American musician and painter Don Van Vliet, best known by the stage name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69.

Van Vliet's death in California, from complications from multiple sclerosis, was announced by the Michael Werner Gallery in New York.

Van Vliet was "one of the most original recording artists of his time", the gallery said in a statement.

He rose to fame in the 1960s with a unique style of blues-inspired rock & roll, later devoting himself to art.

Artists like Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The White Stripes are among those who have cited him as an influence.

"Don Van Vliet was a complex and influential figure in the visual and performing arts," the gallery said in a statement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news...a-12024652

andykeen said:

American musician and painter Don Van Vliet, best known by the stage name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69.

Van Vliet's death in California, from complications from multiple sclerosis, was announced by the Michael Werner Gallery in New York.

Van Vliet was "one of the most original recording artists of his time", the gallery said in a statement.

He rose to fame in the 1960s with a unique style of blues-inspired rock & roll, later devoting himself to art.

Artists like Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Franz Ferdinand, Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and The White Stripes are among those who have cited him as an influence.

"Don Van Vliet was a complex and influential figure in the visual and performing arts," the gallery said in a statement.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news...a-12024652

Was a beefheart fan Doc At The Radar Station, Ice Cream For cow & of course the legendary Trout mask Replica are all great albums. ALong with his work on Zappa's Hot Rats

His music was weird, creative, complex just all around amazing.

R.I.P

Rest in peace.

For those unaware...only those courageous can start off with his album 'Trout Mask Replica'... but y'all can take it you're Prince fams...the most musically avant garde album ever created...bar none...you either love it or hate it.

No need for drugs when listening to this...

.

funkyandy said:

fams...

.

RIP

Gone too soon

another 60s legend has left us

RIP

[Edited 12/18/10 8:42am]

A true original.

Another one gone, and none being added.