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
Art Tripp also played extensively with Zappa, while he worked as a studio musician recording with artists such as Al Stewart and various commercial producers. However, studio work proved to lack the allure of live performance and he once again lost interest in pursuing his career in music. After leaving music, Tripp became a chiropractor, and currently practices in Mississippi. Art Tripp Arthur Dyer Tripp III (born September 10, 1944) is a retired American musician who is best known for his work as a percussionist with Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention and Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band during the