Born in Glendale, California, the name on his birth certificate was Don Glen Vliet, but he went by Don Van Vliet for most of his life. He began performing as Captain Beefheart in 1964. He died at the age of 69 from compilations related to multiple sclerosis.
Van Vliet's personality was as controversial as his music. He was known for an explosive temper and cruel treatment of his band and collaborators. Guitarist Gary Lucas, who was part of Beefheart's Magic Band, told Songfacts that he could also be a very warm and supportive figure as well.
Van Vliet was notorious for making up stories about his past, so much of the lore about him has to be taken with a healthy amount of skepticism. He claimed on at least one occasion to have been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic, citing that as the reason he could be so harsh and abusive with his band.
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