Don Van Vliet, aka Captain Beefheart, dead at 69

[December 18, 2010]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Musician and artist Don Van Vliet, who performed a complex brand of experimental rock under the name Captain Beefheart, has died. He was 69.

The Michael Werner Gallery in New York confirmed Van Vliet's death Friday 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 its surreal lyrics put Van Vliet outside the mainstream, but staked his place in rock history.

In the 1980s, Van Vliet turned full-time to drawing and painting. He is survived by his wife of more than 40 years.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.