Cowbell Costume
Cure the fever with the ultimate 1970s rock parody look.
Based on the legendary Saturday Night Live sketch, the 'More Cowbell' costume lets you channel Gene Frenkle (played by Will Ferrell) during Blue Öyster Cult's recording session. It is a massive hit for comedy lovers, music fans, and anyone who wants to bring high-energy humor to a party. The look consists of a tight 1970s brown shirt, retro denim, a shaggy wig, and the indispensable cowbell and drumstick.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Cowbell
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What you need for a Cowbell costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cowbell costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Brown long-sleeve shirt
A tight, retro-style brown long-sleeve shirt, preferably corduroy or polyester with a wide 70s collar.
DIY: Use any tight brown long-sleeve shirt or polo from a thrift store.
Blue jeans
Slightly flared or straight-leg blue jeans, worn high on the waist.
DIY: Use any pair of worn-in blue jeans you already own.
Shaggy brown wig and mustache
A messy, shoulder-length brown 1970s wig paired with a thick, matching brown mustache and beard stubble.
DIY: Style your own hair messy if it is long, and use brown makeup or a cheap costume mustache for the facial hair.
Metal cowbell and drumstick
A classic hand-held metal cowbell and a single wooden drumstick to play it with.
DIY: Paint an old plastic cup or small bucket gold/bronze and attach a wire handle, using a wooden spoon as a stick.
Retro sunglasses
Aviator-style sunglasses with yellow or amber tinted lenses.
DIY: Any wire-rimmed sunglasses will work in a pinch.
Fanny pack
A simple black or dark-colored waist bag worn around the hips.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cowbell costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the tight brown long-sleeve shirt, tucking it deeply into the blue jeans.
- 2
Secure the jeans with a belt and strap the black fanny pack around your waist.
- 3
Apply the self-adhesive brown mustache and put on the shaggy brown wig, fluffing it out for a messy look.
- 4
Put on the yellow-tinted aviator sunglasses.
- 5
Hold the metal cowbell in one hand and the wooden drumstick in the other, ready to play enthusiastically.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal, but ensure the fake mustache is securely glued. The hair must look sweaty, unkempt, and voluminous in a classic 1970s shag style.
Cowbell for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as Bruce Dickinson (the legendary producer played by Christopher Walken) in a black turtleneck and gold chain.
- group
- Form the entire Blue Öyster Cult band from the sketch, including the lead singer, guitarists, and keyboard player.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a brown t-shirt, tiny wig, and a lightweight plastic cowbell.
- Plus size
- The stretchy brown shirt and relaxed-fit jeans offer a comfortable, highly adjustable fit for all body types.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a miniature brown shirt and a lightweight plastic bell attached to their collar.
Tips
- For maximum comedic effect, let your belly peek out slightly from under the tight shirt just like Will Ferrell did.
- Do not actually strike the cowbell too loudly indoors; it can get very noisy for other party guests.
- Keep a spare adhesive or spirit gum handy to keep the fake mustache from falling off when you sweat or laugh.
Cowbell costume FAQ
- What does the 'More Cowbell' costume include?
- The classic look includes a tight brown 70s shirt, blue jeans, a shaggy brown wig, a fake mustache, aviator sunglasses, a fanny pack, a drumstick, and a metal cowbell.
- How do I make a DIY cowbell?
- You can paint a small plastic container or cardboard box bronze or gold, attach a wire loop to the top, and use a wooden kitchen spoon as your drumstick.
- Is this costume comfortable for hot weather?
- The long-sleeve shirt and wig can get warm, so choose a lightweight cotton shirt if you plan to wear it in warm environments.
Did you know? The iconic SNL sketch aired on April 8, 2000, and was written by Donnell Campbell and Will Ferrell, quickly becoming one of the most quoted pop-culture moments in television history.