There’s so many things to feel and see while you’re awakeâ€Ķ

Don Van Vliet / Captain BeefheartCombining elements of free jazz, blues and rock, Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band produced what is commonly regarded by critics and fans as one of rock’s few truly original bodies of work.

Don Van Vliet (aka Captain Beefheart) retired from the music industry after 1982’s Ice Cream For Crow album to concentrate on his primary love – paint.

The Radar Station is a purely fan-run site which aims to document every twist and turn in the tale of this unique individual.

Header photograph copyright Anton Corbijn, used with kind permission.

Don Van Vliet: 1941-2010 – tributes and fond farewells

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The Radar Station’s favourite Beefheart tribute band, Orange Claw Hammer, have alerted us to their upcoming gigs which includes a mini-tour across the border in England. They have added two new songs to their already wide repertoire, Clear Spot & Her Eyes are a Blue Million Miles Get along if you can. They don’t just copy the songs they give Don’s music their own unique jazz flavoured twist. 2026 27th September – Royal British Legion, Dunbar Music Festival 1st October – The Rusty Nail, Aberdeen (as part of Jazz at the Blue Lamp) 2027 16th April – Wrecking Ball, Hull 17th April – Colchester ArtsRead More →

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Mark Boston, aka Rockette Morton, bass player extraordinaire is in need of our help. Mark’s friend, Justine Turner has contacted me about the situation Mark finds himself in and she has set up a gofundme page to offer him some support. Can you help? This is what Justine has to say Our intention is to provide Rockette with stable secure housing and other basic living needs for at least the next few years. He is disabled and suffers from health issues that substantially impair his ability to provide for his own care and necessities. An event has occurred and he is now currently facing anRead More →

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Welcome to the third part of my series of interviews with Magic Band guitarist Moris Tepper. We have now reached 1978 and discuss the productive few years that saw the release of Shiny Beast and Doc At The Radar Station. There were also lengthy tours to promote both albums. As well as discussing all this Moris takes time to talk about his love of Vietnamese guitar music, plus his encounters with singer Willy DeVille,  drummer Jim Gordon and guitarist Hubert Sumlin. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ SF : Early in 1978 Don recorded a vocal for the Hard Workin’ Man film soundtrack on the recommendation of Ry Cooder. DoRead More →