i guess sly likes to make you wait for his family stone

2008 is gonna be great.

It was worth the wait. Set list included (not in order):
Sing a Simple Song, Everyday People, Stand, Sex Machine, Hot Fun in the Summer Time, Thank You for Letting Me Be Mice Elf, Family Affair, Higher. I do not remember the name of the second song or the encore. I do remember he opened with a chant: "I'm the real model, not the role model and if I catch you in desert you'll get the cold bottle." Peace!

The early show was GREAT. He came out be himself...led the crowd in a few choruses ("okay, you know that one, try this one"). He was onstage nearly the whole set...funny, engaging, IT WAS SLY HIMSELF!!!! The second song was 'Somebody's Watching You'

early show set list:
Dance To The Music
Somebody's Watching You
I Want To Take You Higher
Sing A Simple Song
Everyday People
Sex Machine
Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey
Higher (AGAIN)
encore
If You Want Me To Stay
Everybody Is A Star (without Sly)
an instrumental version of In Time!!!!!

forgot to add
'Thank You For Talkin' To Me Africa'
as part of a Sly-less encore...

I agree. I was at the early show and it was great. Sly opened the show by himself at the keyboard and ran through a short "soundcheck" of a bunch of the tunes on keyboard and then the band came out and they played the full tunes.

When Sly was done he came out from the stage and made his way right past us in the back near the bar and left BB King's right through the front door.

I was at the second show and Sly did not dissapoint.
People leaving the forst show seemed angry and kept telling us on the line that "he only played 4 songs" or we should "get our money back", so we didn't know what to expect.
We were thrilled with the performance he gave, and we didn't mind having to wait till midnight for them to go on.
And did you get a look at those posters they were selling?
Even though they were $100, I snapped one up to remember this night! So happy I got to see Sly and the family Stone live.....

Brilliant.

----
HTTP://WWW.NOTOFU.COM

Film. Music. And more.

I wish I went :(

Thank you so much for these wonderful photos. I am so happy I had the chance to see Sly Stone in person last night. I was at the late show too, but because they started so late, we had to leave early so we wouldn't miss the last ferry back to NJ. I don't care, the four or five songs I was there for were well worth the wait outside in the cold and having to leave before the end. You don't get the chance to be in the same room with such greatness every day.

Damn that looks like a good time. Fucking Sly... I've seen George Clinton a few times in my short years, but I'd love to see Sly before I die. Amazing talent.

Checking out my blog here.

I was at the last show, also, the best one out his total BB King appearances!!

I parked in Jersey to save $$ thinking the damn subway ran 24/7, so after the show I forked out $50 bucks from Manhattan to my parked and untouched Acura TL in Hoboken, then drove home to DC. Hey, any sacrifice to catch a living legend in action!

I had a good spot near the stage and exit where Sly came out into the audience. I touched the icon and roared "I love you, man" ha ha...

I got some pics of Chris Rock and writer Nelson George sitting together.
http://www.slystone.com/rock-george.html

The mc said at least 4 times for no video equipment and photos, but I was next to an Asian couple videotaping and I had my Nikon Coolpix L15; in fact, it looked like Fourth of July fireworks when the Legend walked out on the floor, so many flashes were popping!

The first show was excellent the first half an hour when Sly was there, but left the stage afterwards, singing off-stage in some cases.

The second show was the bomb and Sly did not disappoint!

I am glad I found this brooklyn vegan site.
If anyone wants to share photos and stories of Sly, write me at
webmaster@slystone.com
Amir Rahim

