Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Inside Sly and the Family Stone’s Lost Live Album

June 11, 2007 - SLY STONE. DM- Sly Stone and the Family Stone, Los Angeles, California, USA - 09 Jun 2025
Photo by Dm/Globe Photos via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock (15349698b)

In the annals of music history, few bands can rival the eclectic and influential style of Sly and the Family Stone. Recently, the discovery of a “lost live album” has brought renewed attention to this iconic group's early years. Alec Palao, a passionate archivist and reissue producer, has played a significant role in bringing this rare live recording to light. The album, titled *The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967*, is a testament to the genius of Sly Stone and the dynamic band he led. This discovery offers an auditory time capsule from the band's formative months, vividly capturing their innovative fusion of funk, rock, and soul.

Alec Palao’s journey with Sly Stone began in a rather unassuming manner. Stories of visiting Stone in his modest lodgings in Los Angeles reveal the intimate and visceral connection Palao developed with the legendary artist. Palao recounts an experience where he selected a sweatsuit from a Target sale rack, a thoughtful gesture for Stone, who immediately appreciated the chosen colors for their personal significance. Such moments underscore the human side of celebrities like Sly Stone, who, despite his fame, faced financial struggles and personal challenges.

One of Palao's notable tasks included securing a licensing deal with Stone for the Ace Records compilation, *Listen To The Voices: Sly Stone in the Studio 1965-70*. Despite logistical hurdles, Palao’s persistence paid off, reflecting Stone’s understanding and appreciation of genuine interest in his artistic legacy. Stone's charisma and inherent artistry were evident in the way he wielded music not just as a form of expression but as a standard-setting narrative for future musicians. His embrace of various musical influences, including Bob Dylan and Ray Charles, showcased his eclectic taste and contributed to his groundbreaking sound.

Despite the darker aspects of Stone's life, including his well-documented drug habits, Palao's anecdotes vividly bring to life Stone's charm and enduring creativity. One humorous moment mentions Stone's resourceful transformation of everyday items for unconventional uses, such as crafting an impromptu smoking device out of ballpoint pens. These stories offer a window into his vibrant and multifaceted personality, providing layers to his public persona beyond his musical genius.

The live album, recorded at Winchester Cathedral during an Easter morning show in 1967, represents an important musical relic rescued from obscurity. Initially recorded by Rich Romanello, the band’s first manager, the tapes lay dormant until resurrected by the efforts of Edwin and Arno Konings—described as the ultimate Sly sleuths. Palao's technical acumen was instrumental in restoring the sound quality, unveiling the crispness of Stone's vocals and the band's already distinct style, even in its nascent stage.

This recording is not just a testament to the band’s incredible musicianship but also an essential piece of cultural history. It's a vivid reminder of the electricity that Sly and the Family Stone brought to their performances, a snapshot of a band fully formed and vibrant from the start. The album’s restoration journey from obscurity to public release underscores the continued interest in the multifaceted legacy of Sly Stone. His death has sparked increased interest, reaffirming his importance in the annals of music history.

The rediscovery and release of *The First Family: Live at Winchester Cathedral 1967* provide fans and historians alike with a deeper understanding of Sly Stone's early artistry. It's a reminder of his innovative spirit and the timeless quality of his music. For collectors and new listeners, the album adds a significant chapter to the narrative of Sly and the Family Stone, solidifying their place in the pantheon of music's greatest bands. As Palao attests, encountering a piece of musical mythology that lives up to its legend is rare, making this release a treasured artifact in the study of modern music history.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Dave Grohl from the US rock band 'Foo Fighters' performs at The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 09 September 2023. The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil - 09 Sep 2023

Foo Fighters Release New Song ‘Today’s Song’

The Foo Fighters are commemorating their 30th anniversary with the release of a compelling new single, “Today’s Song.” This track…

P DIDDY MTV AWARDS, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 14 NOV 2002

Sean “Diddy” Combs Guilty of Prostitution Charges, But Not of Racketeering & Sex Trafficking

Sean “Diddy” Combs, a towering figure in the hip-hop industry, recently faced a legal battle that captured widespread media and…

Bret Michaels performs during the Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024 Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024

Bret Michaels Changes Tour Schedule After Health Scare

Bret Michaels, the iconic frontman of the rock band Poison, recently faced a challenging health scare that has caused a…

Rob Halford lead of the British band Judas Priest performing on stage as part of the Monster of Rock Tour at Mexico City Arena. on May 4, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carlos Santiago/ Eyepix Group) Judas Priest and Opeth 'Monster of Rock' Concert, Mexico City, Mexico - 04 May 2025

Judas Priest Covers Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’

Judas Priest, a pioneering force in the heavy metal genre, recently paid homage to their fellow Birmingham natives, Black Sabbath,…

Aerosmith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Jan 1994 VARIOUS

Joe Perry Opens Up About Possibility of Final Aerosmith Concert

Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist from Aerosmith, has sparked discussions about a possible reunion for a final show. Despite announcing…

Irish musician Bono of the band U2 performs in Khreshatyk metro station in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine, 08 May 2022, to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Western countries have responded with various sets of sanctions against Russian state majority owned companies and interests in a bid to bring an end to the conflict. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February, resulting in fighting and destruction in the country. Irish musician Bono of U2 performs in metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine - 08 May 2022

Bono Slams Trump’s Gutting of USAID

In a significant and emotional discourse, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with U2’s lead singer Bono…

LEFT PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson, 'Moana 2' film premiere, London, UK - 24 Nov 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: Jelly Roll, 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, Arrivals, Frisco, Texas, USA - 08 May 2025

The Rock Finally Hugs Jelly Roll After Singer’s Music Helped Him Through Dark Times

In an inspiring tale of friendship and the power of music, Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and country singer…

Green Day - Billie Joe Armstrong KROQ ALMOST ACCOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT, DAY TWO, LOS ANGELES, AMERICA - 12 DEC 2004

Green Day Fan Invited On Stage to Play ‘Good Riddance,’ But Plays ‘Wonderwall’ Instead

In what seemed like a routine Green Day concert in Luxembourg on June 30, 2025, an unexpected twist turned the…

Scooter Braun arrives on the red carpet at the NY special screening event for Amazon Prime's upcoming doc Justin Bieber: Our World Special Screening in New York, United States - 14 Sep 2021

Scooter Braun Steps Down as CEO of HYBE America

Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, is…