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The RHODIUM Years 1983 - 1999

Long before the days of Sweet Ass Cream Corn there was Rhodium, which was preseeded by years of learning. The first official project of the Volpe Brothers.

Starting as a trio in the summer of 1983 with Don, Bob and bassist Matt Wittenbrook, the boys set in motion their quest to reach the stars, or at least the bunred out bulb on the ceiling and replace it with a fresh glowing one. Many years went by along with many members, rehersal spaces, miles on the road, gig's, fights, girlfriends, apartments, drumsticks, guitar strings, friends, relitives and lot's and lot's of $$$ out the window. But, on the bright side, they recorded an album, performed in front of, well, alot of poeple. So envious were other local bands that some followed, some copied and some just got in the way! All in all, what a long strange...Oh, that's already been used. That's what performing ton's of covers does for ya.

So one may ask, 'What type of music did Rhodium perform?' Well, it was the 80's, so they did alot of hairband stuff, some Heavy Metal, some classic 70's rock. All with an edge. And, they are proud of their 80's heritage, if you look beyond the top ten lists you'll find alot of good tunes from real musicians.

And what did they accomplish?
1992 - The release of 'Here In The Back Streets' Availible on cassette only.
1994 - Recieved a certificate from MTV's Beach House Band Search
1996 - Appeared on Rodell Records, ' Sounds From The Underground' compilation cd.

The bands most productive years were from 1988 to 1994. From 1983 - 1987 they struggled to find their identity and the right members. Fighting to play out in an area well behind the rest of the world. 1994 saw the band turn back to a trio format, focussimg more on it's own music. 1996 to 1999 were slow years. The local scene was flooded with karaoke, and bass players were hard to come by. By late 1999 the Volpe brothers thought it was time to lay to rest the name and start something new, and that's where Sweet Ass Cream Corn comes in.

1992 Release

1. We Are Not Afraid To Rock
2. Back Streets
3. Get Up And Rock
4. Street Child
5. Street Fighting Boy
6. Skate Punker
7. Never Too Young Too Rock
8. Young Boy

Musicians:
Bob Volpe - drums, vocals
Don Volpe - guitar, vocals
Frank Eriksen - Lead Vocals
Randy Wilcox - gitar, vocals
Brian Fischer - bass, vocals
Dave Nelson - bass

1996 Release

Prior to 1983 (1976-1983) the Volpe brothers honed their craft with fellow high school chums, Brian Newton, Jeff Hulett and cousin Chuck Volpe plus sitting in behind mom and dad.

RHODIUM members:
Bob Volpe              - drums (1983-1999)
Don Volpe             - guitar, lead and backing vocals (1983-1999)
Matt Wittenbrook - bass   (1983 - 1986)
Dale Mihalko         - lead vocals (1984 -1987, 1988 - 1990)
Jeff Hulett              - bass (1986 - 1988, 1992 - 1995)
Rick Pintagro          - lead vocals (1987, 1988)
Randy Wilcox         - 2nd guitar (1988-1993)
Brain Fisher            - bass (1988, 1990, 1991)
Dave Nelson           - bass (1990-1993)
Frank Ericksen        - lead vocals (1990 - 1994)
1995 - 1999 Various bass players - Brian Erickson, Carl Linbloom, Todd Cardone,
      Neil Crabtree and a few other's.
* Time frames are approximate.

3. Am I Jesus

Compilation CD with other bands
Bob Volpe - drums
Don Volpe - guitar, vocals
Jeff Hulett - bass

In Memoriem
Brian D. Griffin
May 7, 1972 - July 17, 2000

I would like to take this moment, on a more serious note, to remember the first roadie, lightman and all 'round cool dude who was a part of those Rhodium years. Brian D. Griffin who passed on in the summer of 2000. He was an insparation, found often in Bob's lyrics. A friend and brother to each and every one of all those involved during the Rhodium years.

Before You Go Away

Young Boy