goodnight sweet captain

Sad news that Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart has passed away at the age of 69.

Don had been a bit of a recluse for the last couple of decades, preferring to stay in the desert and concentrate on his painting - rather than the gloriously idiosyncratic take on the blues which brought him to the world's attention.

During his time in the wilderness there were loads of rumours that he had MS, rumours which are confirmed now.

Here's some prime live Beefheart from 1973 - I've always loved the way the musicians are physically FEELING this weird skewiff beat.

Read a nice tribute from The Guardian

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Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart, 1941-2010