Tag Archives: Psychedelic

Captain Beefheart at The Syria Mosque

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On October 15, 1972 we went to see Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band at The Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh. Things were so different back then. I simply walked backstage and acted like I belonged. Stood next to the Captain before he went on stage and took this picture and a few others before I was escorted off.

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Captain Beefheart

Missing Frank Zappa-Syria Mosque 1974

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I only saw Zappa play once. It was at the Syria Mosque in 1974 with Sal Valquez, Jean Luc Ponty and the Tower of Power Horns. Truly one of the best shows I ever saw. I miss Zappa and still listen to his music and that of his son.

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© Richard Burke 1973-2012

Zappa Jams Pittsburgh

Remembering Don Van Vliet aka Captain Beefheart

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Th first concert I ever photographed was Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. They played at the Syria Mosque on October 15, 1972. Security was a lot loser back then I was able to get back stage and take a series of images from the wings before I got booted.

I miss those days and fondly remember the Captain standing next to me while the band played. He looked over at me and we exchanged nods and then he made his big entrance in that blue cape. It is a fond memory and I still listen to his music. Rock on Captain, we miss you brother.

I have edited this image using a new set of tools and like this version better is has more clarity and contrast.

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Captain Beefheart

Dino Valenti–Caught in the Act

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It was 1973 and I only had one lens for my new Nikon F3 camera. We were sitting in the stands at a rock festival at the University of Pittsburgh stadium when I noticed Dino Valenti from Quicksilver Messenger Service sitting in the stands right behind me. They were scheduled to go on later in the day and were watching and listening to Billy Preston as we were. I turned and snapped this picture which was the first photojournalistic image I ever took. You can buy a print of this image at my commercial gallery by clicking here.

Dino Valenti of Quicksilver Messenger Service

Caught in The Act