見出し画像

クリス・スクワイヤが名付け親となったキャプテン・ビヨンドというバンド知ってる？

Koya Matsuo

キャプテン・ビヨンド（Captain Beyond）というハードロックバンドがあります。
ディープ・パープルの初代ボーカリストが在籍したことで、、ごくごく一部のハードロックファンに知られていますが、関連する情報は非常に少ないのです。
そこで、ChatGPT deep researchに調べてもらったところ、かなり詳細な情報がまとまりました。
そのバンド名はYesのクリス・スクワイヤが名付け親となったといったことも、この調査によって初めて知りました。伝説のギタリストであるデュアン・オールマンが関係しているということも。
そして驚くことに、1971年に始まったこのバンド、実はまだ存続しているのです。オリジナルメンバーも一人ですが存命でバンドを維持している点においてはディープ・パープルやユーライア・ヒープといった同年代のハードロックバンドと同じ。
では、ライブ映像を3つ（最後のは5年前の演奏）をご覧いただいて、AIによる調査記事をどうぞ。



調査結果は最初、英語で出てしまったのだが、これがすごいボリューム。

ここに、バンド名が、クリス・スクワイヤが一緒にツアーしていたアイアン・バタフライのギタリストであるラリー・ラインハルトの充血した目を見て、「キャプテン・ビヨンドみたいだな」とジョークを飛ばしたことに由来すること、デュアン・オールマンが彼らのファンで、オールマン・ブラザーズ・バンドが所属していたカプリコーン・レコードに紹介し、そこからデビューすることになったことも書かれている。そのせいで、Apple Musicのサザンロックのプレイリストに恐ろしく場違いなこのバンドが入っているのだが。

さらに面白いエピソードも。ロッド・エバンスが脱退した後の新しいシンガーとしてオーディションを行ったが、そこにスティーブ・ペリーがいて、落とされたのだという。いやー、もったいないことをしたものだ。

Captain Beyond: Band History, Albums, Style, Members, and Legacy

Band History (Formation, Break-ups, Reunions)

Formation (1971): Captain Beyond formed in Los Angeles in 1971 as a rock supergroup featuring former Deep Purple vocalist Rod Evans, former Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell, and Iron Butterfly alumni Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt (guitar) and Lee Dorman (bass) (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). An early fifth member, keyboardist Lewie Gold, left before the band recorded its debut album (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The band’s unusual name was coined during an earlier tour when Yes bassist Chris Squire jokingly remarked that a red-eyed Reinhardt looked like “Captain Beyond,” and the moniker stuck (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). With all members bringing influences from their previous bands, Captain Beyond’s initial sound was a mix of hard rock, psychedelic and progressive elements. Legendary guitarist Duane Allman was an early fan and even recommended the group to Capricorn Records, which signed the band in 1972 (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands).

Debut and Early Success (1972): Captain Beyond released their self-titled debut album in July 1972 on Capricorn Records (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The U.S. release featured a distinctive 3-D lenticular album cover, and the record was dedicated to the memory of Duane Allman (who had died in 1971) (Captain Beyond (album) - Wikipedia). The album was a critical gem and has been described as “a masterpiece of sophisticated aggression – part dope-rock thuggery, part limber, prog-baiting space-metal” (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). It showcased the band’s dynamic style, with Side 1 comprising stand-alone hard rock songs and Side 2 forming a continuous medley suite (a concept similar to The Beatles’ Abbey Road medley) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). The debut sold respectably and the band gained a cult following, embarking on heavy touring. They even joined the Alice Cooper band’s tour as an opening act, performing their high-energy psychedelic hard rock to large audiences (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Despite positive momentum, trouble brewed with their record label. Capricorn—flush with the success of Southern rock acts like the Allman Brothers—pressured Captain Beyond to adopt a more southern-rock style, which the band refused (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). This conflict soured the relationship; their manager was Capricorn’s president (Phil Walden), creating a serious conflict of interest (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Tensions escalated to the point where Walden allegedly threatened band members (Reinhardt and Dorman) in fits of drug-fueled anger (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The label began undermining the band, sending them on mismatched tours (notoriously opening for ’50s revival act Sha Na Na) in apparent retaliation (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). At one Central Park show in New York, Sha Na Na’s crowd reacted poorly – pelting Captain Beyond with fruits and vegetables. The band retaliated in kind, turning the event into a chaotic “fruit and vegetable” food fight between audience and band (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Incidents like this underscored the rift between Captain Beyond and their label, despite the band’s strong performances.

Second Album and First Break-up (1973): In 1973 the band attempted to follow up with their second album Sufficiently Breathless, but its creation was marred by internal and external problems. Drummer Bobby Caldwell quit the band by late 1972 (amid growing internal friction) to join Rick Derringer’s band (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Capricorn co-founder Phil Walden took over producing duties and continued pushing for a softer sound (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). The group brought in new personnel: Brian Glascock initially replaced Caldwell on drums, but producer Giorgio Gomelsky disliked Glascock’s style and had him replaced with Marty Rodriguez mid-session (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). They also added percussionist Guille Garcia and keyboardist Reese Wynans to expand their sound (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The recording environment was tense – the studio was subpar and technical issues abounded (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Under pressure from the label and fraught with creative disagreements, the band members began clashing. At one point during the sessions, vocalist Rod Evans became so frustrated that he quit and returned to England mid-recording (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). He was eventually persuaded to come back to finish his vocal tracks (and even stayed on for the subsequent tour) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Sufficiently Breathless was released in late 1973 (May 1973, according to official records) and featured a jazzier, smoother sound with Latin percussion flourishes, somewhat reminiscent of Santana (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). The album retained a bit of the debut’s medley format (the final tracks segue together), but overall it was a departure – lacking Caldwell’s heavy drumming and introducing softer textures (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). According to bassist Lee Dorman, Evans and Reinhardt co-wrote the songs with him, but due to ongoing litigation involving Evans (with Deep Purple) and Reinhardt/Dorman (with Iron Butterfly), songwriting credits were legally attributed solely to Dorman (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). Despite the challenging circumstances, the album turned out decent musically – songs like “Evil Men” showed that the band could still deliver bluesy hard rock with a Black Sabbath-like groove (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). However, Capricorn Records provided almost no promotion for the record, apparently punishing the band for not conforming to their demands (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). As a result, Sufficiently Breathless flopped commercially upon release (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). (It would only much later gain appreciation among devoted fans.) During the extensive U.S. tour in late 1973 to support the album, Captain Beyond still drew decent crowds and delivered strong shows (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). But the damage was done — the label’s vindictive lack of support and the internal strains proved too much. By December 1973, Rod Evans decided to leave permanently, citing no clear reason (possibly renewed insecurity or personal priorities) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). With their frontman gone and morale low, Captain Beyond disbanded at the end of 1973 (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia), marking the end of the “classic” era. (Notably, one of the many singers who auditioned to replace Evans was a young Steve Perry – later of Journey – who did not make the cut (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder).)

Hiatus and Members’ Activities (1974–1975): After the breakup, the members scattered to new projects. Bobby Caldwell became a rock journeyman: during his hiatus from Captain Beyond he had joined Rick Derringer and played drums on Derringer’s All American Boy album (which included the hit “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo”) (Bobby Caldwell (drummer) - Wikipedia). In 1975 Caldwell co-founded Armageddon with former Yardbirds vocalist Keith Relf, releasing one heavy rock album (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt and Lee Dorman attempted to resurrect Iron Butterfly in 1974, launching a tour with original singer Doug Ingle – but Ingle’s unreliable behavior (he would pass out onstage) caused that reunion to collapse quickly (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Reinhardt then stepped away from music for a time after a serious accident: in the mid-1970s, he fell 30 feet while working a security job, severely injuring his left hand and requiring over 120 stitches, which sidelined his guitar playing for years (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Rod Evans, for his part, essentially retired from professional music and kept a low profile (aside from a brief, ill-fated attempt years later to front an unofficial “New Deep Purple” in 1980, discussed below) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands).

