After Captain Beefheart retired in the 1980s, Lucas continued to be associated with the Magic Band's former members. Several of Beefheart's former band members reformed the group, touring as the Magic Band from 2003 to 2006. Their 2007 double album and DVD, "21st Century Mirror Men", followed up their debut album "Back to the Front", which was chosen as one of the best albums of 2004 by "The Wire". In 1988, Lucas performed at New York's "Knitting Factory". Shortly after, he was invited to appear at the 1988 JazzFest Berlin.