Sly Stone’s Near-Legendary Performance in Evansville
Sly Stone brought his electrifying performance to Evansville in a legendary show that almost happened at Roberts Stadium. The promoters had a unique idea for the show – removing all the seats and allowing attendees to lounge on blankets while a specially-built seven-foot-high stage almost seemed to float above them. Sly & the Family Stone would grace this stage, promising an experience akin to a 1960s-style “be-in” where young people gathered to raise their consciousness, maybe even taking a bit of acid along the way. Promoter Bob Alexander envisioned an indoor rock festival atmosphere with everyone bringing blankets.
The plan seemed foolproof, but it all hinged on one crucial factor: Sly Stone showing up. Throughout his career, Stone’s punctuality remained as unpredictable as his music. Sometimes he would arrive on time and deliver a fantastic show, while other times he would show up fashionably late in a white limousine, captivating the audience. Then there were the nights where he didn’t show up at all. Stone was known to have said, “Sometimes you don’t feel your soul at 7:30.”
Unfortunately, Stone’s anticipated appearance in Evansville fell through. After selling a substantial amount of tickets worth $25,000, the news broke that Stone intended to cancel the entire tour, including the Roberts Stadium show. A subsequent concert was planned for 1972, but there is no record of it ever taking place based on historical archives and Sly’s tour schedules.
Fast forward to the present day, and the mercurial genius behind hits like “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summer Time,” and “Dance to the Music” has now passed away at the age of 82. Sly Stone, legally known as Sylvester Stewart, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his eclectic blend of danceable tunes and politically charged anthems. Despite battling COPD, his timeless music continues to resonate worldwide.
As Sly Stone’s career reached its apex in the spring of 1971 with the impending release of “There’s a Riot Goin’ On,” his legacy solidified in the annals of music history. This album, hailed as one of the greatest funk records, delves into the tumultuous transition from the ’60s to the uncertain future ahead. While critics laud its brilliance, Questlove referred to it as a glimpse into the painful journey of a reluctant creative force.
In his final years, Stone retreated from the spotlight, reportedly living in a white RV and dispelling rumors of homelessness by citing it as his office, dressing room, and hideout. Despite his later seclusion, the memories of what could have been at Roberts Stadium in 1971 linger. Sly Stone, perpetually on the cusp of greatness, continues to inspire generations of music lovers with his unparalleled artistry and enigmatic persona.