aaamusic | On 18, Dec 2010

Captain Beefheart, the musical alias of Don Van Vliet, has died at the age of 69.

The avant-garde musician died of complications from multiple sclerosis at a hospital in Northern California today (December 17).

A representative of New York City’s Michael Werner Gallery confirmed the news to Entertainment Weekly.

Born in California in 1941, Van Vliet achieved notoriety with his rotating ensemble of musicians, The Magic Band.

Van Vliet released twelve albums with the group, most notably 1969’s ‘Trout Mask Replica’, which achieved widespread critical acclaim.

As well as being known for his powerful singing voice, he was also a multi-instrumentalist, playing the saxophone and harmonica.