In the beginning, Steve Poltz and Robert Driscoll were acoustic duo playing in various coffeehouses and bars including the Blarney Stone Pub, the Mission Beach Club, Innerchange Coffee House, Megalopolis, and Java Joe's.
The group released several self-produced cassette tapes in this band formation and were becoming a huge local draw and favorite in San Diego.
After the group signed a contract with Bizarre/Planet Records in 1993 (a label associated with Herb Cohen, who had earlier managed Linda Ronstadt, Tom Waits and Frank Zappa).
The quartet released their debut album Morning Wood which was produced by Buddy Blue (of The Beat Farmers), in early 1994.With funny, witty and sometimes bizarre lyrics, the band began to experience their first taste of national exposure; playing a sold out show at world-famous Cleveland Agora Theater and Ballroom.
In early 1995, the band released an EP called "Mommy I'm Sorry," which included the song "Dick's Automotive," which is a favorite at The Rugburns shows.
The Rugburns released their second full-length album in late 1995, Taking the World By Donkey, which again featured a generous helping of acoustic guitars spiked with edgy lyrics.
"The Ballad of Tommy and Marla" tells the sad tale of a couple that becomes hooked on crystal meth and eventually have their entire lives destroyed by their drug abuse, but in an endearing and fun manner.
Soon after Page had departed, Driscoll left the band because of tour related health issues but recovered well and returned to teaching high school, his first profession.