Reunion for Dawn Explosion (1976–1978): By the mid-1970s, Captain Beyond’s members felt there was “unfinished business” with the band (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). In 1976 the group reformed, spurred in part by interest from Warner Bros. Records. Warner Bros negotiated with Capricorn to sign the band and invited the members to reunite for a new album (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). Three of the original four answered the call: Caldwell, Reinhardt, and Dorman came back on drums, guitar, and bass respectively (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). Rod Evans, however, was out of reach – Warner’s extensive attempts to contact him failed (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia) (Evans had moved on and was basically off the grid). The band held open auditions for a new singer and eventually chose Willy Daffern, a relatively unknown vocalist, to fill Evans’ shoes (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). In 1977, this lineup (augmented briefly by keyboardist/guitarist Jason Cahoon early on) recorded Captain Beyond’s third album, Dawn Explosion, released by Warner Bros in April 1977 (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). The album’s style shifted noticeably – lacking Evans’ distinctive voice and the free-form psychedelia of earlier work, Dawn Explosion delivered a more straightforward late-70s hard rock sound. It featured catchy, riff-driven songs seemingly aimed at radio play, closer in spirit to bands like Bad Company or Bachman-Turner Overdrive than to the spacey prog of the first two albums (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). (Some fans missed the earlier progressive edge, though many still find Dawn Explosion an enjoyable record on its own terms (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands).) The album had modest success, peaking at #181 on the Billboard chart (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia) – a far cry from superstardom. Internally, Captain Beyond seemed to be regaining momentum: the chemistry was good and the music, while different, was solid (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). But history repeated itself with the vocalist – Willy Daffern quit the band not long after the album’s release, deciding to pursue a solo career (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The remaining members tried to find a replacement (they even jammed with singer Jimmy Henderson of the band Tucky Buzzard, among others) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands), but they couldn’t secure a suitable frontman. By mid-1978, facing the loss of their singer and lacking record label enthusiasm, Captain Beyond broke up again (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). This marked the end of Captain Beyond as an active recording unit in the 1970s. As Caldwell later lamented, “we had the right songs and the right people, but the wrong manager and wrong record company” (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) – the band never quite got the support it needed to achieve the mainstream success their talent foreshadowed.

Later Reunions and Activities (1990s–2010s): In the ensuing decades, Captain Beyond’s legend only grew among connoisseurs of heavy rock. By the 1990s, they were frequently cited as proto-metal and stoner rock pioneers, and interest in their music persisted. This growing legacy motivated partial reunions. In 1998, drummer Bobby Caldwell and guitarist Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt decided to reform Captain Beyond once more (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Lacking their original bandmates (Lee Dorman was involved in an Iron Butterfly comeback at the time, and Rod Evans was disinterested in rejoining), they recruited new musicians: Jimi Interval on vocals, Dan Frye on keyboards, and Jeff Artabasy on bass (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). This lineup played live shows and even produced new material. In 1999, a Swedish label released Thousand Days of Yesterdays, a tribute album to Captain Beyond, featuring fellow ’70s rockers like doom metal cult band Pentagram covering Captain Beyond songs (Pentagram contributed a version of “Dancing Madly Backwards”) (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The band also wrote and recorded a few original songs, releasing a four-track EP Night Train Calling in 2000 (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). A major appearance at the 1999 Sweden Rock Festival generated buzz – the press and fans were excited to see Captain Beyond back on stage (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Unfortunately, that high-profile show turned into a fiasco: technical problems with amplifiers and poor onstage cohesion led to a sub-par performance (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). (Caldwell later attributed the issue to Reinhardt being intoxicated and playing poorly, which frustrated the band and disappointed the eager crowd (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder).) Despite this stumble, Captain Beyond continued gigging in the early 2000s, building a new generation of fans on the nostalgia circuit. However, by 2002, internal struggles and health issues started to mount. The band played what would be its final show of that era in late 2001 to a sold-out crowd in Clearwater, Florida (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), and then effectively disbanded in 2003 when Reinhardt was diagnosed with cancer (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia).

Tragically, within the next decade both Iron Butterfly alumni passed away: Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt died on January 2, 2012 (at age 63, from complications of cirrhosis of the liver) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), and Lee Dorman died on December 21, 2012 (age 70, of natural causes) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Rod Evans remained in retirement (his brief 1980 return to the stage fronting a bogus “Deep Purple” led to legal action by his former bandmates, and he withdrew from music thereafter) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). In a 2015 interview, Bobby Caldwell reported that Evans was doing fine and working in California as a respiratory therapist, though still staying out of the public eye (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands).

Current Revival (2013–Present): Ever the stalwart, Bobby Caldwell was not ready to let Captain Beyond fade away. In 2013, he resurrected the band yet again, assembling a new lineup of musicians to carry the legacy forward (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). This iteration included guitarists Don Bonzi and Jamie Holka, bassist Allen Carmen (later replaced by returnee Jeff Artabasy in 2015), and guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Simon Lind (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Starting in 2015, Captain Beyond began performing live once more with Caldwell as the only original member remaining (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Caldwell, well into his 60s/70s, demonstrated remarkable dedication by continuing to play drums and sing. The revived band focused on live shows celebrating Captain Beyond’s music rather than new studio recordings. As of the last reports, Captain Beyond (with Caldwell at the helm) was actively touring mid-2010s, keeping the spirit of the band alive for long-time fans and new audiences alike (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia).

Albums Detailed Overview

Captain Beyond’s discography consists of three studio albums from the 1970s and a handful of later live and archival releases. Each album has its own character and place in the band’s history:

Captain Beyond (1972)

The self-titled debut Captain Beyond was released in July 1972 on Capricorn Records (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Often considered the band’s definitive work, this album established Captain Beyond’s reputation for inventive hard rock. The music was a bold fusion of styles – as one reviewer described, it combined “grungey stoner metal” roots from the Iron Butterfly members with “far-out spurts of space-prog” and “throbbing tribal grooves”, all delivered with thunderous hard rock energy (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The album’s structure was also noteworthy: the first side contains stand-alone tracks (including the explosive opener “Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air)”), while the second side is essentially a continuous medley – songs segue into one another, forming a cohesive 17-minute suite (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). This adventurous format showcased the band’s progressive ambitions. The original U.S. vinyl pressing featured a 3-D lenticular cover, emphasizing the “cosmic” theme (the cover art depicts a space-traveling figure) (Captain Beyond (album) - Wikipedia). Inside, the album was dedicated to Duane Allman, as a tribute from Bobby Caldwell who had jammed with Allman in earlier days (Captain Beyond (album) - Wikipedia). Critical Reception: Captain Beyond didn’t produce hit singles, but it was met with enthusiasm from rock critics and developed a cult following. It is frequently cited as a proto-metal classic and is included in lists of early 1970s heavy rock albums that influenced the development of stoner rock and progressive metal (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The album initially sold moderately well – it charted (Billboard #[chart position not explicitly noted here]) and gained the band media coverage in Rolling Stone and airplay on FM radio (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). With tracks ranging from the aggressive “Raging River of Fear” to the trippy multi-part “I Can’t Feel Nothin’” suite, the debut showed the band’s impressive dynamic range and tight musicianship. Today, Captain Beyond is regarded as a 70s hard rock gem that was ahead of its time, often lauded for its originality and the seamless chemistry of the original lineup.

