Discontinuous research on Captain Beefheart and the Magic Band since June 1994.
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John French

John French, AKA "Drumbo", was one of the early Magic Band members, and was in the Magic Band for quite a long time, with his main instrument being the drums.

John French said this recently:
"Although, by sheer coincidence, Zoot Horn Rollo was originally my stage name. I was christened that in late 1967 and then after Bill [Harkleroad] joined the band, Don came up with the name Drumbo for me, and Zoot went to him. It never felt right on me anyway. I believe Alex actually made up the name Zoot Horn Rollo as a joke one day."

• Read an transcript from a 1997 workshop John French gave in London.
• Read the notes to his excellent and rare CD "O Solo Drumbo", released summer 1998.
• A note about his appearance in the magazine/CD Resonance which contains his comments on Trout Mask Replica and two tracks of his playing in London, 1996.
• A 1998 interview I conducted with him by email.