Don Van Vliet and Frank Zappa: Two Peas In A Misshapen Pod

Guitarist Gary Lucas found himself smack dab in the middle of two of America's musical geniuses, Don 'n' Frank. Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa were boyhood chums whose fates were inextricably linked, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Gary Lucas only learned the nuances of their relationship when he became not just Don's manager but a member of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. The following is his remembrance of both men and a love letter to his mentor, Don Van Vliet. Fitting that it should run on what would have been the Captain's 80th birthday.