Who is The Magic Band?
The Magic Band was the backing band of American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Captain Beefheart between 1967 and 1982. Originally Beefheart had simply been the lead singer of the group, formed by guitarist Alex St. Clair, but eventually they morphed into a backing band for him. The rotating lineup featured dozens of performers, many of whom became known by nicknames given to them by Beefheart. Long-time members during the band's heyday included drummer/arranger John French (aka Drumbo), guitarist Bill Harkleroad (aka Zoot Horn Rollo), bassist/guitarist Mark Boston (aka Rockette Morton), percussionist/keyboardist Art Tripp (aka Ed Marimba), and guitarist Elliot Ingber (aka Winged Eel Fingerling). Ex-members of the Magic Band formed the short-lived group Mallard in 1974. The Magic Band reformed in 2003, without Beefheart.