Sufficiently Breathless (1973)

Captain Beyond’s second album, Sufficiently Breathless, arrived in 1973 (recorded and released by Capricorn in the spring of 1973) (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). It marked a significant shift in the band’s sound and circumstances. By this time, drummer Bobby Caldwell had exited, and the group recorded as a six-piece: Marty Rodriguez took over drums, Guille Garcia added Latin percussion, and Reese Wynans contributed on keyboards (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). The result was an album with a smoother, jazzier vibe than the hard-hitting debut – many songs carry a lighter, almost fusion-like touch. In fact, the sound at times “features a jazzier, smoother sound… reminiscent of mid-1970s Santana” in its rhythms and guitar tone (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). For example, the title track “Sufficiently Breathless” and “Bright Blue Tango” have a laid-back, groovy feel quite unlike anything on the first record. The band did retain some of its prog-rock tendencies: the final minutes of the album form a mini-medley (“Voyages of Past Travellers” flowing into “Everything’s a Circle”), echoing the debut’s continuous suite format (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). Challenges and Production: Sufficiently Breathless was recorded under tense conditions. Capricorn’s boss Phil Walden (managing and producing) tried nudging the music toward Southern rock, which the band resisted (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Midway through recording, personnel turmoil (drummer switches, etc.) disrupted the sessions (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Vocalist Rod Evans temporarily quit during the recording process, frustrated by the chaos, though he returned to finish the album (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Due to legal issues at the time, Evans and Reinhardt’s names were omitted from songwriting credits – all songs were officially credited to Lee Dorman, though in reality the writing was collaborative (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). Reception: When Sufficiently Breathless was released, it did not meet the same enthusiasm as the debut. The album lacked promotion from the label (for aforementioned reasons) and consequently sold poorly (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Many fans initially found its softer approach less exciting. Even Bobby Caldwell (who wasn’t on the album) later criticized it, joking that Rhino had “turned the band into an all-gay Latin revue, or whatever it was,” and opining that “it wasn’t Captain Beyond” (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Despite such harsh critiques, the album is far from a failure musically – tracks like “Drifting in Space” and “Evil Men” show off a funkier, experimental side of Captain Beyond, and the latter has been hailed as one of the band’s great lost classics with a Coven/Black Sabbath-like evil groove (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Over the years, Sufficiently Breathless has found appreciation among listeners who value its unique atmosphere. It’s often seen as the mellow outlier in Captain Beyond’s trio of albums – perhaps not as iconic as the debut, but an intriguing detour that reflected the band’s strained circumstances.

Dawn Explosion (1977)

After several years of inactivity, Captain Beyond returned with Dawn Explosion in 1977, released on Warner Bros. Records (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). This is the third and final Captain Beyond studio album. By this point, Rod Evans was absent – the band had reformed without him – and new singer Willy Daffern took on vocal duties (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). Notably, Bobby Caldwell came back into the fold on drums, reuniting three-quarters of the original lineup for this record (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). Style and Content: Dawn Explosion presents a more polished hard rock sound tailored to the late-70s rock scene. The songs are tighter and more accessible than the band’s earlier work. Gone are the long medleys and most of the psychedelic experimentation; in their place are punchy riffs and traditional verse-chorus structures. Critics have noted that stylistically it leans closer to mainstream 70s rock – “catchy and melodic rock ’n’ roll riffs of the mid-1970s ilk,” drawing comparisons to Bad Company or Bachman–Turner Overdrive (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). For example, tracks like “Do or Die” and “Sweet Dreams” are straight-ahead rockers with big hooks, while “Breath of Fire” shows some pomp and prog flourishes but within a concise framework. The album’s title is a bit ironic: a song called “Dawn Explosion” was recorded during the sessions but ultimately left off the album (despite lending its name), so the album itself has no title track (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia). Reception: Dawn Explosion received a mixed response. Some long-time fans were disheartened by the more commercial direction and the absence of Evans, while others enjoyed the record for what it was – high-quality 70s hard rock with excellent guitar work and drumming. Contemporary impact was limited; the album peaked at #181 on the Billboard chart (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia), indicating modest sales. Captain Beyond toured clubs and theaters in support of Dawn Explosion, but the momentum didn’t last. In hindsight, reviewers have described the album as “weird and wonderful” in its own right, noting its “comic-book prog-metal and ethereal space-streaking” moments that showed the band still had creative spark (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Ultimately, however, Dawn Explosion stands as the final chapter of Captain Beyond’s studio output. Shortly after its release, the band fell apart again (when Daffern quit) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), so the album didn’t get a sustained push. Today it’s seen as a worthy if different coda to Captain Beyond’s legacy — an album that could have succeeded on late-70s AOR radio if circumstances had been better, and a tantalizing hint of where the band might have gone had they stayed together longer.

Other Releases (Live Albums and EPs)

Although Captain Beyond recorded only three studio albums, a number of live recordings and compilations have been released, many posthumously, highlighting the band’s on-stage prowess. In their prime, Captain Beyond was known as an exciting live act, and fortunately some tapes survived: Far Beyond a Distant Sun – Live in Arlington, Texas (1973) captures the band on tour in 1973, showcasing their raw power in concert (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Decades later, archival tapes from 1972 emerged: performances from Montreux, Switzerland (April 30, 1972) and Miami (August 19, 1972) were officially released in 2016 and 2019, respectively (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). These live albums are treasures for fans, as they preserve extended jams and improvisations (and in the Montreux set, an early rendition of songs before the first album was even out).

In terms of new material, after the 1970s Captain Beyond only released one EP. During the 1998–2002 reunion, the band put out Night Train Calling in 2000, a four-song EP of original material (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). This EP was sold at shows and through fan channels, containing songs that stayed true to the band’s classic heavy/prog style. It stands as the only studio recording from the reunited band and the band’s final released studio recordings to date. Additionally, fans of the group can find various compilation albums (such as Lost & Found 1972–1973 which unearthed rehearsal takes) and a tribute album (Thousand Days of Yesterdays, 1999) as part of Captain Beyond’s extended discography (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia).

Musical Style and Influence

Captain Beyond’s music is often categorized as hard rock or heavy metal of the early ’70s, but it truly defies simple labels. The band’s style blended psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and bluesy heavy metal in a unique way. Each member’s background influenced their sound: coming from Deep Purple, Rod Evans brought late-60s hard rock and a touch of symphonic rock influence; Reinhardt and Dorman’s Iron Butterfly roots contributed a fuzzy psych-rock and early metal vibe; Caldwell’s experience with acts like Johnny Winter and the Allman Brothers injected elements of blues-rock and rhythmic complexity (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). As a result, Captain Beyond’s songs often feature abrupt time signature changes, dynamic tempo shifts, and virtuoso instrumental passages, all woven into a heavy rock framework (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). They could be thunderously loud one moment and atmospheric the next, sometimes within the same track (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). This ability to “change the colour” of the music on the fly made their songs feel like journeys – a hard-driving riff might suddenly give way to a quiet, spacey interlude before roaring back again (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Bobby Caldwell had envisioned the band to be “almost extreme but with real songs” – combining complex arrangements and odd time signatures with memorable melodies (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The debut album exemplifies this vision, balancing riff-driven rockers with cosmic, progressive detours. Critics have affectionately called Captain Beyond’s style “astro-rock” or “space-metal”, noting the otherworldly, cosmic vibe in their music and imagery (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder).

In terms of musical peers and comparisons, Captain Beyond’s sound sits at an intersection: they are heavier than the typical progressive rock band of the era (no doubt influencing early heavy metal), yet more experimental and jazzy than the average hard rock or proto-metal act. Some have likened aspects of their sound to Deep Purple Mark I (for the psychedelic hard rock elements) and to Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath (for the weight of the riffs), while also noting touches of King Crimson or Yes-like progression in the song structures. Their second album’s Latin/jazz leanings drew comparisons to Santana as well (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). In short, Captain Beyond was hard to pigeonhole – which may have made them a tough sell commercially, but endeared them to adventurous rock listeners.

