Why Sly Stone’s Bandmates TRULY HATED Him.. | HO

Sly Stone’s bandmates might truly hate the guy, for good reason. So, Sly and the Family Stone weren’t just making hits—they were making history. But behind the feel-good anthems and groundbreaking success, things were a mess.

Sly wasn’t just difficult; he was unpredictable, unreliable, and, according to some, straight-up impossible to work with. The drugs, the power trips, the no-shows—it all pushed his bandmates to the edge. But what finally made them snap?

Sly and the Family Stone, once hailed as one of the most innovative and influential bands in music history, were celebrated for their energetic blend of funk, soul, and rock. However, behind their groundbreaking hits and captivating performances lay deep turmoil and conflict, primarily stemming from the unpredictable behavior of their leader, Sly Stone.

Early Success and Rising Fame

Initially, the band faced significant challenges breaking into the music scene. Their debut album, “A Whole New Thing,” garnered critical acclaim but failed to achieve commercial success. This limited their performances to small clubs, far from their dreams of stardom.
Recognizing the band’s potential, Clive Davis of CBS Records pushed them to create a hit that would resonate broadly.

Though initially reluctant, Sly Stone eventually wrote “Dance to the Music,” a dynamic and infectious track that skyrocketed to popularity, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. This breakthrough transformed the band’s trajectory, catapulting them from modest venues to major stages and establishing them firmly in mainstream music.

However, this rapid ascent came at a cost.

The Impact of Drug Addiction

As Sly and the Family Stone’s fame grew, so did Sly Stone’s drug use, notably cocaine and PCP. This addiction profoundly impacted both his personal life and professional relationships, leading to erratic behavior, missed performances, and growing frustration among band members and fans alike.

Concert cancellations became commonplace as Sly either failed to appear or arrived too late to perform effectively. The band’s reputation, once stellar, deteriorated sharply, tarnishing their image as reliable entertainers. Internal dynamics suffered as well, exacerbating tensions between bandmates, particularly between Sly and bassist Larry Graham.

The band’s productivity plummeted; from 1969 to 1971, they released only a single notable track, “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” Although successful, this sporadic output wasn’t sufficient to sustain their momentum. Sly’s escalating drug habit made consistent studio work nearly impossible, alienating fellow musicians and undermining the group’s cohesion.

Financial Troubles and Legal Battles

Compounding their professional difficulties, the band faced severe financial mismanagement. Despite generating substantial revenue, members complained about unpaid royalties and financial exploitation. Sly himself lived lavishly yet irresponsibly, owning multiple expensive vehicles and indulging in excessive spending, leading to personal and collective financial instability.

In 2010, decades after their prime, Sly Stone filed a lawsuit against former manager Gerald Goldstein and lawyer Glenn Stone, alleging they had misappropriated millions in royalties. After deliberation, a jury awarded Sly approximately $5 million, confirming that his trusted associates had indeed taken advantage of him financially. Though vindicated, this victory did little to rectify the long-term damage done by years of mismanagement.

Decline into Homelessness and Isolation

By the late 1980s, Sly’s career had effectively collapsed. Arrested in 1987 for cocaine possession, he subsequently vanished from public view, resurfacing in 2011 as reportedly homeless, living in a camper van. This stark reality underscored the devastating effects his addiction had on both his life and career.

Family Impact and Personal Struggles

The impact of Sly’s drug abuse extended deeply into his family life. His daughter, Fun Stone, recounted childhood experiences marred by exposure to drugs, recalling mimicking her father’s behavior without fully understanding its dangers. Her brother, Sylvester Stewart Jr., similarly expressed emotional struggles stemming from their father’s public troubles and long absences.

Despite the years of separation and hardship, recent years have offered some reconciliation. Reuniting emotionally with his children, Sly began repairing fractured relationships, culminating in an emotional reconnection marked by tears and mutual healing.

Health Challenges and Rehabilitation

Sly Stone’s lifelong drug addiction eventually took a severe toll on his health. Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), he faced significant respiratory issues. Doctors warned that continued drug use would lead to further deterioration. Motivated by this dire prognosis, Sly successfully stopped using drugs in 2019, marking a significant personal triumph.

However, the long-term consequences of his addiction remain evident. He struggles with basic communication and mobility, and while his mind remains sharp, his physical condition has significantly declined. These health challenges led filmmakers behind the recent documentary “Sly Lives” to omit new interviews, out of respect for his dignity and current struggles.

Legacy and Documentary

“Sly Lives,” directed by musician Questlove, sheds light on the extraordinary rise, tragic downfall, and ongoing legacy of Sly Stone. Through candid interviews with family members and former bandmates, the film portrays both the brilliance and the chaos surrounding the legendary musician. It also highlights his children’s complex feelings, balancing love and respect for their father with the trauma caused by his addiction.

Despite the damage done by his past choices, Sly Stone remains an influential figure in music history. His innovative sound, characterized by dynamic rhythms and inclusive messages, broke barriers and inspired generations. Yet, his story serves as a cautionary tale of talent undermined by substance abuse and mismanagement.

In recent interviews, family members express pride in his sobriety and gratitude for the moments of normalcy and connection they now share. His daughter Novena Carmel fondly noted that despite his fame, today, her father enjoys simple pleasures, reflecting a new, calmer chapter in his tumultuous life.

Sly Stone’s story is one of profound contrasts—unprecedented artistic success overshadowed by personal and professional struggles. It underscores the importance of support systems, careful management, and personal responsibility, resonating powerfully as both a musical legacy and a cautionary narrative.