Forty-six years after performing at one of New York City’s historic venues, Epic/Legacy records announce the debut release of Sly & The Family Stone – Live at the Fillmore East October 4th & 5th 1968.
The four-disc set features 34 unreleased performances from their live shows at Bill Graham’s legendary concert hall. During their rise, Sly & The Family Stone built an undeniable reputation as one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. The group effortlessly combined upbeat, funky melodies with socially conscious lyrics that would paint a vivid picture of the sociopolitical landscape of the ‘60s while also creating a road map for pop music in the decades to come.
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The collection has been preceded by a double-vinyl ‘best-of’ featuring highlights from all four shows compiled by “Captain” Kirk Douglas, guitarist for The Roots:
“This performance is living breathing evidence of how much of a force of nature Sly & the Family Stone were at this point of their career. Every member of the group shines in a way that I can only describe as a revelation. It was enjoyable listening to the band break free from the studio arrangements of the songs we know and love to find new interpretations. And to think they did this twice in one evening! The heaviest of rock and the funkiest of soul jumps out of the speakers combined with a message just as relevant today as the day it was recorded. This deserves to be played LOUD!”
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Live at the Fillmore East October 4th & 5th 1968 hits stores on Friday, July 17 and can be pre-ordered in CD and vinyl format on Amazon.
Hear their live funky, organ and horn-laden performance of “Life” down below.
Photo Credit: Sony Records