Influences on Captain Beyond: The band was influenced by the late-60s rock zeitgeist and the members’ former projects. They carried forward the psychedelic legacy of Iron Butterfly’s In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida era, the melodic sense and organ-driven mood of Deep Purple’s early work, and even some of the improvisational jam spirit of the Allman Brothers (with whom Caldwell had informally played (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder)). They were very much a product of the post-60s exploration in rock – absorbing blues, jazz, Eastern scales, and psychedelic weirdness – and forging those into something heavier and more structured. Lyrically and conceptually, they leaned into sci-fi and cosmic themes (song titles like “Armworth,” “Mesmerization Eclipse,” and “Voyages of Past Travellers” reflect this), which was in line with the era’s fascination with space and mysticism.

Impact and Legacy – Bands influenced by Captain Beyond: Though Captain Beyond never achieved mainstream fame, their impact on later generations of rock and metal musicians is significant. They are frequently cited as pioneers of stoner rock and doom metal. In the decades following their breakup, a cult of “riff-addicts” and musicians discovered Captain Beyond’s albums, praising their “thunderous astro-prog” sound (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The band Pentagram (a proto-doom band contemporaneous in the ’70s) covered Captain Beyond, and the stoner/doom community regards Captain Beyond as godfathers of the genre (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Many 1990s stoner rock bands (such as Monster Magnet, Spiritual Beggars, and Kyuss, to name a few) have either covered Captain Beyond songs or acknowledged their influence in interviews, impressed by the heaviness and trippy arrangements the band achieved early on. In 1999’s tribute album Thousand Days of Yesterdays, a range of hard rock and psychedelic acts paid homage, underlining how Captain Beyond’s music resonated with fellow musicians (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Beyond stoner rock, elements of Captain Beyond’s style – the complex rhythms and genre-blending – can be heard echoed in progressive metal and jam-band scenes. Their song “Dancing Madly Backwards” has particularly become a cult classic track, even inspiring an unrelated 1985 dance single that lifted its chorus hook (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia).

Despite their relative obscurity, critics and artists continue to praise Captain Beyond. The band’s debut album often appears in lists of “unsung classics” of 70s rock. For example, it was included in Louder/Classic Rock magazine’s list of “10 proto-metal albums you should own,” highlighting its importance in the evolution of heavy music (Captain Beyond (album) - Wikipedia). Musicians admire the band’s tightness and creativity; it’s said that drummers in particular hold Bobby Caldwell’s work in high regard for its power and finesse, and guitarists find Rhino Reinhardt’s melodic-yet-heavy style influential. As Bobby Caldwell himself noted in 2015, “to this day, Captain Beyond are still respected by listeners and by musicians” around the world (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The enduring interest was evident when fans swarmed the reformed band at Sweden Rock 1999, treating them like returning heroes of rock (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). All told, Captain Beyond’s genre-blending, adventurous approach has secured them a permanent spot in the pantheon of cult rock innovators – a band that influenced more famous acts in subtle but real ways, even if they themselves remained largely under the radar.

Band Members and Their Later Lives

Captain Beyond’s lineup revolved around four original members, with several other musicians joining for shorter stints. Below is a look at the key members and their post-Captain Beyond paths, including current status:

  • Rod Evans (Lead Vocals): Evans was the original voice of Captain Beyond, bringing his smooth yet powerful vocals from his Deep Purple Mk I days. He was known for his work on Deep Purple hits like “Hush” prior to Captain Beyond (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Evans had a mercurial tenure with Captain Beyond – he quit and rejoined multiple times in the early ’70s due to insecurity and band tensions (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). After leaving Captain Beyond for good in late 1973 (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), Rod Evans effectively retired from the music industry. In 1980, he briefly resurfaced as the frontman of an unofficial “New Deep Purple” touring group (with no actual Deep Purple members besides him). This venture was shut down by legal action from the real Deep Purple (then reformed without Evans), resulting in a lawsuit that forfeited Evans’ rights to royalties and the Deep Purple name (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). The experience apparently drove Evans out of public life entirely. In recent decades, Evans has lived a quiet life. It’s known that he settled in the United States (California) and trained as a respiratory therapist, working in the medical field (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). Bandmate Bobby Caldwell reported in 2015 that Evans was “doing just fine” in that profession (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Now in his late 70s (born 1947), Rod Evans remains the most elusive Captain Beyond member, having never returned to music or the spotlight after 1980. Fans respect his privacy but fondly remember his unique contributions to Captain Beyond’s sound.

  • Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt (Lead Guitar): Reinhardt’s fluid yet heavy guitar work was central to Captain Beyond. Prior to the band, he’d played in Iron Butterfly’s final lineup (appearing on Metamorphosis in 1970) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). After Captain Beyond’s first breakup, Rhino tried reviving Iron Butterfly (1974) and later essentially took a hiatus after a severe hand injury sustained in a fall (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). In the late ’70s he returned for Dawn Explosion with Captain Beyond, then once again went into semi-retirement when that ended. By the 1990s, Reinhardt was playing locally in Florida, having recovered some of his guitar prowess. He participated in the 1998–2002 Captain Beyond reunion, though issues like the Sweden Rock incident showed his personal struggles (he reportedly battled alcoholism) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). In the 2000s, despite health challenges, Reinhardt recorded solo music. In 2009 he released an album Rhino’s Last Dance, a dark effort reflecting his battle with liver cancer (Rhino even recorded vocals wearing an oxygen mask) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Encouragingly, he rebounded with a more upbeat follow-up solo album Back In The Day, enlisting local veteran musicians (including members of Dickey Betts’s band) to play a mix of Southern rock, blues, and nods to his Captain Beyond/Butterfly past (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Sadly, Reinhardt’s health declined again at the end of 2011. He passed away on January 2, 2012 at age 63 due to cirrhosis of the liver (end-stage liver disease) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). His death came just months after the Classic Rock magazine feature on Captain Beyond was published, making it an unfortunate coda to his story. Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt is remembered by fans as an underrated guitar hero – his legacy lives on through his work with Captain Beyond and Iron Butterfly, which continues to inspire guitarists in the psychedelic and stoner rock realms.

  • Lee Dorman (Bass, backing vocals): Dorman was the backbone on bass, also coming from Iron Butterfly (he played on Ball and Metamorphosis). In Captain Beyond, his melodic yet thumping bass lines and songwriting input were crucial (he ended up credited as sole songwriter on Sufficiently Breathless due to legal quirks (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia)). Post-1973 breakup, Dorman kept a lower profile than some bandmates. He participated in Iron Butterfly reunions over the years (the band had periodic revivals, and Dorman was involved well into the 2000s as a consistent member of later Iron Butterfly lineups). He also joined Rhino in the late ’90s Captain Beyond reunion, playing bass at early rehearsals, but reportedly he dropped out before major shows (accounts differ – Caldwell mentioned Dorman never returned his call about the ’98 reunion (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), implying he did not take part in the revival). Lee Dorman died on December 21, 2012 at age 70 (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), coincidentally the same year as Reinhardt. He passed away of natural causes, reportedly while sitting in his car in Orange County, California (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Dorman’s legacy is tied strongly to Iron Butterfly’s enduring fame (“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”) as well as Captain Beyond’s cult status. He is fondly regarded as a solid bassist and writer who helped bridge psychedelic rock into heavier territory.

