The Thundermen - 1962

Members: (left to right) - Gerry Johnson, Mickey Lynnes, Rick Hoehn, and Art Hestiken.

This is the first version of The Thundermen. There was no vocals in this band, only instrumentals were played. Art Hestiken would later leave the group. He was replaced by new lead singer Al Fremstad, who had been away in the U.S. Army.                                                             
 

The Thundermen - 1962 - 1964

Members (left to right) - Gerry Johnson, Al Fremstad, Mickey Lynnes, and Rick Hoehn.

This version of The Thundermen is the classic line up that everyone remembers. They would later go on to record their hits "Money" and Flyin' High in 1963. "Money" would eventually go to number one on WAXX radio in the Chippewa Valley. The Thundermen would pack Fourniers Ballroom on Friday nights. The Thundermen also toured the midwest extensively after their record release. They traveled as far south as Kansas City, MO to as far north as Minot, ND. During this time period The Thundermen became hugely popular in the Eau Claire area, popularity that would remain until the present day.

Thundermen Poster - 1963

This is a poster of The Thundermen from the early 60's. The Volkswagon Minibus they used to travel in is also pictured. (How did they do it?) The band members still remember one particulary cold night in 1963 as they were driving home for Christmas from a gig in Aurora, IL. The VW Minibuses of that era did not have heaters. The Thundermen struggled to stay warm as they drove the 300 miles home to Eau Claire. Rick and Mickey recall sharing a blanket, while Al and Gerry suffered up in the front. They made it back though and played on!

Michael and the Marksmen/The Thundermen - 1964

Members: (left to right) - Dave Stanton, Rick Hoehn, Mickey Lynnes, and Mike Marx

The Thundermen broke up for awhile in 1964 because they did not want to tour anymore. Al and Gerry decided to get "real" jobs while Mickey and Rick joined the already established Marksmen. They performed together through 1964. Later that year however, Mickey and Mike reformed The Thundermen with Gerry and Al. The new Thundermen performed until June 30, 1965. On that date the townships of Hallie and Washington raised the legal drinking age to 21. That effectively closed The Hoot and The Ponderosa, two of the most popular venues The Thundermen played at. The band and the music would not be heard again until the 1980's.

Three Way Street - 1977

Members: (left to right) - Mickey Lynnes, Dave Engedal, John Trygstad

While The Thundermen took a hiatus through the 70's due to the changing music scene, past and future members of the Thundermen would play together in various area bands. Three Way Street was one such band which would eventually become the new Thundermen band of the 1990's.

 The Thundermen performing at Fanny Hill Supper Club in 1985.

The Thundermen - 1982

Members: (left to right) Gerry Johnson, Al Fremstad, Mickey Lynnes, Rick Hoehn

The classic line up reunited! After 18 years away from the music scene, The Thundermen returned with the four original members from 1962. Thunderman Gerry Johnson, who purchased the 5 O' Clock Club in Eau Claire, thought it would be a great idea for The Thundermen to play at his 4th of July pig roast. History was reborn! The reaction from the crowd was so great, that the band decided to bring the good old days of rock n' roll back to the Chippewa Valley. The Thundermen sparked a rebirth of 50's and 60's music in the area, which led them to go on a World Tour in 1985. They toured Europe, Asia, and the Subcontinent. Crowds from around the globe couldn't get enough of those classic songs. The 5 O' Clock Club in Eau Claire was packed everytime the band performed.

The Thundermen - 1991- 1996

Members: (left to right) - Dave Engedal, Mickey Lynnes, Al Fremstad, John Trygstad

By 1991, original members Gerry Johnson and Rick Hoehn had decided to leave the band. This made way for Dave Engedal and John Trygstad, both who had played with Mickey Lynnes in the 70's in the band Three Way Street. John brought a new dynamic to The Thundermen, keyboards. Dave brought with him new songs that the band had not played before. This new band lineup allowed The Thundermen to expand their playlist, to include more 60's and some 70's music. Fans approved of the "new" Thundermen and danced up a storm at local venues like Wagner's West and O' Leary's Pub.

 The Thundermen live at the Civic Center in Eau Claire for First Star Eve - December 31, 1998

The Thundermen - 1996 - 1999

Members: (left to right) - Dave Engedal, Mickey Lynnes, John Trygstad

The Thundermen continued to be a top band in the region through the 1990's. By 1995, however, Al Fremstad decided to hang up his mic. The band played on as a trio for the first time. The Thundermen played steadily as a trio for the next 4 years, impressing audiences with their wide variety of 50's, 60's, and 70's favorites. As a trio, more of the singing work was placed upon each member, again allowing for new songs to be added to the playlist.

                                      The Thundermen - 1999 - 2002  The Thundermen pose for a picture after playing at Festival In the Pines in Eau Claire, WI. - August, 2001

Members: (left to right) - Al Fremstad, John Trygstad, Mickey Lynnes, Kalvin Lester

Just when you thought the band line up wouldn't change, it did again in 1999! Dave Engedal decided to leave the band and the search was on to find someone to fill his shoes. Mickey and John wanted to go back to a four piece band and only one singer would fit, Al Fremstad. Al agreed immediately to rejoin the band for a third time (he really missed the music!) With a vocalist in place, they still needed a guitarist. The search did not last long as the band hired Kalvin Lester after listening to his guitar work. Kalvin fit the band perfectly with his rockabilly guitar style and love of the music. The fifth incarnation of The Thundermen was set and the band returned to it roots again playing good old 50's and 60's rock n' roll. They even won band of the year honors from Time magazine in 2000!

The Thundermen - 2002 - Present

Members: (left to right) - John Trygstad, Mickey Lynnes, Kalvin Lester

After several successful years as a 4 piece band, Al Fremstad finally decided to call it quits for good. He left the band in 2002, leaving behind an excellent legacy as being the voice of The Thundermen. For the second time, The Thundermen carried on as a trio, as they do to this day. The Thundermen again were forced to pick up the slack left by the departure of Al. Each member continued to learn and sing more songs. The band today plays a wide variety of songs from the 50's, 60's, and 70's but continue to stay true to their roots, playing that good ol' rock n' roll that made them the Chippewa Valley's most popular oldies band!