Record label Rhino recognized their role in the Los Angeles music scene by including their version of "La Bamba" on "We're Desperate: The L.A.

The label would issue a few other releases, including the Plugz' second album Better Luck (1981) and "Attitudes" (1980), the debut EP by East Los Angeles punk band The Brat (produced by Larriva).

Larriva and the Cruzados were both briefly featured in the film Road House, starring Patrick Swayze and Sam Elliott.

Tito & Tarantula began in 1992 when Larriva and lead guitarist Peter Atanasoff would perform in bars and cafes with friends every week.

In 1996, Tito and Tarantula continue their relationship with Rodriguez, appearing in the film, soundtrack, and score, for From Dusk Till Dawn.

Psychotic Aztecs, composed of Larriva on vocals, Oingo Boingo's rhythm section (John Avila on bass, Johnny "Vatos" Hernandez on drums) and Steven Hufsteter on guitar, began as a recording session for Grita!

[6] He has gone on to play notable supporting roles in big-budget films like Born in East L.A., Road House, Boys on the Side, Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

The original soundtrack album, however, only featured Talking Heads' cover of the song; Larriva's version, performed with Esteban "Steve" Jordan, was not released until sometime later.

Larriva features on the soundtrack album to the 2000 film The Million Dollar Hotel, written by Bono and directed by Wim Wenders.