Captain Beefheart has passed away at the age of 69 of complications from multiple sclerosis. He has left a body of work which will be consumed for decades to come.
There are a few pioneering and amazingly creative people whose work influences swathes of other other artists, either consciously or subconsciously. Captain Beefheart, real name Don Van Vliet, was one such person.
Van Vliet was a visual artist and musician best known for heading up The Magic Band, an ensemble group of musicians with members coming and going while they were active between 1965 and 1982.
He retired from music after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but continued to produce artwork which was universally acclaimed. This is one person whose passing means someone unique has departed the world.