This was the show to be at. The schedule 10:30PM show at BB King's for Sly & The Family Stone. Sly and his band kicked ass. His band was tight and he was SO HAPPY to be surrounded by so much good music that sometimes he could hardly even sing, he just wanted to bask in the good feeling he was having. There was a VERY long delay getting into BB's. I don't know why. Although the show was scheduled to start at 10:30PM, my buddy and I got in at 11:00PM, after standing in a VERY LONG line. I have no idea when the last folks came in. However, his guitar player then came out and was doing a sound check on Sly's Vocoder which seemed to last 15min. But around 12:00AM, the show started. From the moment he hit the stage it was magic. Coming out with a fur coat on and throwing it to a roadie, he walked to the front of the stage and high fived the audience. You know, gave them the personal touch. Then he sat down as his keys and called his band out. No more wasting time, they broke into "Sing A Simple Song". Ooooooooooooooo Weeeeeeeeeeeeee, they had the number tight with Sly carrying the bulk of the vocals. Through the set, the band seemed to call the songs and only occasionally did Sly deviate with him calling out a different song. His solos were on the vocoder.

I could not believe. I NEVER EVER though I would hear "SEX MACHINE" from the album STAND live. Yup! The band did it. I almost "did you know what" in my pants. The best I can remember the song list was:
Sing a simple song,
If you want me to stay
Thank You (For lettin' me be mice elf)
Thank you For talking to me Africa
Family Affair
Stand
Sex Machine
I want to take you Higher
Encores: Everyday People
Somebody's Watching You
Hot Fun In The SummerTime

Yes. The songs were tight. Yes. Sly sang. A lot.
The band consisted of:
Sly Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Jerry Martini (Papa J.), Lisa Stone (Sly's neice), Anthony Yates, Pete Yates, Stefon Dubose, Tony Stead, Mike Rinta

Sly, Vocals, Vocoder, Keys (he played mostly vocoder), Lisa Stone, Vocals (Daughter of Original Member Rose Stone), Another Vocalist (Male), Bass Player (?), Guitar Player (?), Sax (Original Member Jerry Martini-Papa J.), Trumpet (Original Member Cynthia Robinson), Trombone Player (?), Drummer (?), Keyboard Player(?)

There were times that Sly stood off to the side and watched his band play (with grand smiles on his face). It was clear to me that he doesn't have the strength to keep up with these musicians. During the middle of the set, he took an extended break by saying (I'm an old man) and left while the band played a song by themselves. He came back out and finished the sets. Then came out for the encores.

The AUDIENCE? You KNOW they were feeling SLY. So into the music, the audience was singing the chorus along with the band. This was the show to be at.

At the end of "I want to take you Higher" Sly handed the wireless microphone to a man in the audience, who so amazed at what Sly did, turned around and kept the audience singing the one word "HIGHER", until the band came back out for an encore. MAN DID THAT HEIGHTEN THE EXCITEMENT.

Can you tell I'm still on cloud nine? Well I better stop here. Overall. An A- show.

Sly also announced at the beginning that the show was being recorded. I hope it becomes a CD/DVD. I'll be first in line to get it.

OH? And BTW, the man with the microphone? That was MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Ciao

This was the show to be at. The schedule 10:30PM show at BB King's for Sly & The Family Stone. Sly and his band kicked ass. His band was tight and he was SO HAPPY to be surrounded by so much good music that sometimes he could hardly even sing, he just wanted to bask in the good feeling he was having. There was a VERY long delay getting into BB's. I don't know why. Although the show was scheduled to start at 10:30PM, my buddy and I got in at 11:00PM, after standing in a VERY LONG line. I have no idea when the last folks came in. However, his guitar player then came out and was doing a sound check on Sly's Vocoder which seemed to last 15min. But around 12:00AM, the show started. From the moment he hit the stage it was magic. Coming out with a fur coat on and throwing it to a roadie, he walked to the front of the stage and high fived the audience. You know, gave them the personal touch. Then he sat down as his keys and called his band out. No more wasting time, they broke into "Sing A Simple Song". Ooooooooooooooo Weeeeeeeeeeeeee, they had the number tight with Sly carrying the bulk of the vocals. Through the set, the band seemed to call the songs and only occasionally did Sly deviate with him calling out a different song. His solos were on the vocoder.

