Deeply sadd
ened to learn that DonVan Vliet – Captain Beefheart – has died at the age of 69.
He was one of the true geniuses of rock.
All his albums are essential but Trout Mask Replica was his masterpiece and 41 years after it was released it remains as bewilderingly original and subversive as ever.
He was an artist who never compromised. He gave few interviews and preferred to let his work speak for itself.
He retired from music in 1982 when he felt he had no more to offer and devoted himself to his painting. After he made this decision there was never any hint that he might make a comeback, although he must have had many offers to do so.
His legacy will live on as a true inspiration for artists who strive to make music that means something more than massaging the ego or pandering to mainstream taste.
Photo of Beefheart by Anton Corbijn.