  • Bobby Caldwell (Drums, backing vocals): Caldwell was not only Captain Beyond’s drummer but also a driving creative force, co-writing much of the debut album. A versatile player, he had stints with Johnny Winter (he played on two Winter albums) and jammed with legends like the Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton (Bobby Caldwell (drummer) - Wikipedia) (Bobby Caldwell (drummer) - Wikipedia). After leaving Captain Beyond the first time, he made a mark with Rick Derringer (drumming on Derringer’s hit album) and with Armageddon (1975), which gave him credentials in the British rock scene (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Caldwell returned to Captain Beyond in each reunion – 1976, 1998, and 2013 – being the band’s most steadfast champion. Following the 2003 dissolution, Caldwell continued to gig locally in Florida, leading his own band and playing the music he loved (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). As of the mid-2010s, Bobby Caldwell is still active and based in Florida (Bobby Caldwell (drummer) - Wikipedia). He revived Captain Beyond yet again and began touring with the new lineup from 2015 onward (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). Born in 1951, Caldwell is in his early 70s and remains musically engaged – a testament to his passion. Outside Captain Beyond, Caldwell’s session and live work saw him play with an impressive roster of rock greats (even brief encounters with John Lennon and Ringo Starr are documented) (Bobby Caldwell (drummer) - Wikipedia). Fans admire that Caldwell never stopped drumming; he often expresses pride in Captain Beyond’s legacy and continues to keep the spirit alive for fans new and old.

  • Willy Daffern (Lead Vocals on Dawn Explosion): Daffern joined Captain Beyond in 1976 as the replacement for Rod Evans. Before this, he was relatively unknown, though he had sung in a Californian hard rock band called Hunger and later in a project named Bullet. With a higher, somewhat more contemporary 70s rock voice, Daffern brought a different feel to the band on Dawn Explosion. After the band’s 1978 breakup, Willy Daffern pursued a solo path (he left specifically to work on solo material) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). In 1979–80 he briefly sang for a band called Piper (not the Billy Squier group, another one) and did some session work. He did not become a notable figure in the wider rock world thereafter, essentially fading from major spotlights. There isn’t much widely published information on Daffern’s later activities, suggesting he stepped back from music or stayed in the local scene. As of recent years, Daffern is believed to be still living, but like Evans, has a low profile. His time in Captain Beyond is remembered for a handful of great performances and the unique flavor he added to the final album.

  • Reese Wynans (Keyboards 1973): Although Wynans was only briefly in Captain Beyond (he played keys during the Sufficiently Breathless sessions and a few live gigs (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia)), he deserves mention due to his later fame. Wynans left Captain Beyond after finding the financial situation untenable (famously, he quit after one show) (Sufficiently Breathless - Wikipedia). A few years later, he achieved renown as the keyboardist for Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble in the 1980s. Wynans’ Hammond organ and piano skills became legendary in the blues-rock world. Today he is a sought-after session player (working with Joe Bonamassa, among others). His brief tenure in Captain Beyond is a footnote in his career, but for Captain Beyond it added a rich layer to the second album’s sound.

  • Brian Glascock (Drums 1973): Glascock had a cup of coffee with Captain Beyond, drumming in early stages of Sufficiently Breathless before being replaced. He later found success in a very different genre – in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Glascock became the drummer for new-wave band The Motels, who had hits like “Only the Lonely.” That makes for an interesting contrast: from heavy prog-rock with Captain Beyond to MTV-era new wave drumming.

  • Others: Percussionist Guille Garcia, who contributed congas on Sufficiently Breathless, continued as a session musician, notably working with Santana (fitting, given the Latin percussion connection). Guitarist Jeff “Boday” Christensen and Don Bonzi, Jamie Holka, Simon Lind, etc., are part of the newer lineups (2013 onward) – these are respected local musicians recruited by Caldwell to carry on the music live. Bassist Jeff Artabasy served in the 1998–2003 period and returned in 2015; he’s been a key part of keeping the reunion sound authentic. Finally, Jason Cahoon was an early choice of vocalist during the 1976 reunion (before Daffern), and while little is documented about him, it appears he was quickly replaced and did not record with the band.

In summary, the original foursome’s post-Captain Beyond stories diverged widely: Evans retreated into private life, Reinhardt and Dorman carried on in music until their passings in 2012, and Caldwell built a prolific career and remains the torchbearer for the band. The various other members each left a smaller but interesting mark, whether in other musical ventures or simply in the memories of fans who saw them perform with Captain Beyond.

Live Performances and Notable Events

Captain Beyond’s live shows in the 1970s were a crucial part of their legacy. They were known as a powerful live act, fully capable of reproducing (and even enhancing) the intensity and complexity of their studio recordings on stage. Here are some highlights of their live activity and notable performances:

  • Debut Live Appearances (1971): Before their first album was even released, Captain Beyond was performing live. One significant early gig was at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland on September 18, 1971 (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). This appearance (at the Montreux festival) put them in front of a European audience alongside artists like Yes and others. It’s an interesting historical footnote that Captain Beyond played Montreux just a few months before Rod Evans’ former Deep Purple bandmates infamously played the same venue (Deep Purple’s December 1971 Montreux show led to the song “Smoke on the Water”) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). A recording of Captain Beyond’s Montreux ’71 set survives and was later released as part of a live anthology, showcasing the band’s early live chemistry (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia).

  • Relentless Touring in 1972: With the release of Captain Beyond in 1972, the band toured extensively in the U.S. and also did some European dates. They were on the road gigging relentlessly (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), often as a support act for bigger names. One high-profile tour was as the opening act for the Alice Cooper band in 1972 (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). This tour put Captain Beyond in arenas and large theaters, exposing their music to Alice Cooper’s audience. Reports from those shows indicate that Captain Beyond held their own, delivering tight and energetic sets. They also headlined club and auditorium gigs of their own, particularly on the West Coast and in the South, where Capricorn Records had influence. Live recordings from 1972 (like the shows in Miami, FL on August 19, 1972 and New York, July 30, 1972, which were later released) demonstrate the band’s aptitude for live improvisation – extending guitar solos and drum sections beyond the studio versions (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The interplay between Reinhardt and Caldwell on stage was often highlighted in reviews.

  • The “Fruit and Vegetable” Fight (1973): Perhaps the most notorious Captain Beyond performance occurred in Central Park, New York City in 1973, when they were bizarrely booked to open for Sha Na Na (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Sha Na Na was a 1950s-style doo-wop/oldies act – a completely mismatched pairing with Captain Beyond’s space-rock. The crowd of greaser-rock fans did not appreciate Captain Beyond’s set. As the band played, some in the audience began pelting them with tomatoes, bananas, grapes, and other vegetables (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Rather than retreat, Captain Beyond fought back – the band members started throwing the produce back at the hecklers, and soon parts of the crowd were throwing food at each other as well (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). It escalated into a full-blown food fight in the venue. The band jokingly dubbed this surreal gig the “Fruit and Vegetable Festival” (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Despite (or perhaps because of) the chaos, Captain Beyond finished their set. The incident has since become rock folklore, emblematic of the poor decisions by their management/label at the time. Larry Reinhardt recalled the absurdity of it, noting it was one of many things the label did to “[destroy us]” by putting them in the wrong setting (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). For fans, it’s a legendary story of the band’s resilience and attitude.

  • Late 1973 Tour (Post-Second Album): After Sufficiently Breathless came out, Captain Beyond still embarked on a comprehensive tour of the United States in the last quarter of 1973. This turned out to be the final tour with Rod Evans. The tour itinerary included theaters and auditoriums across the country, and by many accounts, the band was playing excellently – tight from constant performing. Shows in Texas, the Midwest, and West Coast were often well attended (they weren’t playing stadiums, but they drew respectable crowds of dedicated rock fans) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). One standout performance was recorded in Arlington, Texas on October 6, 1973 – this show was later released as Far Beyond a Distant Sun: Live in Texas 1973, and it captures Captain Beyond in fiery form (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia). The setlist featured material from both albums, and includes extended jams like a 10+ minute version of “Mesmerization Eclipse.” However, even as the tour went on, relations with the label were icy; Capricorn did little to advertise the shows or the new album (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands). The successful gigs were bittersweet – the band saw growing crowds but felt sabotaged by lack of promotion. By the end of the tour (December ’73), Rod Evans announced his departure (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), making a show in late 1973 (in Canada, by some reports) the last with Evans on vocals.

