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Don "Captain Beefheart" Van Vliet
Don "Captain Beefheart" Van Vliet
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Don Van Vliet Obituary
The Michael Werner Gallery in New York confirmed Van Vliet's death in California due to complications stemming from multiple sclerosis. The gallery exhibits his paintings.
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.
"Record producers have always been certain that Don Vliet was just a hype away from the big money," according to a 1970 profile in Rolling Stone. "But Beefheart stubbornly continues what he's doing and waits patiently for everyone else to come around."
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
196 Entries
martin paul smith
February 3, 2025
I am English & a birthday present in 1985 was to go and see the exhibition in London - from Cheshire...sadly and much to my chagrin, my friend Rollo - ian rawlinson - had met him the previous day at the gallerty...aaaaargghh! Any way, I love the music , think the musicians are not thought of as much as they should be and woiuld love t see don's poetry published...a big influence...saw him on the last tour at York Uni....front row and you can hear me on the bootleg!
Nils C. Boberg. (fan)
April 29, 2024
I am still very sad. Nils C.
Martin Miron (fan)
January 22, 2024
Sometimes you don't know what you have 'til it's gone. R.I.P.
Lee Roden
June 11, 2020
A great thinker, a great writer, a great musician, a great inspiration, and above all, a great captain. Thanks from this 30 year old for still making people think.
How you can show support
Taye Y.
June 25, 2019
My smile is no longer stuck, and i must return to my frownland. Thanks for keeping the blues alive, Don.
Alicia Simonds
January 6, 2019
You made me feel alive. Thank you, my captain.
K B
November 22, 2018
Thanks for loaning me your tape recorder, Don
Mark Silva
May 29, 2017
May your Bulbs always be Fast, Sweet and Bulbous
Mark Silva
Ty Hitzemann
May 28, 2017
Finally got to make the pilgrimage to the coast, and see your house and little town. What a great area for fostering your art. Peaceful. Thank for everything. Thanks for being you.
Noreen Laub
May 9, 2016
Noreen ( Reeder ) Laub, I was the first President of your fan club in 1966. Don was a very talented man in many ways he could write a song and sing it he was a good artist, he was well known for his music and his art. You will be greatly missed by the world. RIP Don.
Johanne
January 15, 2016
John 17:3 , 'To have everlasting life we must learn to know God and whom He has sent Jesus Christ '. God wants all of us to live forever.
Michele Saint Thomas
September 22, 2014
I was graced by your performances from Eastown - Detroit to The Golden Bear - HB. Your talent and memory are with us always. The earth was blessed by your presence.
yuli alicia giuliano
September 4, 2014
My face is covered in tears.... big, fat tears.
Deep in my heart, your music is imprinted for ever. and still remember how I would float while I was dancing in a trance I thought you'll live for ever and ever my heart is broken .....While I dance in a dream with you for ever. Yuli Alicia.UK
May 2, 2014
Paul Abco
May 1, 2014
First heard you in 1970. Saw you in concert,'74 and '81. Wonderful memories. (A few photos on Deviantart, under abco2.)
Graham Manuel
April 13, 2014
Woe-is-ah-me-bop. I am sufferin' with the worstest of curses.Don, you were the best. RIP
Jeroen Machiels
December 4, 2013
I don't have words, you had them.
Thanks.
jon entropy
January 20, 2013
i have ears and ive listened. Thanks for the putting the secret of life out in one line..its up to us to choose the route there..
see you when i die, but not for a while thanks to you
genius.
ONE OF A KIND AND REDEFINER OF MUSIC ART AND LIFE
HAIL ERIS AND SHIVA FOR IT ALL
JON ENTROPY
"i may be hungry but i sure aint weird"
-don van vilet
written in yer hometown Lancaster,ca 1/2013
Indiana Underwood
June 24, 2012
Now him and Zappa can jam for eternity!
D. Howerth
April 26, 2011
Light floats down day river on a red raft of blood, night blocks out the heavens like a big black shiny bug... It's a hard place that I'm living, but I'm doing well well. Des Howerth, Portland, Or. (503) 926-1061
glenn drury
February 23, 2011
goodbye don,thank you,sleep tight
John Russell
February 15, 2011
I saw Capt. Beefheart twice in Denver, at Marvelous Marvs small club - poor tech support, Clear Spot had just come out. At the end of the set Zoot Horn Rollo hopped around with his double guitar and knocked down the mic stands. Of Don's many memorable songs/poetry I remember best "Big-Eyed Beans from Venus" (oh my oh my). I'm just so shocked to hear of his passing, and want his family to know his music has lasted all these years, rattling around in my memory as I survey the deserts. What a great performer and sage!
