Frank Randall, Bob Ryu, and Mike Joo got the ball rolling early in 1985 when they recorded several songs on a four track recorder in a subterranean band room on campus. These primitive but memorable recordings included cover versions of "Surfer Joe", Aztec Camera's "Down the Dip", and the VGE's first original thrash rock song "Drivin' Down the Sidewalk of Your Love." GS Han, having returned from a year studying in Japan, joined the trio in the fall of 1985, and shortly thereafter the group became known as Van Gogh's Ear. Early influences were the Replacements, Husker Du, Soul Asylum, and other bands from Mike's hometown of Minneapolis.

Frank, Bob, and GS would all agree that being in Van Gogh's Ear (VGE) was the highlight of their senior year. Gigs could be recalled much more clearly than any classes or lectures. "We were friends first", recalls Bob when describing how well the group got along. In fact, as VGE matured, friendships grew much stronger. VGE began by playing mostly cover songs to small audiences. But within half a year, VGE was performing original tunes such as "Overwhelming Stench" and "Let's Go to Sri Lanka" in the manner of a confident pop punk garage band. Brian Moore, a high school buddy of GS, later joined VGE and helped to create a fuller sound. After graduating in 1986, Van Gogh's Ear reunited periodically, but less often as the years passed. Frank remained the most committed to honing his musical skills. In 1990, Frank formed the Sycamores with drummer Dave Downey in Minneapolis.

Over twenty years have passed and yet VGE manages to stay together. How can this be? For VGE it is simple: music and friendship are closely intertwined. In 1996, Frank sang at GS's wedding in Los Angeles. In 2002, Bob and GS returned the favor at Frank's wedding and jammed with the wedding band, Betty Drake. Though the simple college days have now been replaced by family life and work, VGE's music still continues to reconfirm and strengthen friendships. Music is the spark for creativity and will always be a great reason for getting together.