  • 1977–1978 Performances: With Willy Daffern as singer, Captain Beyond gigged again to support Dawn Explosion. They primarily played clubs, theaters and festivals. One known appearance was on TV: they did a spot on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert in 1977 (performing “Dancing Madly Backwards” and “Breath of Fire”), giving them a bit of national exposure. Live, this lineup had a somewhat different vibe; Daffern was a more animated frontman and the setlists included the new songs alongside classics from the first album (they generally skipped most of the second album’s softer tunes). Audience recordings from 1977 show the band in solid form, and Caldwell mentioned that at a Chicago show in ’77 the crowd response “was like Led Zeppelin was playing”, indicating they still commanded serious excitement in certain markets (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Unfortunately, once Daffern quit in 1978, some scheduled shows were canceled and the band was left inactive.

  • 1999 Sweden Rock Festival: Fast-forward two decades: Captain Beyond’s reformation led them to a major stage at the Sweden Rock Festival in June 1999. This was a much-anticipated event – many European fans would be seeing Captain Beyond for the first time ever. The festival billed them among headliners, and press coverage prior to the show was strong (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). However, the performance did not go as planned. Communication issues with the stage crew led to sound problems (monitor mixes were bad, and amplifiers malfunctioned/blacked out mid-set) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Additionally, internal issues cropped up: Larry Reinhardt was, according to Caldwell, intoxicated and played poorly, throwing off the performance (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The band struggled through the set, but by their own admission it was a “disaster” – a far cry from what they hoped would be a triumphant comeback (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Reviews of the show noted the disappointment, though some fans were still thrilled just to see the legendary band on stage. This gig could have relaunched Captain Beyond in a big way, but instead it dampened the momentum.

  • 2000–2001 Club Gigs: Despite the Sweden Rock setback, Captain Beyond continued to perform in smaller venues. They did a series of club shows and festivals in the U.S. from 2000 to 2001. These shows, often in rock clubs in places like Los Angeles, New York, and Florida, allowed hardcore fans to experience Captain Beyond in a more intimate setting. Reports suggest that by 2001 the band had gelled better. Their final show of that era, in fall 2001 in Clearwater, Florida, was a success – the venue was sold out and the crowd enthusiastic (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). It was a positive note to end on. After that, Reinhardt’s health issues forced the band to stop in 2002, as mentioned.

  • Modern Era Live (2015–Present): After Caldwell reformed the band with new members in 2013–2015, Captain Beyond started hitting the road again. They played on some festival bills (for example, appearances at Psycho Las Vegas in 2017 have been noted by fans) and numerous club dates. With only Caldwell from the classic lineup, the focus was on celebrating the music. Setlists typically include most of the 1972 debut album, a couple from Dawn Explosion, and sometimes a nod to Sufficiently Breathless. Fans have generally received these shows warmly, happy to see the Captain Beyond name live on. As of the last few years, the band’s live activity has been intermittent, likely due to Bobby Caldwell’s age and the logistical challenges. Each performance, though, is treated as a special event by long-time followers of the band’s cult legacy.

In sum, Captain Beyond’s live career had its highs and lows. Highs included powerful tours in 1972–73 where they proved to be a formidable live ensemble, winning over many new fans (the tour with Alice Cooper introduced them to tens of thousands) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Lows included being mis-booked on unsuitable bills (leading to the Central Park fiasco) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) and the ill-fated comeback show at Sweden Rock (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). They left behind some excellent live recordings (the 1973 Texas live album is especially praised by aficionados for its sound quality and performance (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)). Through all of it, Captain Beyond maintained a reputation as a talented live band that could jam with the best of them. Even decades later, when they reunited, the strong turnout at shows indicated that the legend of their live performances had only grown. Bobby Caldwell summed up the enduring live appeal: in Sweden 1999 he was astonished by how many people swarmed them for autographs and to express gratitude, saying “I thought maybe they had us confused with the Rolling Stones or something”, only to realize that Captain Beyond truly had a worldwide following of devoted fans (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder).

Conclusion: Captain Beyond may not have been a household name, but their story is rich with remarkable music and rock ’n’ roll lore. From their formation as a “supergroup” of 60s rock veterans, through brilliant but under-promoted albums, to tumultuous label politics and breakups – and later rebirths fueled by a growing cult reputation – Captain Beyond’s journey encapsulates the trials and triumphs of a 1970s rock band. Their three studio albums remain treasured classics among hard rock and prog aficionados: the groundbreaking debut Captain Beyond, the jazzy experimental Sufficiently Breathless, and the resurgent Dawn Explosion. Musically, they stood at the crossroads of psychedelic rock and heavy metal, pioneering a blend that would influence generations to come. The members, especially the indefatigable Bobby Caldwell, carried the Captain Beyond banner through the years, allowing new fans to discover the magic. As of today, with surviving members in their 70s and the original era long past, Captain Beyond’s legacy lives on through those recordings and the many bands they inspired. In the words of Classic Rock magazine, “the good Captain has launched his last cosmic voyage, but he is survived by countless young, long-haired, sufficiently breathless riff-addicts” who continue to find inspiration in the band’s thunderous, cosmic sound (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). Captain Beyond’s place in rock history is secure as a cult legend that was perhaps too “far beyond” its time, but all the more revered for it.

Sources: The information above was compiled from band interviews and credible rock history sources, including Classic Rock/Louder Sound features (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), ProgArchives and Deep Purple fan archives (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Dawn Explosion - Wikipedia), as well as the band’s Wikipedia entries and memoirs (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder), which document Captain Beyond’s albums, tours, and member biographies in detail. The live anecdotes (Central Park 1973, Sweden Rock 1999) are drawn from firsthand accounts by band members Larry “Rhino” Reinhardt and Bobby Caldwell in interviews (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). The musical analysis references contemporary reviews and retrospectives (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (Artist spotlight: Captain Beyond - Rocking In the Norselands), while the influence on later bands is evidenced by tribute album contributions and commentary from the rock press (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder). All these sources collectively paint the full picture of Captain Beyond’s remarkable, if underappreciated, saga in rock history. (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder) (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder)

この調査を日本語に翻訳するよう命じたのが下の記事なのだが、抄訳になってしまっていて、ところどころエピソードが抜けているので、詳しいところは英語バージョンを読んでほしい。

キャプテン・ビヨンド（Captain Beyond）

キャプテン・ビヨンド（Captain Beyond）は、1972年に米国ロサンゼルスで結成されたロック・バンドです。ディープ・パープルの初代ボーカリストだったロッド・エヴァンス、アイアン・バタフライの元メンバーであるラリー・“ライノ”・ラインハルト（ギター）とリー・ドーマン（ベース）、そしてジョニー・ウィンターのバンドで活躍したドラマーのボビー・コールドウェルという顔ぶれによるスーパーグループとして誕生しました (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。1970年代に3枚のスタジオ・アルバムを発表し (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)、本国アメリカでの商業的成功は限定的ながらカルト的な人気を獲得しました。また日本ではデビュー当時から注目を集め、1972年のファースト・アルバムはトップセールスを記録するヒットとなっています (縞梟の音楽夜噺 Captain Beyond)。

バンドの歴史

結成と初期（1972年～1973年）

  • 1972年: ロッド・エヴァンス（Vo）、ラインハルト（G）、ドーマン（B）、コールドウェル（Ds）の4名で結成 (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。レコーディングキーボード担当としてルーウィー・ゴールドも一時参加するが、アルバム完成前に脱退 (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。キャプテン・ビヨンドは米南部のCapricornレーベル（オールマン・ブラザーズ・バンドなどが所属）と契約し、7月にデビュー・アルバム『キャプテン・ビヨンド』をリリース (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。アルバムは曲間を設けずに構成された斬新な内容で高い評価を受け、日本では1972年のトップセールスを記録するヒット作品となった (縞梟の音楽夜噺 Captain Beyond)。同年、バンドはオールマン・ブラザーズ・バンドのツアーの前座に抜擢され、7月13日のニューヨーク・ゲーリックパーク公演でもオープニングアクトを務めている (TICKETS TORN IN HALF: July 13,1972 The ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND @ Gaelic Park w/ a Jam featuring Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir | intuneandintime)。

