Cowbells

[StarkVegasSteve]

So it's caused some discussion on other boards and in an effort to get us off some other, leaning political, topics, I thought I'd get everyone's opinions.


What are your thoughts on cowbells and do you take one to games? My .02 cents, I like them and I think they're a cool tradition but I haven't taken one to a game in almost a decade. It just becomes something extra to have to carry around all day and keep up with. I also don't like how some people will just sit and ring instead of standing up, yelling, and actually being involved in the game. Obviously if you're not able to stand that's a different thing. But there's plenty who are definitely able and just think ringing a cowbell with no emotion makes a difference.

[Tater]

Miss that bar.


Oh wait, ummm. I ring it and if you've got a belt loop then it really isn't much of an issue carrying. You would think it would save my voice some, but man I yell anyways.

[DownwardDawg]

I'm 57. I've never been to a Statr home game without a cowbell. Now, it's been several years since I've been able to make a game, but there will be a cowbell in my hand when I attend the next one.

[BrunswickDawg]

It is THE thing that makes us unique. Does everyone need to be ringing? No. But it's part of being a State fan. It's something handed down and cherished. Bring it and Ring it!

[basedog]

It is THE thing that makes us unique. Does everyone need to be ringing? No. But it's part of being a State fan. It's something handed down and cherished. Bring it and Ring it!

Traditions matter regardless of what some think or post on here.

[R2Dawg]

You will not catch me at a State football game without a cowbell in full swing. Yeah I'm the guy ringing it at the band warmup, dawgwalk, and any other time I feel like getting fired up.

The MSU cowbell is a big deal nationally too. It is MSU and what sets us apart. I was in a small town in TN last weekend and saw one for $30 in an antique store.

[KOdawg1]

I like the tradition of cowbells.

But I think as a fanbase, we become too dependent on them to make noise when yelling is just as effective, if not more.

[State82]

It's a sacred MSU tradition that should be cherished, flaunted and protected at all costs. That is why I get aggravated at people that refuse to adhere to the "Ring Responsibly" slogan. It is the only reason we still have the opportunity to continue our tradition. It's not a big deal to follow and will keep our conference brethren somewhat at bay regarding noisemakers. Plus it is a cool sound when the bells suddenly stop and yelling takes over. I used to take one every game but have not in years just so I don't have to keep up with it like VegasSteve said.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I like the tradition of cowbells.

But I think as a fanbase, we become too dependent on them to make noise when yelling is just as effective, if not more.

I agree completely. I love the tradition of them and that tradition should be protected. But I think some have gotten far too dependent on the cowbells. Look there is nothing better than the cowbells going crazy on a Saturday night in a close game. But the problem becomes when you have to stop ringing, which our fanbase does a good job with, and it seems like the decibels go down more than a few clicks.

[DownwardDawg]

I like the tradition of cowbells.

But I think as a fanbase, we become too dependent on them to make noise when yelling is just as effective, if not more.

I don't understand this. I've never had a voice left when I leave a game. Everyone around me rings and yells. When listening on tv, when the crowd stops ringing you can hear the vocal noise just as loud.
Except recently because we suck so bad.

[basedog]

I gave my daughter one of two traditional cowbells when I was at MSU back in the very early 70's. Back then you could buy a hand made cowbell that was not painted and you would paint it out decals on it plus a bike handle grip. It was the real deal and it big deal. It was hard to give it up but I wanted my daughter to have something from me that was special and one day she pass it down to one of my grandsons. I have one other from same era and will probably gift my granddaughter one day.

Don't be with the smack talk of talking down about a treasure to me on cowbells. Btw I have seen some rival fans get slobber knocked with cowbells before. Something u don't see now.

[KOdawg1]

I don't understand this. I've never had a voice left when I leave a game. Everyone around me rings and yells. When listening on tv, when the crowd stops ringing you can hear the vocal noise just as loud.
Except recently because we suck so bad.

That's great for you and the people around you. I didn't say "DownwardDawg and the people around him." But as whole, our fanbase depends on the cowbells more so than yelling. Go to a bowl game that doesn't allow cowbells and you'll see what I mean.

[BrunswickDawg]

Most schools rely on something other than yelling - band music piped over the PA (I'm looking at you Tennessee and Alabama), or overly loud constant music (UGA), or dumb ass cocky crows (SC). And they all have twice as many fans in attendance.

In all honesty, having been at multiple big stadiums and games - there isn't that much real difference when it comes to noise at big games. Once it gets over 100dB's its all just noise.
WINNING is what makes it big time.

[Turfdawg67]

Love my cowbell! All the old stickers, dents, scratches, dried blood...

[Turfdawg67]

Most schools rely on something other than yelling - band music piped over the PA (I'm looking at you Tennessee and Alabama), or overly loud constant music (UGA), or dumb ass cocky crows (SC). And they all have twice as many fans in attendance.

In all honesty, having been at multiple big stadiums and games - there isn't that much real difference when it comes to noise at big games. Once it gets over 100dB's its all just noise.
WINNING is what makes it big time.

^^^ Right as usual.

[BuckyIsAB****]

I cant imagine going to a game without one. Id feel naked and ashamed

[MoreCowbell]

I wish it was not ?our thing? but it is. It is ok to be a realist. It makes it easy for people to make fun of your school when our claim to fandom is we ring really loud artificial noisemakers originally meant for herding cows together.

Now saying that, I will bring one and ring it for a big game (it has been a long time)

[MoreCowbell]

Traditions matter regardless of what some think or post on here.

Cowbells equal the A&M gay dudes who do those weird pep ralley chants. It may be cringe as hell but it is our thing

[basedog]

Cowbells equal the A&M gay dudes who do those weird pep ralley chants. It may be cringe as hell but it is our thing

Yep, we graduates are proud of our cowbells and traditions with it. I bet many don't know the history or story of how the cowbell began.

[Turfdawg67]

Cowbells equal the A&M gay dudes who do those weird pep ralley chants. It may be cringe as hell but it is our thing

That is a ban worthy comment. Please don't project how you feel as how everyone feels. I've lived away from Mississippi for over 20 years, and in multiple states. People from all over love the cowbell, or love to hate it. Many are in awe of it when I show it to them.

Now, the "Egg Bowl"… that's a different story. People laugh at that name and trophy.