CAPTAIN Beefheart’s Magic Band play their first show in Liverpool since 2005 – and their first appearance since the death of Captain Beefheart – at the Kazimier this week.

Cited as a seminal influence by The Zutons, Julian Cope and a whole host of Scouse bands, theirs promises to be the muso’s gig of the year.

“We love playing Liverpool, it’s our favourite place to play in the UK and Don (Captain Beefheart) always adored the people,” says Guitarist Denny Walley.

“I was raised in Brooklyn, New York and I think the people of Liverpool have the same blue collar, salt of the earth qualities as New Yorkers. We always get a really warm response so we are really really looking forward to playing Liverpool again.”

They’re playing as part of The Butterfly’s Ball and the Grasshoppers Feast, the annual 60s inspired club night, organised by The Wicked Whispers.

“The Wicked Whispers we absolutely love,” says Denny. “I love the Liverpool sound in general going back as far as The Beatles. The choice of instruments like Vox guitar amps always did stand out a mile as being very sharp and trademark Liverpool. The mixing of Liverpool bands also sounds more engineered and less slick which is great.

“I think the music of The Magic Band is raw. Even though I admire the Beatles and all they achieved. The messages are more basic and universal dealing with more ‘real’ issues like ecology. The poetry of Don’s lyrics also is a huge appeal writing about the relationship between men and women, animals and the planet.”

But, he insists they remain Beatles fans.