Don Van Vliet, aka 'Captain Beefheart', dies aged 69

Don Van Vliet, aka 'Captain Beefheart', dies aged 69
Captain Beefheart Beefheart's distinctive growl fronted an influential avant-garde rock band
Continue reading the main story
Related stories

* Obituary: Captain Beefheart
* Captain Beefheart: Your memories

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

Van Vliet's death in California, from complications from multiple sclerosis, was announced by the Michael Werner Gallery in New York.

Van Vliet was "one of the most original recording artists of his time", the gallery said in a statement.

He rose to fame in the 1960s with a unique style of blues-inspired rock & roll, later devoting himself to art.

Artists including Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The White Stripes are among those who have cited him as an influence.
'Experimental rock & roll'

"Don Van Vliet was a complex and influential figure in the visual and performing arts," the gallery said in a statement.
Trout Mask Replica album Trout Mask Replica is considered his masterpiece

"He is perhaps best known as the incomparable Captain Beefheart who, together with his Magic Band, rose to prominence in the 1960s with a totally unique style of blues-inspired, experimental rock & roll."

"This would ultimately secure Van Vliet's place in music history as one of the most original recording artists of his time. After two decades in the spotlight as an avant-garde composer and performer, Van Vliet retired from performing to devote himself wholeheartedly to painting and drawing."

"Like his music, Van Vliet's lush paintings are the product of a truly rare and unique vision."

Van Vliet combined peculiar tones with music that drew on blues, jazz, psychedelia and a barrage of other genres.

The musician recorded under the name of Captain Beefheart with members of the Magic Band through 1982.

Captain Beefheart's first two releases with the Magic Band received positive reviews from music connoisseurs but did not connect with the wider public.

But he soon began a close creative relationship with Frank Zappa, a former high school classmate, who helped him forge his way toward redefining popular music.

In recent years, Van Vliet devoted himself to painting and drawing.

A painting by the musician was on sale at the Michael Werner Gallery earlier this month at a price of $40,000 (£26,000).

Van Vliet is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Jan Van Vliet.





__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Park Lane Escorts
London Escorts

live sex
how to last longer in bed naturally

Jack Wilshere England display impresses Fabio Capello


Wilshere (centre) had a solid first half before he was withdrawn at the break
England boss Fabio Capello praised Jack Wilshere after the youngster's full debut in the 2-1 win in Denmark.
Arsenal's Wilshere, 19, partnered Frank Lampard in midfield for the first half of the friendly before being taken off at the interval with the score at 1-1.
"He played very well. He played with confidence, passed a lot of good balls and won back possession," Capello said.
"It's not easy for a player so young on a [full] debut to play at this level. It was a good performance."
Wilshere, making his first start for England, said on Thursday that he would "treasure [the match shirt] forever".
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger scored an early opener for the Danes prior to Aston Villa's Darren Bent levelling proceedings with a simple tap-in for the equaliser.

Ashley Young replaced Manchester United's Wayne Rooney for the second half and scored England's winner, playing in the hole behind the striker and club-mate Bent.
"He [Young] played in the same position as he does with Aston Villa. He played with confidence in this position because he is free," Capello added.
"All the players did well. It is not easy to play here and win."
Capello was relieved after the game that none of the players sustained any injuries, with a full Premier League programme this weekend and the Champions League resuming next week.

PHIL MCNULTY'S BLOG
Jack Wilshere can take much from his own performance, showing confidence and a full range of passing, despite playing a role unsuited to his progressive box-to-box approach
"No-one is injured and that is important for the clubs," the Italian commented. "I'm happy for the performance of the players. The players worked really hard and with team spirit, which is really important."
Wilshere, who was overlooked for the November defeat against France, said he would cherish his first national start
"It was just good to be out there," the teenager stated. "To play with the players who were on show was just brilliant. I'm delighted and it's good to get off to a winning start on my debut.
"Obviously, it is a big game for your country but I think the main thing was for me to go out and play my game. Hopefully, I showed that.

"I was a little bit nervous before the game but the lads were great. I'm delighted with my performance.
"I knew I would only play 45 minutes. It was a great experience and hopefully I can get more. At half-time I was desperate to get out but the boss said 'you have got some big games coming up for your club'.
"Playing with Rooney and Lampard was great and I'm going to treasure that forever."
Bent was delighted to follow up his first goal for his country against Switzerland in the Euro 2012 qualifier in September with the equaliser in Copenhagen and hoped it would lead to a regular spot in Capello's future teams.


Click to play
Click to play
Lampard happy to return to winning ways

"I was happy to get 90 minutes. Fabio felt it was right to start me and I managed to get a goal and was happy with the performance," reflected Bent, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Sunday.
"My club form has been good and, since I've gone to Aston Villa, everything has gone right. I can put a marker down in terms of a regular place but there are a lot of good English striker around.
"It was only a couple of games ago that Jermain Defoe got a hat-trick [against Bulgaria] so there is big competition. But, as long as I can keep going, keep my club form up and keep trying to put in performances when I'm picked for England, then anything is possible."

It is very interesting for me to read that article. Thanks for it. I like such topics and anything that is connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.London Escort Agencies
Swingers

"It was only a couple of games ago that Jermain Defoe got a hat-trick [against Bulgaria] so there is big competition. But, as long as I can keep going, keep my club form up and keep trying to put in performances when I'm picked for England, then anything is possible."

penis enlargement pills
London Escort Agency

"It was only a couple of games ago that Jermain Defoe got a hat-trick [against Bulgaria] so there is big competition. But, as long as I can keep going, keep my club form up and keep trying to put in performances when I'm picked for England, then anything is possible."

Kensington Escorts
tenga egg

Wilshere (centre) had a solid first half before he was withdrawn at the break
England boss Fabio Capello praised Jack Wilshere after the youngster's full debut in the 2-1 win in Denmark.
Arsenal's Wilshere, 19, partnered Frank Lampard in midfield for the first half of the friendly before being taken off at the interval with the score at 1-1.
"He played very well. He played with confidence, passed a lot of good balls and won back possession," Capello said.
"It's not easy for a player so young on a [full] debut to play at this level. It was a good performance."
Wilshere, making his first start for England, said on Thursday that he would "treasure [the match shirt] forever".
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger scored an early opener for the Danes prior to Aston Villa's Darren Bent levelling proceedings with a simple tap-in for the equaliser.

fsfbswvfguqwefuiwfgiuwafgvqugrqvuigquiwdvquivwdgiqgdiqovgdvqowoqiwheoiqvw