Don Van Vliet died one year ago today.

As much as we miss knowing he’s out there in person, his music and art are as alive as ever:

The Magic Band have just concluded a triumphant UK tour (view the entire Nottingham show on YouTube and don’t miss Tony Fisher’s great photos), with more dates promised for next year and a new live release of a 2005 show out now.

Gary Lucas continues to roll out his acclaimed Beefheart Symposia around the world (next up: Liverpool in January).

Records continue to be released, reissued, remastered and rumours about an Original Bat Chain Puller release are not abating (although Lick My Decals Off baby is finally available in iTunes).

The art exhibitions keep on coming.

Robyn Hitchcock performed Clear Spot in its entirety (along with a few other gems), winning new fans in the process.

Omnibus Press published an updated edition of Mike Barnes’ reliable and entertaining Beefheart biography in paperback, Kindle and iBook form

BBC 6Music’s Gideon Coe presented a three hour tribute “Christmas With The Captain” (available in the BBC’s iPlayer for 6 more days at the time of writing).

Just in today: Colin B Morton (Great Pop Things cartoons) has recently written his impassioned account of his Black Friday when the Captain died. It’s great.

And stereos all over the world are still jumping to the magic Magic Band music, hitting that spot that otherwise can’t be scratched.

Why not join in today?

Update: As Andrew points out in the comments below, you can now pre-order the real, original, legitimate Bat Chain Puller. Released on Don’s birthday. Amazing.

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