Rustix
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 |
| Headquarters | Rochester, New York , United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Rustix (also known as The Rustix) was an American group specializing in R&B and blue-eyed soul, originating from Rochester, New York.
Career
Formed in 1967, Rustix became one of the pioneering all-white bands to sign with a Motown subsidiary, Rare Earth Records. Notably, they were the first white act on a Motown label to record without the involvement of outside musicians such as The Funk Brothers. At the time of their contract, Rare Earth Records had yet to be officially named.
Prior to their association with Rare Earth, the band released a single under Cadet Records.
Rustix built a strong regional following throughout upstate New York, sharing stages with prominent artists like Jimi Hendrix and Soft Machine. Their significant tracks include "Can't You Hear the Music Play" from their 1969 album Bedlam and the title track "Come On People" from their 1970 release. The album Bedlam managed to reach number 200 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Their second album, Come On People, was produced by R. Dean Taylor and released in 1970. Although a third album was recorded in 1971, it was never issued as the band dissolved later that year. Afterward, Chuck Brucato and Al Galich recorded two tracks under the Rustix name—"We All End Up in Boxes" and "My Peace of Heaven"—with backing from the Funk Brothers; these were both released in 1971 along with an unreleased track from their second album sessions titled "Down Down."
On April 24, 2016, Rustix was honored with induction into the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. Surviving members reunited for this occasion and performed alongside Prime Time Funk members.
Members
- Chuck Brucato – vocals
- Ron Collins – bass
- David Colon – drums
- Bob D'Andrea (deceased) – guitar
- Vinnie Strenk – Hammond B3 organ
- Al Galich (deceased) – lead vocals
Albums
- Bedlam (Rare Earth Records, 1969) (peaked at No. 200 on the Billboard Top LPs)
- Come On People (Rare Earth, 1970)
Singles
- "Leaving Here" b/w "When I Get Home" (Cadet Records, 1968)
- "Can't You Hear the Music Play" b/w "I Guess This Is Goodbye" (Rare Earth, 1969)
- "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" b/w "I Guess This Is Goodbye" (Rare Earth, 1969) (released outside the U.S.)
- "Come On People" b/w "Free Again (Non C'est Rien)" (Rare Earth, 1970)
- "We All End Up in Boxes" b/w "Down Down" (Rare Earth, 1971)
- "My Piece of Heaven" b/w "Down Down" (Rare Earth, 1971)