Captain Beefhart passed away on December 17, 2010

Rolling Stone and several other sources have reported that Don Van Vliet, the notoriously reclusive rock legend best known as Captain Beefheart has died today (December 17, 2010)
According to the article on Rolling Stone's website:
Don Van Vliet, who became a rock legend as Captain Beefheart, died today from complications from multiple sclerosis in California. His passing was announced by the New York-based Michael Werner Gallery, which represented his work as a painter.

His Trout Mask Replica was number 58 onRolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time....

"Don Van Vliet was a complex and influential figure in the visual and performing arts," the gallery said in a statement. "He is perhaps best known as the incomparable Captain Beefheart who, together with his Magic Band, rose to prominence in the 1960s with a totally unique style of blues-inspired, experimental rock & roll. This would ultimately secure Van Vliet's place in music history as one of the most original recording artists of his time. After two decades in the spotlight as an avant-garde composer and performer, Van Vliet retired from performing to devote himself wholeheartedly to painting and drawing. Like his music, Van Vliet's lush paintings are the product of a truly rare and unique vision."

Craig Young has posted a bit more information about his career and the circumstances of his death HERE but, to me, the more important story is the impact Captain Beefheart had on his fans and his fellow artists. Back when I was still heavily into grunge and metal with a little rap and classic rock on the side (years before I discovered Americana, whatever that is), I stumbled across an ancient vinyl record of Trout Mask Replica, and from the first notes of "Frownland" my perception of what rock and roll is and could be was forever changed. I also credit Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, Screamin' Jay Hawkins and a few others with helping me out in this regard, but Beefheart was the first. Without him, I probably would have never checked out Tom Waits or half of the artists I love today.

John Prine – One of the Greatest Songwriters America Has Ever Known – The ‘Happy Enchilada’ Song | Today's Country Music Videos

John Prine – One of the Greatest Songwriters America Has Ever Known – The ‘Happy Enchilada’ Song Today's Country Music Videos

Concert of Roky Erickson in Antwerpen (10/12/2010)

I've seen a lot of my favorits in the past 40 years. One was still missing: Roky Erickson, the frontman of the 13the Floor Elevators.  Until yesterday evening in Antwerp (Belgium). Roky played with his group, the New 13e Floor Elivators or better the Okkervil River als backing band with Kyle Ellison (Meat Puppets, Butthole Surfers), Kyle Schneider and John Michael Dayspring. In april 2010 Roky made his comback with the album “True Love Cast Out All Evil”,



A memorable evening. Roky was able to make music like 30 years ago. Texas Psychedelic Rock from the sixties. See http://www.texaspsychedelicrock.com/

For music from the 13th Floor Elevators I refer to http://youtu.be/gHK9vj0VE7w  or http://youtu.be/sVFLqzJB6qw

Psychedelische Rock in Antwerp

Most of the songs played in Antwerp from the CD "True Love Cast Out All Evel" from April 2010. See fort the setlist:
http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/roky-erickson/2010/muziekcentrum-trix-antwerp-belgium-23d290bf.html

Saterday I read that Roky has been nominated for a Grammy for the CD "True Love Cast Out All Evel". I still do not know if Roky is in God now?

Les 6 december 2010

Groene boek

• Kiekbusch (pagina 40)
• Lander (pagina 41)

Kerstliederen

• We wish you a Merry Christmas
• Treedt nader gij Christ'nen
• Never On Sunday
• Gloria in excelsis Deo (denk aan de b)
• Happy Christmas (war is over)
• Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer  

Roky Erickson in Muziekcentrum TRIX in Antwerp

Unbelievable, Roky Erickson will perform in Antwerp on December 10, 2010. In May 2010 Altcountry wrote a article about the CD " True Love Cast Out all Evil." . Beatifull CD. Amazing Evening in Antwerp. Keep all informed.