Don Van Vliet, aka Captain Beefheart, dies aged 69

American musician and painter Don Van Vliet, best known by the stage name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69.

«Trout Mask Replica» is considered Beefhearts masterpiece.

Photo: Jean-Luc / Wikipedia

Don Van Vliet (January 15, 1941 – December 17, 2010) was an American musician and visual artist best known by the stage name Captain Beefheart.

His musical work was conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians he called The Magic Band, active between 1965 and 1982, with whom he recorded 12 studio albums.

Combining elements of free jazz, blues and rock, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band produced what is commonly regarded by critics and fans as one of rock’s few truly original bodies of work.

Don Van Vliet retired from the music industry after 1982’s «Ice Cream For Crow» album to concentrate on his primary love – paint.

«Here at the Radar Station we aim to document every twist and turn in the tale of this unique individual» (Website Radar Station).

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21voUGVzym4&feature=related

More:

http://www.beefheart.com/

http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Beefheart

© Van Vliet

When She Dropped The Flower, 1969

Acryl, pastel on window screen

157 x 55.5cm / 61.75 x 21.75 inches