I could not believe. I NEVER EVER though I would hear "SEX MACHINE" from the album STAND live. Yup! The band did it. I almost "did you know what" in my pants. The best I can remember the song list was:
Sing a simple song,
If you want me to stay
Thank You (For lettin' me be mice elf)
Thank you For talking to me Africa
Family Affair
Stand
Sex Machine
I want to take you Higher
Encores: Everyday People
Somebody's Watching You
Hot Fun In The SummerTime

Yes. The songs were tight. Yes. Sly sang. A lot.
The band consisted of:
Sly Stone, Cynthia Robinson, Jerry Martini (Papa J.), Lisa Stone (Sly's neice), Anthony Yates, Pete Yates, Stefon Dubose, Tony Stead, Mike Rinta

Sly, Vocals, Vocoder, Keys (he played mostly vocoder), Lisa Stone, Vocals (Daughter of Original Member Rose Stone), Another Vocalist (Male), Bass Player (?), Guitar Player (?), Sax (Original Member Jerry Martini-Papa J.), Trumpet (Original Member Cynthia Robinson), Trombone Player (?), Drummer (?), Keyboard Player(?)

There were times that Sly stood off to the side and watched his band play (with grand smiles on his face). It was clear to me that he doesn't have the strength to keep up with these musicians. During the middle of the set, he took an extended break by saying (I'm an old man) and left while the band played a song by themselves. He came back out and finished the sets. Then came out for the encores.

The AUDIENCE? You KNOW they were feeling SLY. So into the music, the audience was singing the chorus along with the band. This was the show to be at.

At the end of "I want to take you Higher" Sly handed the wireless microphone to a man in the audience, who so amazed at what Sly did, turned around and kept the audience singing the one word "HIGHER", until the band came back out for an encore. MAN DID THAT HEIGHTEN THE EXCITEMENT.

Can you tell I'm still on cloud nine? Well I better stop here. Overall. An A- show.

Sly also announced at the beginning that the show was being recorded. I hope it becomes a CD/DVD. I'll be first in line to get it.

OH? And BTW, the man with the microphone? That was MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Ciao

That was you on the mic?

I wasn't too far away from you! I was the light-skinned guy wearing an overcoat, also hangin' around the t-shirt area at the entrance during the first show....

I can't mention how 3 out of 4 people were pissed off leaving the first show, and how lucky we were showing up at the second. worth every bit of the $85/drive from DC/3 hours sleep...ha ha

I saw the guy who hollered something about Sly on crack into the mic. He told me too, and musta thought I worked at BB King's...then he told the doorman the same crap, also.

Amir, webmaster
slystone.com

Hey, I posted this video on youtube of the second show. It's the last 40 seconds of "Sing a Simple Song" and all of "If You Want Me to Stay." I was using a little digital camera but i was in the front row so the quality isn't bad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJm7UxqUw3c

I saw both shows (along with the early show on Nov. 20) and I couldn't believe how great Sly's late-night performance was. It just proves that Sly can be amazing when he wants to be.

Did anybody see the terrible review on Fox.news. The writer accuses Sly of doing drugs during the show without offering any proof. I hope Sly has already contacted his lawyer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJm7UxqUw3c

Did anybody see the terrible review on Fox.news. The writer accuses Sly of doing drugs during the show without offering any proof. I hope Sly has already contacted his lawyer.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,315841,00.html#

thanks everyone for posting. i was at the first show Friday and thought it amazing!! Singing Everday people and looking around the audience at people of all ethnicities AND Sebastian Bach in Big Leather jacket dancing right next to me and an older black woman was CLASSIC. Sly came through the crowd on the dance floor singing and then climbed back on stage. It was surreal when in the middle of a song he said " I gott pee, i am old" and walked off HAHAHAHA he came back though. I thought he sounded great and the vocals strong!

PEACE

Anybody know anything about the cat in the brown standing next to Lisa Stone?

...."looking around the audience at people of all ethnicities AND Sebastian Bach in Big Leather jacket dancing right next to me and an older black woman was CLASSIC."....

