger than their numbers suggest. Their music is packed with huge riffs, infectious hooks and enough energy to fill a room several times the size of whatever venue they’re playing. They blur the lines between alternative rock, punk, electronic influences and dancefloor-ready grooves, creating a live show that feels as much like a party as it does a gig.

Some bands take themselves incredibly seriously. Cowboy Hunters couldn’t be further from that. Their shows are filled with humour, audience interaction and complete unpredictability. Every performance feels like controlled chaos, where brilliant musicianship meets absurd comedy.

The last time we caught them live they walked on stage dressed as wizards, immediately setting the tone for what was to come. Mid-set they demanded that somebody throw them a snack before they would continue playing, with the crowd more than happy to oblige. Somehow, moments like these never distract from the music. Instead, they become part of what makes a Cowboy Hunters show so memorable. Their brilliant cover of Perfect (Exceeder) had the entire crowd bouncing and perfectly summed up what they’re all about.

While Cowboy Hunters are undeniably funny, they’re far from being just a comedy band. They cleverly balance humour with genuine social commentary, using songs like Shag Slags Not Flags to deliver a message with a wink and a smile. It’s that ability to be hilarious, political and musically excellent all at once that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Supporting GANS feels like a perfect fit. Both bands bring huge energy, memorable live performances and a refusal to play by the rulebook. It’s exactly the kind of pairing that makes grassroots touring so exciting and gives audiences the chance to discover a band they’ll be talking about long after the lights come up.

Tickets for GANS and Cowboy Hunters are on sale now

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