The Mascara Snake, real name Victor Hayden, was a cousin and friend of Captain Beefheart (real name Don van Vliet). He joined The Magic Band in 1969, and is credited playing bass clarinet on Trout Mask Replica. He appeared on stage with the band at the Amougies Festival in Belgium, November 1969, where they were recorded playing two compositions in the film "Music Power".
As documented in rock groupie Pamela Des Barres's memoir I'm With The Band, Hayden befriended a teenage Des Barres in high school, introducing her to his cousin Beefheart and asking her to be the president of the local chapter of the Beefheart fan club. Also, Des Barres and Hayden worked together at a factory in Van Nuys, California, to support their love of rock music (especially The Rolling Stones, whom they eventually met).
In her 1986 book, Des Barres stated Hayden as "living among the Redwoods" dropping out of mainstream society completely, while also regarding Hayden as an important influence on her life.
After having met the Mascara Snake prior to writing the song, John Frusciante named a track on his first album, Niandra Lades and Usually Just a T-Shirt, "Mascara".
Victor Hayden was involved at the start of the legendary punk rock club, 924 Gilman St., in Berkeley, California. He was the one who discovered the location.
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