Yeah, Dave, one would think this was a Paul McCartney or Dead rock concert! Mostly white, some african americans, latinos and asians! The whole place went nuts! Even the youngsters sang the words to 35-year-old tunes!!! This Sly phenomenon can't be explained.

Amir

who's big bald head is that in the photo?!

I was at the first show and I have no clue how anyone could think that was worth the price of admission.
First off, he was definitely on something. (either that or its just the repercussions of doing drugs in the past or just getting old). He said something about not falling down as he was coming onto the stage. He could not hold the mic with one hand. He barely sang anything.
That being said, his band was amazing.. really they saved the show. If he sang for 10 minutes it would be alot.
It was amusing to hear an artist excuse himself to goto the bathroom, but you should have seen the band's faces. They were looking at each other like they didn't know what to do. Then reprising the song when he gets back, after the band just finished and didn't know were Sly was, was very funny as well.
I purchased the tickets because my dad had tickets twice in the 70's to see him and Sly never showed up and he always regretted not seeing him. With that said, I'm not the biggest fan, although the music is great.
To all the people who saw the first show and said it was brilliant or amazing or any other fancy positive adjective, your wrong. We all got ripped off. We saw Sly sing a few lines, spin in his chair and disappear, all for the low low price of $103.

no, both shows were incredible. took my mother who never got the chance to see sly years ago and she said it was the second best show she's ever seen, falling behind only the clash at the palladium.

sebastian bach was ready to throwdown against that dude who made the crack addict comment.

sly and his band were in amazing form and i am lucky to have experienced such a show. after years of listening to sly i never once thought i'd get the chance to see him live. to see him performing so well and in such great spirits was so much more than i ever expected. they said they'll be back and i'd definitely put up another $100 to see him again.

Sounds like a bunch of Crappy Sly Shills hangin out around here...

Ah, there's nothing like a group of old, white people complaining of bias against Sly & The Family Stone.
All of you are beyond pathetic.

To all:
Sly sang, yes.

Sly is frail yes. He physically can't hold up as he used to.

Sly does take a break in the middle of EVERY show he does. EVERY show.

Sly was NOT on drugs.

The last show was tight because the band held it together.

Sly does NOT follow a band list of songs. He does what he feels like at the moment. Except the 4th show followed a bit more structure then the previous 3.

Most people are NOT used to a performer performing in such a manner. So, they are going to think it is strange.

The 1st show of a 2 show nite is ALWAYS a "warm-up" show. Never a good show to attend.

The energy of the 2nd show audience was WAY-UP. As such Sly and the band responded to that.

Those in the front row REALLY contributed to that.

For me, Sly handing me the mike is a life time experience I'll never forget. He is the reason I am a musician today.

No, he is not the performer he was in the past.

Yes. The ability to create music, songs is still there.

I attended Sly's shows in the 70s and he was present and alive. I was lucky in that my shows were NOT the ones he chose to skip.

I saw the SLY performance in the 70s where Earth, Wind & Fre were the lead-in group.

I hope that answers your questions.

Ciao

Went to the early show on 12/7. Was standing up against the stage in front of Lisa Stone. She was great as was the rest of the band. I even got to shake Sly's hand when he first came out.
That being said, when I left the place I felt that I was ripped off. Sly was on stage for 5 great songs. The other band members kept looking at each other, not sure what to do. They even went in the back to check on Sly(I guess). I kept hoping Sly would reappear but it was to no avail(except once or twice for 20 seconds).
When you are my age and just came from 10 hours of work, followed by waiting about 2 hours by the stage for the show to begin, you expect more.
By the way, I couldn't figure out why they waited until 8:15 to check Sly's mike to see that there was a problem.

I'm not hating on Sly, I think the body of work he has created is incredible but don't bill a show as Sly & the Family Stone if he is going to sing a few lines and disappear. When he did sing he was great and it was encouraging but the show was not incredible and was not worth the money.
If your going to have 2 shows, make sure you have the energy for 2 shows. Its not fair to the people who shelled out $100 to see a "warm up" show. The reason I bought tickets to the first show was because I was nervous he wasn't going to make the 2nd show and to be honest when I left, I didn't thing he was showing up for the 2nd show (I was obviously wrong).

