Following the demise of TESLA bassist Brian Wheat joined forces with UFO 'Misdemeanor' era guitarist Tommy McClendon ('Atomik Tommy M') to create SOULMOTOR, a soulful, Bluesy Hard Rock band. Until the formation of SOULMOTOR post UFO McClendon's profile had been kept very low, only really stepping out of the shadows to guest on the 1998 TOMMY TUTONE album 'Rich Text Files'. The six stringer was also active with Christian Progressive Metal band REBEL'S MOTHER.

The 1999 eponymous album saw Mike Vanderhule, previously credited on MICHAEL LEE FIRKINS 'Cactus Cruz' record, on drums.

TESLA reformed in 2000 naturally taking Wheat with them. However, in spite of TESLA's renewed work load SOULMOTOR would return in April of 2002 touting a new album for Sanctuary Records 'Revolution Wheel'. TESLA's Troy Lucketta would deputise on the drum stool.

Ex-SOULMOTOR drummer Mike Vanderhule joined Y&T in June 2006.