Avant-garde musician and visual artist Don Van Vliet, who performed under the name Captain Beefheart, has died aged 69.
Van Vliet died of complications from multiple sclerosis at a hospital in Northern California, it was reported.
A representative of New York City's Michael Werner Gallery, which hosted several shows of his paintings, confirmed the news to the Entertainment Weekly website.
Van Vliet's musical work was conducted with a rotating ensemble of musicians called The Magic Band. The band recorded 12 studio albums.
The icon was known for his powerful singing voice, but also played the harmonica, saxophone and numerous other wind instruments.