I'm not a die-hard fan so the money wasn't worth the experience but I think I would be even more upset if I was a diehard fan, waited all this time to see him and thats what I got... to each his own I guess...

crittenden --

we get it -- you held the mic... your family must be very proud. but really -- no need to tell us again -- we got it the first time.

The man is toast. We were standing on the verge of getting it on. It didn't seem likely so we left.

The man is toast. We were standing on the verge of getting it on. It didn't seem likely so we left.

Sly who?

what happen to eric eq young, thought he was going to play the bass for sly, have you ever seen him with the band confunkshun?

Dear anonymous,

What I am communicating is my joy of the event. I believe I was fair in my statements, comparing Sly at the performances to my experiences from the past.

Others, I do understand your disappointments. It was not what you expected.

All, view all the Sly and the Family videos that are on YouTube and you can judge for youselves.

Dear anonymous, have the courage to self identify.

Crittenden

Ciao

No Larry Graham then, huh?

First I want to begin by saying I am a HUGE Sly Stone fan. I attended the early show on Dec. 7th and let me tell you, Sly needs to be ashamed of himself. I was born in the mid 70's so never got a chance to catch him in his prime. So when I heard he was coming to NYC I was beyond excited. But to come out at 8:45 for a 8pm show and by 9:10 talking about "Thank you goodnight!" was ridiculous. And to add insult to injury, to hear that he gave an amazing show later that night with stage time close to 70 minutes is unfair. I read where some have said the early show is always a warm up show. But I am a performer and that is incorrect. You are supposed to bring it EVERY time you step on stage. The early show was not billed as a "warm up" or rehearsal so it cannot be looked at like that. I paid $100 for my ticket like those who attended the late show. I and those who attended the early show ALL wanted to see Sly do well and prove those who doubt his genius wrong. That was not meant to be. As much as I love his music and respect his artistry, I will not try to defend his actions. Sly reputation is in shambles and it’s all his own doing. I pray that he gets control of his life and realizes that he has final say in how his legacy will be viewed. I know you can’t please everyone, but he owes it to his fans to TRY and give them the best he possible can. His late show was proof that he was capable of giving more than the 20 minutes that he gave us.

For those who still question whether Sly still has his chops, I posted another clip from the late show. This is Sly tearing it up on "Thank You."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77wuc6l5gr0

I just watched that video and I'm amazed.. I'm telling you (and anyone at the first show should tell you) he could barely hold the mic with one hand.. he didn't move around he didn't do much of anything.. sucks i picked the wrong show to goto

Sly Fan: If you will, what is a "HUGE Sly Fan". What does that mean? I understand your disappointment. I suggest your going back to BB Kings and asking for a pro-rated reimbursement.

For those who were not satisfied with the 1st show, I suggest your going back to BB Kings and asking for a pro-rated reimbursement.

Sorry people, If a band comes out and shoots its wad on the 1st show and can't come up to that on the 2nd show, ooops REALLY poor showmanship. If a performer sets a certain level on the 1st show and then raises it on the 2nd, ooop, great decision-making.

I truly can't believe that people did't know that.

Look he is 65 y/o and CAN'T do what you want him so.

Sigh, call BB Kings and ask for a pro-rated reimbursement.

Crittenden, when I said I am a huge Sly fan it means that I love the man's music. I am a musician, and more than anyone else Sly's music has influenced me the most. I also said that so that my opinion about the show wouldn't get categorized as another Sly bashing. There are some out there that love to focus on the negative tabloid aspects of Sly's life. What I said in my post was how I felt about the show I saw. Everyone is free to disagree with my opinions. I now have experienced the unpredictability that is Sly Stone first hand. With Sly you NEVER know what you are gonna get. And you NEVER know which Sly Stone will show up. Because judging from Decmber 7th there are definitely more than one.

