Avant-garde musician and visual artist Don Van Vliet, who performed under the name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69.

Van Vliet died of complications from multiple sclerosis at a hospital in Northern California, it was reported.

It's been quite a year.

R.I.P. Beefheart

Such a sad loss, I've been playing Beefheart all weekend.

Here's one for you, Garry

http://thequietus.com/articles/05474-roc...assic-interview

The Captain and his Magic band were a major influence on Robin and I. RIP Captain Beefheart, AjantaMusic salutes you!

Many thanks Martin - that's a wonderful portrait of the man.

If anyone ever wanted to know or understand what the fuss is about, start here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M5YE_a4B1U

It's a wonderful documentary from the mid 90s narrated by John Peel.

A sad loss indeed, a unique artist. Have not been feeling well enough to play anything in tribute yet (it is not the best headache music!) but I may well spin some Blue Jeans and Moonbeams at the weekend. Thanks for the links guys.