Rubber Rodeo was founded in Rhode Island in 1980, and initially consisted of Bob Holmes (vocals, guitars), Trish Milliken (vocals, keyboards), Gary Leib (synthesisers), Eddie Stern (pedal steel), Doug Allen (bass) and Bob's brother Barc Holmes (drums).
However, the group also recorded takes on country and western classics such as Ennio Morricone's "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and the Patsy Cline standard "Walkin' After Midnight".
Shortly after this single was released, pedal steel guitarist Stern left the band, to be replaced by Mark Tomeo.
[5] Commenting on a 1982 live performance, The Boston Phoenix observed that "Rubber Rodeo are smart enough to present themselves as straights who find hipness in songs neglected by new-wave audiences as too quaint ('Jolene') or too corny ('Wichita Lineman').
The band split up by the end of the 1980s, with their final recording appearing on a 1991 tribute album honouring Duplex Planet poetry naif Ernest Noyes Brookings.
Elsewhere, Reeves Gabrels moved to London and joined David Bowie's band Tin Machine; and Tomeo, Cragin, and Gantek all carved out careers as notable session musicians.
In November 2007, Gary Leib was interviewed for the Alternative Classix podcast, where he discussed Rubber Rodeo's history and legacy.
[13] Bob Holmes and Gary Leib performed in a new project named SUSS, that has been referred to as “ambient country" music.