  • 1973年: コールドウェルがバンドを離脱し、リック・デリンジャーのバンド「デリンジャー」に加入 (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。後任ドラマーとしてブライアン・グラスコックが一時参加するも、プロデューサーの【ジョルジオ・ゴメルスキー】との折り合いが悪く解雇され、最終的にマーティン・ロドリゲス（Ds）が起用された (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。さらにパーカッションのグィル・ガルシアとキーボードのリース・ワイナンスも加わり6人編成となって、セカンド・アルバム『衝撃の極地』（原題: Sufficiently Breathless）を制作・発表 (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia) (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。しかしレコーディング中のメンバー間の緊張からロッド・エヴァンスが脱退し、アルバム発表後にバンドは活動休止状態となります (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。一度オリジナル・ラインナップ（エヴァンス、ラインハルト、ドーマン、コールドウェル）で同年末に北米ツアーを行いましたが、クリスマス頃にエヴァンスが再び去りバンドは解散しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。

再結成と『暁の襲撃』（1976年～1978年）

再々結成とその後（1998年～現在）

  • 1998年～2000年: 20年近くの沈黙の後、コールドウェルとラインハルトが中心となり再々結成が実現。ジミ・インターヴァル（Vo）、ダン・フライ（Key）、ジェフ・アータベイシー（B）を加えた5人編成で新たな活動を開始しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。1999年にはスウェーデンのレーベルよりキャプテン・ビヨンドのトリビュート・アルバム『Thousand Days of Yesterdays』がリリースされ、ペンタグラム（米国のドゥームメタル・バンド）など多数のバンドが彼らの曲をカバーしました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。2000年には4曲入りEP『Night Train Calling』を発表し (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)、一時的にギタリストのスティーヴ・ペトレイも加入しています (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。しかしオリジナル・ギタリストのラインハルトの健康問題（癌の発症）もあり、2003年頃にバンドは活動を停止しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。

  • 2013年～現在: オリジナル・ドラマーのコールドウェルは2013年に再びキャプテン・ビヨンドを復活させます。ドン・ボンジ（G）、サイモン・リンド（G/Key/Vo）など新世代のミュージシャンを迎え入れ、2015年頃から精力的にライブ活動を再開しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。以降もメンバー交代を経ながら往年の楽曲を披露する公演を各地で行っており、バンド名義の活動は21世紀に入っても継続されています。

アルバムの詳細

1stアルバム『キャプテン・ビヨンド』 (1972年)

1972年7月にCapricornレーベルから発表されたデビュー・アルバムです (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。全編が曲間なしでつながった組曲的構成を特徴とし、サイケデリックな感覚と骨太なハードロックが高次元で融合した内容となっています (CAPTAIN BEYOND / キャプテン・ビヨンド商品一覧)。収録曲はLPの面ごとに途切れず流れる構成で、「Dancing Madly Backwards (On a Sea of Air)」「Mesmerization Eclipse」「Thousand Days Of Yesterdays」などが含まれ、宇宙的なコンセプトを感じさせる仕上がりです。評論筋からは「アメリカン・ハードロックの最高峰の一つ」と評されるなど高い評価を受け (Captain Beyond 1972-1973 - Jahkingのエサ箱猟盤日記 - goo BLOG)、商業的には米国で大ヒットとはなりませんでしたが日本では発売当時話題騒然の人気を博しました (縞梟の音楽夜噺 Captain Beyond)。現在でも1970年代ハードロックの隠れた名盤として語り継がれており、カルト的な支持を集めています (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)。

2ndアルバム『衝撃の極地』 (1973年)

1973年にリリースされたセカンド・アルバム『衝撃の極地』では、ドラマーがボビー・コールドウェルからマーティン・ロドリゲスに交替し、さらにグィル・ガルシア（パーカッション）とリース・ワイナンス（キーボード）が加入した6人体制となりました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。プロデューサーにはCapricornレーベル設立者のフィル・ウォルデンが起用されています (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。音楽的にはデビュー作に比べて曲が長尺化し、ジャズやラテンの要素も加味されたよりプログレッシブな志向が見られます。タイトル曲「Sufficiently Breathless」や「Bright Blue Tango」など軽快なナンバーも含まれ、全体として前作よりソフトでメロウな印象となりました。しかし一部では「デビュー作ほどの迫力はない」と評価されることもあり (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)、商業的にも大きな成功には至っていません。本アルバムを最後にロッド・エヴァンスがバンドを脱退し、第1期の活動は終焉を迎えました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。

3rdアルバム『暁の襲撃』 (1977年)

『暁の襲撃』（Dawn Explosion）は、バンド再結成後の1977年にワーナー・ブラザースからリリースされたサード・アルバムです (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。ボーカルには新メンバーのウィリー・ダファーンを迎え、コールドウェル（Ds）、ラインハルト（G）、ドーマン（B）という布陣で制作されました。収録曲「Do or Die」「Icarus」「Sweet Dreams」などは従来のヘヴィ路線を踏襲しつつも、当時主流のアリーナロック的な直截さも感じさせます。しかしながら発売当時このアルバムはほとんど注目を集めることができず、セールス的にも失敗に終わりました (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)。ファンや評論家から見ても出来は前2作に劣るとの評価が一般的で (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)、リリース後まもなくバンドは再び解散状態となっています。

※この他の公式作品として、2000年に第6期メンバーでレコーディングされた4曲入りEP『Night Train Calling』があります (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。また、1970年代当時のライブ録音が後年になっていくつか発表されており、「Live in Texas 1973」や「Live in Montreux 1972」などのタイトルで流通しています。

音楽的特徴とスタイル・影響

キャプテン・ビヨンドの音楽は、ヘヴィなハードロックにプログレッシブ・ロック的な構成美やサイケデリックな雰囲気を融合させた独特のスタイルが特徴です (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)。鋭いリフと変拍子を織り交ぜた楽曲は重厚でありながらどこか浮遊感があり、しばしば**「よりヘヴィなピンク・フロイド」と形容されるサイケデリック・ギター・ロック**とも評されます (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)。特にファースト・アルバムに顕著なように、曲が途切れず流れ込む構成やコンセプチュアルなアルバム作りはプログレ的発想を取り入れたもので、同時代の宇宙志向のハードロック（ホークウインドなど）にも通じるものがあります (CAPTAIN BEYOND discography and reviews)。実際、キャプテン・ビヨンドのサウンドはスペースロック的なコズミックさと南部出身らしい泥臭いグルーヴを併せ持っており、アイアン・バタフライ解散後のバンドだけにその延長線上にある「グランジーなストーナーメタル」にも通底しています (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder)。ドラムとベースが生み出す重いリズムに乗せて奇抜な展開を見せる曲調は、“ストーナー・ロックの草分け”とも評され、後年のヘヴィロックファンから再評価される要因となりました (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder)。

メンバーの出自からもうかがえるように、ディープ・パープルやアイアン・バタフライといった先行ハードロックからの影響は強く、ブルースロックやサイケデリック・ロックの流れを汲む土台の上に、1970年代初頭特有の実験精神が投入されています。【ピンク・フロイド】の幻想性や【ホークウインド】のスペース感、さらに南部ロックの泥臭さまでも内包した音世界は唯一無二であり、熱心なロックファンから「偉大なるB級バンド」として親しまれる所以ともなっています (縞梟の音楽夜噺 Captain Beyond)。