Karen Dawson-Kingston
February 14, 2011
We met in Lancaster 1965...united by friendship, music, Frank Zappa, and Abba Zaba candy. The young deep spirit in your eyes sang with exuberance to us all. My heart goes out to Jan's loss because I know Don was looking for her years before he met her.
Rich Beefheart
February 13, 2011
After the first time I heard your music, You changed the way I listened to music for the rest of my life. R.I.P.
Jim Peacock
February 1, 2011
Don the world has lost a wonderful guy. You made so many of my mates laugh and wonder, in your own quiet, graceful and unique way. May you live on for eternity. Love Jim
phil kellogg
January 16, 2011
Don, you changed my life for the better. While you always honored the past, you also gave us a whole heap of new things to enjoy and contemplate.
My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of this wonderful man who gave us so much; thank you for letting us borrow his genius over the years.
- phil
Hugh Govan
January 15, 2011
Dear Don, thank you for giving us your time in music, art, wit and humour. Heartfelt condolences to family, friends and fans. May your candle mambo burn long and loud!
Thomas van den Reydt
January 15, 2011
* imagining the service for Don
a cemetary on a hill sloped towards the ocean with the desert in its' back
crows kawing in the cacti, breaking the desert silence - the ether overflowing
with grey whales singing their drawn-out laments to our Captain
echoing those long strains exhaled, expelled from his soprano
unencumbered by knowledge, technique or analysis
Jan stands next to the casket - upright yet defeated -
a smile - a rumbling of a smile around her eyes
her mouth clenched shut, yet speaking volumes
through her demeanour, her body conferring what her mind resists
to admit: that her love is gone, for better, for good
Charles Woodgate
January 15, 2011
My condolences to Don’s family and friends, and commiserations with fellow fans.
The Captain’s oh so unique music has been an exciting and integral part of my life for over 40 years, and will remain so. It will enrich the minds of countless future generations – at least those with the ears to listen.
a modest tribute
Jeff Economy
January 15, 2011
Don's art expanded my understanding of music, as well as the natural world, and made me feel less alone in the universe. I can't begin to imagine how much duller the world would look had he not walked, worked, and played in it. Since I never got to thank him him in person, I just wanted to say it here.
May your final journey be peaceful, Good Captain.
Jos van den Branden
January 14, 2011
Thank you, captain van Vliet, you are one of those who gave me a wide horizon in a narrow-minded world, Jos van den Branden, breskens netherlands
Christiaan Breur
January 14, 2011
Christiaan Breur
January 14, 2011
Christiaan Breur
January 14, 2011
O Captain my Captain! our wonderful trip is done...
To Mr. Don van Vliet,
Thank you soo much for jump starting my brain waves and unclogging my ears after listening for so many years to the same crappy & dull music that we are being forced to listen to on the radio.
Fun anecdote:
I heard your music first while listening to the radio :)
Thank you for being yourself (genius), the unique music, paintings, poems and passion!
You were a living art form.
The Captain is dead, long live The Captain!
Mike Barnes
January 14, 2011
You said in 1980, regarding your visionary music,"Fifty years from now you'll wish you'd gone 'Wow!'"
But many have been saying that all along and many more will continue to do so, as there was nothing like it before and there will be nothing like it ever again.
And that most definitely warrants a "Wow!".
Thank you. Rest in peace.
Arild
January 14, 2011
You were a genius. You opened my ears & my mind. Peace, Captain!
Bobby Schayer
January 14, 2011
Cheers Don!
Leo Van Vliet
January 1, 2011
Captain Don - the musician's musician !
Aye Captain - smooth sailing..................
Colonel Pony
December 29, 2010
Today is my birthday ... and to start the day I start I'm booglarize you on you tube ... Unfortunately, I learn of the death of one of my latest heroes ... After Bo Diddley, Lux Interior ... All the crows are eating ice cream today and You will remain forever in my heart Captain '...
