Captain Beefheart & Frank Zappa
Don Van Vliet,
aka Captain Beefheart,
dead at 69
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Musician and artist
Don Van Vliet, who performed a complex brand
of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart,
died Friday. He was 69.
Van Vliet was probably best known
for the album "Trout Mask Replica,"
which was released in 1969
by Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band.
The album's angular, dissonant take on blues rock
and Van Vliet's growling, surreal lyrics
put him outside the mainstream,
but staked his place in rock history.
Rolling Stone magazine recently ranked "Trout Mask Replica"
number 58 on its list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
The album was produced by fellow experimental rock pioneer
Frank Zappa, a high school friend from the desert town of Lancaster,
Calif.
By shunning commercial success and a more accessible sound,
Van Vliet became a role model for subsequent generations of musicians.
His music is cited as an influence on the rise of punk, post-punk
and new wave.
Beefheart is also claimed as a kindred spirit by free jazz musicians
and avant-garde classical composers.
In the 1980s, Van Vliet turned full-time to art.
He painted in a raw, expressionistic style and showed
his acclaimed work widely even as he withdrew from the public eye.
He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Related article
- Hollywood Reporter - 3 hours ago
Bummer, I'm starting to feel old now.
ReplyDeleteI just listen...Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBest regards from Romania!
i am so out of the loop...i need to look up this album...
ReplyDeletegreetings... sorry, i never heard of him bfore till now..
ReplyDeleteI feel old now too...sorry to hear about his death.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that, although I wasn't really strongly into his music.
ReplyDeleteJust went to read about Captain Beefheart, lost of an artist ...
ReplyDeleteWere captain beefheart and frank zappa mentally ill...? Or was it just the 1960s. Speaks for itself really.
ReplyDeleteWell you're lucky living in Hawaii. Have you seen that Luminous Tomato Soup volcano explode?
I would make a pathetic pun along the lines of me in London, you iln Hawaii and how London is Cloudier than Hawaii... wah waaargghhhhh.
Enough.
Have a cheery weekend now ;-)
can't even spell Hawaii right now, can I?
ReplyDeletei've got no reading glasses and i badly need 'em. that's me excuse
right i'm off
At least he left a bit behind. He is well resting now.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't inot his music, still he was an innovative artist. Sorry for his death.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of him or his music.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of him but 69 is no age these days is it? :(
ReplyDeleteHe carried a strong influence on my turning toward jazz, and still liking the kicking rock and roll his buddy Frank put out. I remember a favorite lyric, "Drinking hot coffee from an old crimped up can, me amd my dog, Limbo , Bimbo and Spam."
ReplyDeleteToday, with all these cancer illness.
ReplyDeleteIt is still OK reaching the age of
69...
I didn't know him either!
Greetings.
Monika
Incredible artist. How sad to learn he is gone at such a young age.
ReplyDeleteOh no, so ends The Muffin Man. Drat.
ReplyDeleteThe death of Captain Beefheart a true pioneer in the music industry is sad loss indeed. R.I.P.
ReplyDeleteAs I don't watch any TV for the last six years now, I thank you for keeping me in touch with life.
ReplyDeleteGreat music, I did not hear before. Please have a good Sunday you all.
daily athens
Oh my, too young to die! Didn't have a clue about his importance. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. I was little when Trout Mask was released, so I will try very hard to avoid feeling old! But I did have a brother 6 years older who dug good music. RIP Captain Beefheart.
ReplyDeleteHi Cloudia! So long ago I've heard about Captain... Life is dangerous...
ReplyDeleteBlogtrotter Two is moving south on the Nile: water, greenery and desert… Enjoy and have a great week!
Feeling old here in Seattle. oh well! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteFeeling old here in Seattle. oh well! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteAhhh- The "Mother" of Invention...Zappa was a staple in the dorm in 71-72, now Capt Beefheart eluded me. How I do not know! But me like a lot!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and
Hugs from SC,
John
Luv you guys, thanks!
ReplyDeleteHey, I am checking this blog using the phone and this appears to be kind of odd. Thought you'd wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless, did not mess that up.
ReplyDelete- David