Captain Beefheart, may you rest in peace.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40725704/ ... rtainment/

Sad day. - ed

Agreed, sad day, RIP

Another truly innovative composer gone. Shame. May he rest in peace.

Definitely one of the most unique musicians I ever saw.

[youtube]WLdRh7qdi_g[/youtube]

Never again will somebody be able to compose like mr Van Vliet. RIP

Funny story--
I saw him play way back in the early '70s in LA. It was some kind of charity fundraising event--I can't remember what for, but these kinds of events sometimes combine different acts that would never normally play on the same bill. I have no recollection of who else played but I was only there to see Capt. Beefheart. Obviously many there had no idea who he was and what they were in for.
Within minutes of his opening song there was literally a mass exodus--scores of audience members streaming down the isles -- couldn't get out there fast enough.

I remember the Captain making a comment to the effect of "I know I'm doing good when they leave".

Fantastic story and great, great video. Thanks so much! - ed

Sad newa indeed. We first saw beefheart in the mid 70's at an outdoor concert at the WACA Ground here in Perth where he was sandwiched between the original and best (pre Neil Finn) Split Enz and Frank Zappa. Awesome night and we became instant fans.
It's sobering just how many of the artists we grew up with are no longer with us.
Robbie