Sly Stone and Brian Wilson Were Genius Interrupted 

Two of the most original and tortured talents passed away this week in Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, who died this past Monday and Wednesday, respectively. Both were unrivaled geniuses in their corresponding genres: Stone in funk and psychedelic soul as the figurehead of Sly and the Family Stone, and Wilson in the realm of pop rock with The Beach Boys.

Sadly, Stone and Wilson were each beset by the trappings of success and collapsed under enormous amounts of pressure to continue to produce astounding works. To many, the two are known for being shells of themselves for the majority of their careers, with only brief flashes of their peak brilliance.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Sly Stone of Sly and the Family Stone,” the family of the funk and psychedelic soul icon announced in a statement. “After a prolonged battle with COPD and other underlying health issues, Sly passed away peacefully, surrounded by his three children, his closest friend, and his extended family. While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy will continue to resonate and inspire for generations to come.”

“Sly was a monumental figure, a groundbreaking innovator, and a true pioneer who redefined the landscape of pop, funk, and rock music,” they continued. “His iconic songs have left an indelible mark on the world, and his influence remains undeniable.”

The family went on to say that before his death, the 82-year-old Stone completed a screenplay for his life story, which follows his somewhat disappointing 2023 autobiography, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin): A Memoir.  

Based out of San Francisco, Sly and the Family Stone was responsible for some of the biggest anthems of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including “Everyday People,” “Hot Fun in the Summertime,” and the double A-side release “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” and “Everybody Is a Star.” The group wasn’t afraid to stand for – as the family noted in their statement – peace and harmony between all races – even as they were falling apart internally due to drug use as the ‘70s wore on.

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Stone in particular became less and less dependable as he fell into a pool of hard drugs including cocaine and PCP. His life was dotted with high-profile embarrassments, like a 1983 arrest for cocaine possession and four years later a probation violation for that same charge. By the early 2000s, he was reportedly homeless and living off welfare while embroiled in lawsuits with his former manager.

The legacy and status as an icon never wavered for Stone, though. Seemingly every new generation rediscovered his music, routinely paying tribute, even as his occasional live appearances were erratic at best. He’d often leave the stage mid-verse, or make some comment about coming right back, but never returning, a metaphor for Stone’s career if there ever was one.

Brian Wilson, somehow, came back. Eschewing the surf rock stylings The Beach Boys were known for, he commandeered the SoCal outfit’s 1966 release, officially their 11th, Pet Sounds. Initially met with indifference to downright derision, the record soon became recognized as a revolutionary work of art on nearly every level, from song craft to composition to the incorporation of innovative studio techniques.

For his next work under The Beach Boys banner, Smile, Wilson promised, “a teenage symphony to God.” He was touted as the heir apparent to The Beatles, who rightly appeared to be retreating from the public eye.

Neither ever came to pass. Smile was shelved in favor of the lackluster Smiley Smile. Wilson buckled mentally after ingesting copious amounts of LSD, along with cocaine and marijuana. Many said he went mad in the studio trying to deliver on his promise. 

It was later determined that he was battling a condition called schizoaffective disorder, which led to hallucinations and delusions that angry voices in his head were speaking to him. Mix that in with the drugs, and disaster was the result.

At various points damaged and destroyed, Wilson never achieved the heights of Pet Sounds. He was kicked out of The Beach Boys while his odd behavior became legendary as his former band became a goofy nostalgia act without him. He was taken advantage of emotionally and financially by a doctor who had him under his care.

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Yet Wilson came back. He got off drugs, received non-exploitative care, and started making music and touring again. He finally finished and released Smile, as Brian Wilson Presents Smile, in 2004, 33 years after abandoning the project in the first place. It was critically lauded, but in some circles, it’s the bootleg versions from the original sessions that are deemed the closest representation of Wilson’s true vision.

Though he continued to tour – even rejoining The Beach Boys for a 50th-anniversary run – Wilson progressively seemed to go downhill. He cancelled the remainder of a 2022 tour due to “unforeseen health reasons,” and last year it was revealed he was suffering from dementia. No cause of death was indicated in a statement from his children.

“We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away,” they said about the 82-year-old. “We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy”

A version of this article appears in this week’s print and online editions of my syndicated Rock Music Menu column under the title “Tributes to Sly Stone and Brian Wilson at their passings.“