Thundermug (band) became inactive, as of 1976. Band members then commenced various solo projects. Bill Durst joined a ZZ Top tribute band called Tres Hombres, and later was a member of The Brains, a band that released one album in 1980, on Falcon Records. Joe de Angelis became involved in production work, acting as assistant engineer on Meat Loaf's 1981 album, "Dead Ringer". In 1983, Durst released a solo album, "Call Billy", on Passport Records. Joe de Angelis contributed background vocals. In 1989, Durst released a cassette-only second solo album, "Father Earth", on the independent Cottage Records. At the initiative of former
Famous Maroon Band were thenceforth nicknamed the "Famous Forty". Later on in the 1930s a sportswriter referred to the band as the "Famous Maroon Band" and the name stuck. In the university's new Junction area outside Davis Wade Stadium, the Famous Maroon Band performs and cheers on the crowds and the team at Dawg Walk. The MSU Drumline also performs in exhibition in front of the Leo Seal M Club Centre two hours before kickoff. One hour before the game begins, the band parades through the Junction into Davis Wade Stadium. Before kickoff at Davis Wade Stadium, the band performs its annual pregame