Neon Meate Dreams of a Octafish: The Voyages of Captain Beefheart

A new documentary about the life and work of Don Van Vliet is currently being planned and needs your help.

Cliff Farmer, of Direct Neural Manipulation Productions has been in contact to tell me about the documentary about the art, music, poetry and life of Don Van Vliet that he is currently working on. The project sounds extremely promising, and although it is only in the research stage at the moment, Cliff has managed to gain significant interest in the project. He has asked me to pass on the following message:

Where's the Captain? That is the question that Captain Beefheart fans are asking. Both mentally and physically, where is the Captain? One of the greatest, most influential musicians of the 20th century has gone virtually unnoticed, merely for the fact that most do not know the answer. I intend to answer that question, but I'm going to need your help.

The documentary is going to be called Neon Meate Dreams of a Octafish: The Voyages of Captain Beefheart. Beginning at his mother's birthplace, this gonzo-journalistic style film will follow the life of the musical genius Don Van Vliet. Our journey to find the Captain will mirror the Captain's journey to find fame and acceptance. We will go from his blues-based roots, to the Zappa years, to his comeback in 1978 with Shiny Beast, to his art resting at the Michael Werner Gallery in New York, to his reported illness of today. We will travel to the locales where Don hung his infamous hat, showing fans not only where he lived and played, but the context of his environment. Mixed in will be interviews from several ex-Magic Band members, friends, family, and fans, along with stock footage of his television appearances, including his Saturday Night Live appearance and the David Letterman interviews.

However, I cannot do all of this alone. Anyone who wishes to assist in this documentary, be it in a financial or informational manner, please do not hesitate. Let's give the Captain one last tribute before he vanishes into the desert forever. Anyone making a donation to the film or offering information that I use in the film will receive full credit for their contribution in the film. Because of Don's failing health, I want to assure everyone up front that I will not harass Don for an interview, nor will I film him intrusively against his wishes. Ideally, of course, there will be an interview with him, but only if he explicitly states he wishes to see us. This is, after all, a tribute to him. If you want any details not offered here, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at: the_tardis@excite.com. I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I apologise in advance for the delay, but I am just one person on a crusade, so the response to your e-mail may take a couple of days. Be patient, I'll answer. If you have anything you wish to send, the address is as follows:

Direct Neural Manipulation Productions
PMB 454
3727 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91510-7711

Unfortunately, at this time your contribution is not tax deductible, nor can it be used as a securities purchase or agreement.

--Cliff Farmer

If you think that you can help out with this project in any useful way at all and would like some more information then please drop Cliff a line at the_tardis@excite.com