キャプテン・ビヨンドが後世に与えた影響も少なくありません。彼らの作品はストーナー・ロックやドゥームメタルの隆盛に先鞭を付けたものと位置付けられており (The story of Captain Beyond, stoner rock pioneers | Louder)、実際1990年代以降のヘヴィロック系ミュージシャンからカルト的なリスペクトを受けています。1999年に発売されたトリビュート・アルバムには、米国ドゥームメタル黎明期のバンドであるペンタグラムをはじめ、スウェーデンのプログレッシブ・ロック勢（ザ・フラワー・キングス等）やフィンランドのサイケデリックバンドまで多彩な顔ぶれが参加し、彼らへの敬意を表しました (Thousand Days Of Yesterdays - A Tribute To Captain Beyond | Riffipedia - The Stoner Rock Wiki | Fandom) (Thousand Days Of Yesterdays - A Tribute To Captain Beyond | Riffipedia - The Stoner Rock Wiki | Fandom)。こうした事実はキャプテン・ビヨンドの音楽がジャンルの垣根を越えて広範な影響力を持っていることを示しています。

メンバーの消息（オリジナル＆主なメンバー）

  • ロッド・エヴァンス（Rod Evans） – 初代ボーカリスト。1973年末にキャプテン・ビヨンドを脱退した後、音楽業界から引退しました。その後1980年代にかつて在籍したディープ・パープル名義での活動を巡る法的トラブルを経験し、以降は公の場に姿を見せていません。2015年にコールドウェルがインタビューで語ったところによると、エヴァンスは医療分野（呼吸療法士）で働き健在であるとされています (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。

  • ラリー・“ライノ”・ラインハルト（Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt） – オリジナル・ギタリスト。アイアン・バタフライ解散後にキャプテン・ビヨンドで活動し、その後も音楽活動を続けました。晩年は癌と闘いながらフロリダで演奏を続けていましたが、2012年1月2日に亡くなりました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)（享年63）。

  • リー・ドーマン（Lee Dorman） – オリジナル・ベーシスト。キャプテン・ビヨンド活動停止後は一時音楽界を離れるも、その後アイアン・バタフライの再結成などに参加しました。2012年12月21日に他界しており (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)、オリジナル・メンバーの中ではエヴァンスとコールドウェルを除き既に故人となっています。

  • ボビー・コールドウェル（Bobby Caldwell） – オリジナル・ドラマー。1973年に一度バンドを離脱しリック・デリンジャーのバンド「デリンジャー」に参加しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)が、1976年の再結成で復帰しました。その後もキャプテン・ビヨンドの中心人物として1998年および2013年の再結成を主導し、現在に至るまで同バンドの活動を牽引しています (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。※同名のAOR歌手ボビー・コールドウェル（1951年生まれ2023年没）とは別人です。

  • リース・ワイナンス（Reese Wynans） – セカンド・アルバム期のキーボード担当。キャプテン・ビヨンド脱退後、1975年前後にブルースロック界に転じ、1985年にスティーヴィー・レイ・ヴォーン＆ダブル・トラブルに加入して鍵盤奏者として成功を収めました (Reese Wynans - Wikipedia)。現在もジョー・ボナマッサのバンドなどで精力的に活動するなど、一流セッション・ミュージシャンとして知られています。

  • ウィリー・ダファーン（Willy Daffern） – サード・アルバム期のボーカリスト。元々ドラマー出身の異色の経歴を持ち、本バンドではリードシンガーを務めました。キャプテン・ビヨンド解散後は目立った活動は少ないものの、1999年のトリビュート・アルバム『Thousand Days of Yesterdays』に元ボーカリストとしてゲスト参加しています (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。近年も音楽イベント等で健在な姿が確認されています。

（上記以外のメンバーについて）
セカンド・アルバム期のドラマーだったマーティン・ロドリゲスやパーカッショニストのグィル・ガルシアは、その後表立った音楽活動の記録がほとんどありません。1970年代末のツアーメンバーだったロブ・ハンショウ（Vo/G）やランディー・スキルヴィン（G）も限定的な活動に留まりました。1999年以降の再結成ラインナップに参加したジミ・インターヴァル（Vo）、ジェフ・アータベイシー（B）、ダン・フライ（Key）、カイル・ローズ（Vo）、スティーヴ・ペトレイ（G）などはいずれもプロ音楽家として活動を続けており、特にデイヴ・ミューズ（Key、2000年参加）は元ファイアフォールのメンバーとして著名です。現在、キャプテン・ビヨンドの名義で活動する際には、創設者ボビー・コールドウェルが残る唯一のオリジナルメンバーとしてバンドを率いています。

ライブ活動と主な公演

キャプテン・ビヨンドはスタジオ録音作品が少ないながらも、各時期において精力的にライブ活動を行ってきました。以下に特筆すべき公演やエピソードを挙げます。

  • 1972年4月30日 – スイス・モントルーで開催された「モントルー・スーパー・ポップ・フェスティバル」に出演。バンドにとって事実上の初ステージとなり、その模様はスイス放送によって収録されました。この音源は後年公式ライブ盤『04.30.72』としてCD化されています (Amazon.co.jp: 04.30.72 [Analog]: ミュージック)。

  • 1972年7月 – アメリカ南部を中心にオールマン・ブラザーズ・バンドのツアーに帯同。ニューヨークのゲーリックパークで行われた公演ではキャプテン・ビヨンドがオープニングアクトを務め、当日グレイトフル・デッドのジェリー・ガルシアとボブ・ウィアーが飛び入り参加する豪華なジャムセッションが繰り広げられました (TICKETS TORN IN HALF: July 13,1972 The ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND @ Gaelic Park w/ a Jam featuring Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir | intuneandintime)。これはキャプテン・ビヨンドにとって大観衆の前で演奏する貴重な機会となりました。

  • 1973年 – オリジナルメンバーによる北米ツアーを敢行。バンド解散前の短期間ではありましたが、カナダやアメリカ各地でライブを行い、新旧アルバムの曲を披露しました (Captain Beyond - Wikipedia)。このツアーは結果的にロッド・エヴァンス在籍時最後の公演シリーズとなりました。

  • 1976年～1977年 – 再結成後、主にアメリカ国内のクラブやシアター規模の会場で公演を実施。新ボーカルのウィリー・ダファーンをフィーチャーした編成で、過去の代表曲と当時制作中であった新曲をセットリストに組み込みライブ活動を展開しました。当時の音源の一部はブートレグとして出回りましたが、公式なライブアルバム『Live in Texas October 6, 1973』には1973年テキサス公演の録音が収録されています（発売は後年） (キャプテン・ビヨンド - Wikipedia)。

  • 2010年代 – バンド再復活後、往年の楽曲を引っ提げて各地のロック・フェスティバルやライブハウスに出演。2017年にはメリーランド州で開かれたヘヴィロック系イベント「Days of Darkness Festival」に参加し、代表曲「Dancing Madly Backwards」や「Thousand Days of Yesterdays」などを演奏しました (Captain Beyond - Concert - Setlist.fm)。また同年、ニューヨーク州のダリルズ・ハウスなどでクラブ・ギグを行うなど精力的に活動し、古参ファンだけでなく若いロックファンにもその存在をアピールしました。近年はメンバーの高齢化もあり頻度は減りましたが、キャプテン・ビヨンドの名義で不定期にライブが行われています。


以上、キャプテン・ビヨンドの結成から現在に至るまでの歴史、作品、音楽性、メンバー動向、そしてライブ活動について詳述しました。短命ながらも独創的な音楽を残したこのバンドは、1970年代ロックの隠れた逸材として語り継がれるとともに、後続のミュージシャンたちに与えた影響という形でその足跡を今も音楽史に刻んでいます。

【参考資料】キャプテン・ビヨンド公式サイト、各種音楽メディアの記事、並びにWikipedia等から得た情報をもとにまとめています。

Sources:

いいなと思ったら応援しよう！