Richard Philpott
December 27, 2010
As a matter of course, history shall reveal what true greatness we were blessed to have been exposed to. Long Live Doctor Don ! Love , R.Philpott , Arnold, Ca.
catherine shepherd
December 25, 2010
I saw Don for the first time at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, we hired a coach from Sheffield and couldn't believe we were experiencing Beefheart, he left us breathless and begging for more and ever since has become an icon. My husband Pat revealed him to me and many people in Sheffield and his music, art and poetry will always be close to my heart, miss you, happy love song, gonna booglarize you baby and you're safe as milk, God Bless you and keep your family
Brian Best
December 25, 2010
The stars are matter we are matter but it doesn't matter. Thank you and Jan for being with us and John Peel for introducing you to us. God bless you all.
Keith Williamson
December 25, 2010
Mr Vliet, your music is a blue million miles, rest in peace.
rick caldwell
December 24, 2010
from the very first time I heard van vliets music I fell in love with it, that was 1970, the love for his music and art really has grown for me, guess it always will, love over gold. rick caldwell fairfield ohio
December 24, 2010
The quality of my life was improved to have his music as a companion, and his creative tenacity unfettered by an influence has continually been an inspiration to me. I wish I could have just sat with him one time.
debbie paris
December 24, 2010
To the Family and friends of van vliet.I am sorry for your lose and hope that you will have the strenght and comfort to endure such a difficult time in your lives. May you know that our"Almight Father is close to all those broken at heart and those who are crushed in spirit he saves". Psalm 34:18 because he is the God of comfort for all those who are mourning.
ED KALEY
December 23, 2010
JUST A BIG THANK YOU TO A VERY GIFTED AND FUNNY MAN.
ONDOLENCES TO HIS WIFE JAN
R.I.P DON VAN VLIET
Sakari K.
December 23, 2010
Rest In Peace, Captain, the greatest musician and artist ever. Your music has inspired me a lot.
clive naylor
December 23, 2010
Dear Jan.Please accept my deepest sympathy.You have lost a fine man.What a sense of humour!
Billy G
December 22, 2010
There never was and never will be another Beefheart.
Thank You.
christopher wishart
December 22, 2010
Thank You. You made me the man I am today. As I am, Thanks. C Wishart ( Art Graduate Scotland )
BubbaBlues
December 22, 2010
"I'm gonna booglarize ya" A sad day indeed for the world of music. Beefheart will always hold a place in my heart.
Maxim Griffin
December 22, 2010
A Great World Artist
T Smith
December 22, 2010
Thank you Captain for your gift of music and art. Wish I had a lighter to hold up!
Siesta Key Lei Stanhope
December 22, 2010
Don, thanks for your vision and soundscapes. Trout Mask Replica rocked my world. Your contribution has been immense. Jan and family, my deepest condolences
Smalltown Rivers
December 22, 2010
I love you ya big dummy.
Quit askin' why.
M
December 22, 2010
We loved you greatly, Don and will miss you forever and always. Love to Jan and distant cousins everywhere.
Love Over Gold.
December 21, 2010
I wish I had a pair of bongos! One of the greatest vocalists/poets of our time. You will be missed.
Doug Woycechowsky
December 21, 2010
My condolences, Jan. Don was the greatest.
Al Leifer
December 21, 2010
Dear Jan,
My deepest sympathy to you. I had great respect for Don. Society has lost a very creative unique person.
Amy Hale-Wiggins
December 21, 2010
You were so loved.
December 21, 2010
THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR GENIUS!! JUST TAKE THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO DIDDY WAH DIDDY!!! ---- BUTCH MAXSE D.H.S.,CA.
dave robbins
December 21, 2010
may the almighty watch over you and your family
Zercon
December 21, 2010
"Sam was a showing scalp flat top particular about the point it made"
Johny Blood
December 21, 2010
I hope that knowing how many people were touched by Don's music and art can provide some comfort at this time. His music certainly changed my life.
Jim Savoy
December 21, 2010
Nowadays a woman's gotta hit a man .
Just to let him know she's there.
"Long Neck Bottles"
m dwight
December 20, 2010
thannks for the light you brought us. you left this world better than you found it
Doug Horvath
December 20, 2010
Loved your music and concerts as a teenager growing up in Lancaster in the 60's. You were a genius ahead of your time whose music influenced me. RIP from one musician to another..
manmead
December 20, 2010
Thank you for all you gave.
The world empties a little more.