Crittenden. Are you sure it was Sly's mic you were holding? The way you continue to gush and defend makes me think perhaps you were holding something else. Just an observation.

This concert was truely MAGICAL, Sly Stone has been a powerful and highly talented influence in modern music, an ICON actually person since he first began his career, he has always been in rotation on radio, in films etc...

It does my heart good to be a part of a living legends band... TRUE STORY, i Rikki Gordon stayed at Sly's house for 3 weeks while he was getting me ready to sing his songs along with him and the band.

He lives in the most peaceful and tranquil place i have ever had the privelege of staying... A beautiful mansion and a guest house what a spread in the woods... Wildlife running around, fancy cars and motorcycles and all the toys that a rockstar like him should have...

He made me so welcome and as well made sure that i sang his music with the right intensity as well as sensitivity.

SLY STONE IS A GENIUS when it comes to his awesome home studio... Just hanging out and talking about life and greatness he is the ultimate in knowledge and such a down to earth person. I WANT TO SING WITH HIM FOREVER... AND WHAT AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR ME.

It was so awesome Paul from the David Letterman Show played with us, Sebastian Bach from Skid Row sang a chorus or two which was a blast. His new CD just came out, check him out he's a powerhouse of a singer...Also Carmine Appice was also in attendance and hangin out backstage...

What i will say to you personally as a reader of this SLY IS BACK... You gotta see us in concert..

I feel like my life is going to be filled with travels and wonderful people who love Mr. Stone soooo much...

WE'D LIKE TO THANK ALL THE FANS WHO ROCKED THE HOUSE AND SANG ALONG WITH Sly Stone...

When we come to your town or country please be sure to say hello to me... Rikki Gordon

contact me or us at: everydaypeople2007@yahoo we want to play the whole world so feel free to contact us... Sincerely, Rikki Gordon - singer...

Happy trails... And we love you all... Well wishes

My name is Rikki Gordon, i am the singer who actually sang the Sly songs with him. I am wearing the brown NY fit in your photos, please add my name to the family legacy for those events.

I also agree NYC was ready for the living legend and ROCK ICON SLY STONE... I AM HONORED TO BE IN HIS BAND, I STAYED AT HIS RANCH AND LEARNED THE SONGS TO HIS LIKING. I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD WHO SLY PERSONALLY TRAINED TO SING HIS SONGS

contact me all fans and others cool people at:

everydaypeople2007@yahoo.com RIKKI GORDON singer

Rikki, I placed some of your photos on the Sly / BB King page:

http://www.slystone.com/rock-george.htm

Amir

Thanks for sharing the PICS.Amir !

Thanks for sharing the PICS Amir !

I read an unfactual article published by FOX NEWS written by a COMPLETE LIAR BY THE NAME OF ROGER FRIEDMAN.

IT IS VERY PITYFUL THAT A REPUTABLE NEWS WORTHY ORGANIZATION SUCH as FOX NEWS WOULD ALLOW SUCH A NEGATIVE AND UNTRUE ARTICLE MAKE IT INTO THEIR NEWS REELS.

I am an attorney and was there at the B.B. King show on Dec 7th 2007. I am trying to contact Mr. Stone NOW and would be happy to offer my legal services SUE FOX NEWS and ROGER FRIEDMAN for publishing such a pityful and misleading story.

Mr. Stone left the stage 2 times for less than a minute each time and from my vantage point i saw him IN CLEAR VIEW on the side of the stage wiping his forehead and drinking bottled water.

ROGER FRIEDMAN HAS NO INTEGRITY AND CLEARLY IS A BIG LIAR AND I ENCOURAGE SLY STONE TO CONTACT ANY ATTORNEY AND MAKE THAT ROGER LIAR PAY FOR BEING SUCH A FAKE ARTICLIST. SHAME ON YOU AND SHAME ON FOX NEWS I WILL NOW ALWAYS QUESTION THEIR STORIES.
Sly and The Family Stone ROCKED THE HOUSE!

Is that Spike Lee on drums in the 6th picture?