The White Stripes are to reissue their 2001 covers of songs by Captain Beefheart as a tribute to the late musician.

Captain Beefheart, real name Don Van Vliet, died last month of complications from multiple sclerosis.

The re-release of 'Party of Special Things to Do', 'China Pig' and 'Ashtray Heart' will be available on Tri-Colour vinyl via frontman Jack White's Third Man Records.

In a statement on its website, the record label said: "As a tribute to two folks near and dear to our hearts who passed away this past year, Don Van Vliet and Sub Pop Vice President of Sales and Marketing Andy Kotowitz, we are ecstatic to announce the reissue of the White Stripes 7-inch.”

(by Jason Gregory)