Love & Peace
John Patrick
December 20, 2010
For his true love Jan
My hat is at half chest.
Jeff Stubler
December 20, 2010
Your music will always be full of "Electricity" to me.Loved seeing you in D.C. in 1979,I will enjoy your sound forever.The blimp momma the blimp!Say hello to Frank for me.
Boz Bender
December 20, 2010
Fallin' ditch ain't gonna get my bones
King Diamond
December 20, 2010
He dun zipped up his guitar.
Jocko Batz
December 20, 2010
Once you finnnddd ouuuutt the circumstances.
Then you'd better go out ,OhOhhOhhooo Yeahhh.
Jim Savoy
December 20, 2010
Alice in Blunderland.
Jim Savoy
December 20, 2010
Fast goes fast........
And slow goes slow,
C'mon now and do the slow yo-yo-yo-yo!
Smalltown Rivers
December 20, 2010
The REAL "Teflon Don".
Brian Sheldon
December 20, 2010
There will never be another like you! I feel fortunate to have heard and enjoyed your music.
Robert Lyons
December 20, 2010
Dear Captain, listened to you, loved you, will surely miss you.
M`Victoria VZj
December 20, 2010
At this time
Of sorrow do
not ever weep
From my Death
I did not die
Im here within a
heavens Spiritual
light~
Enjoy the
mystical Adventure
so long friend@
December 20, 2010
Hey Captain RIP. You gave us a vision and great music, thank you
December 20, 2010
An icy blast from Winterland
The night before the Golden Birdies
Had proven to be mere brass
In seventy-five or thereabouts
Drove my Captain (O my Captain)
To the rim of the Sunset
There along the Great Highway.
We met Our Captain there
My three best friends, Bob Ray Ed and I
And with him briefly watched the Doo Dads fly
Across the red gold purple sky
Though at the last
This did require a squinting eye
And very soon we said goodbye.
And so goodbye again, my Captain
But O heart! heart! heart!
Rich Jones in exile
Reno, NV
Smalltown Rivers
December 20, 2010
Two trains.
Two railroad tracks.
Rest in peace.
Mark Huddleson
December 20, 2010
The Captain was huge in my life from a young age. He will be sorely missed.
He will live on in his marvelous body of work.
Jet Ed
December 20, 2010
While my peers were listening to mainstream music I was fortunate enough to be exposed to "Trout Mask Replica", and the like, at a young age. Thank God for that, and thank you Captain!
pete ulicny
December 20, 2010
you are a hero
December 20, 2010
Brilliant musicians, there's a limited supply. We're down to the dozens, and this is why. R.I.P. Don....say hi to Dad for me. '
Jeremy Y. (PA)
Sam Smyth
December 20, 2010
Even though i knew i would never meet him or know him in real life, i felt as though i did through experiencing his music and his art. He put his heart and soul into all that he created - that is why he will last forever. Rest in peace, wonderful man.
Jim Savoy
December 20, 2010
II've always felt blessed to have his music/art in my life.
Got to meet him once.
Maybe again some day.
Love ya' Captain.Woe-is-a me- bop.
I like the way the doo-dads fly.
Jim"Smalltown Rivers" Savoy
dan marshock
December 20, 2010
now its time for him to entertain those in heaven rest in peace
Cynthia McClellan
December 20, 2010
RIP Don... I will bask in your moonbeams and crank you up LOUD tonight....
paul Schneider
December 20, 2010
Don will be missed just knowing he was stll on earth creating art made me feel safe on this shaky plant.He looked at things at their simplist form.I got a big pain in my window.Very creative Man.RIP my friend Paul Schneider Boca Raton Fl
millard R
December 20, 2010
i was a fan. R I P
Monty Mack
December 20, 2010
God Bless you Don!
Edgar Loesel
December 20, 2010
Oh Captain, my Captain!
Zappa and Captain Beefheart should replace Castor on Pollux in the constellation Gemini!
"The moon was ah drip on ah dark hood
The moon was ah drip on ah dark hood
'N they were drivin' around 'n around
Tush tush
...Bogota boogie
Tush tush
Bogota boogie around...
December 19, 2010
"A squid eating dough in a polyethelene bag is fast and bulbous, got me?" Your genius lives on!
rob wooten
December 19, 2010
i loved Don's artwork and music for many years and was very influenced by it. I cried like a baby when i heard the new; i can only imagine how you all feel.
much love
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