Sly Stone Surprises Family Stone

The reclusive Stone, who took his band The Family Stone to the top of the pops in the late ’60s / early ’70s, appeared unannounced at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, N.J.  But the funk icon did more than just show his face in the place.  He sat in with the band and played keyboards on “If You Want Me To Stay.”

Apparently the fans weren’t the only ones surprised to see Sly in the house.

“It was quite a surprise, a pleasant surprise and it was cool,” said Family Stone member Greg Errico, according to the Asbury Park Press.  “I couldn’t see people’s faces in the audience but everybody told me there was a lot of crying going on – it was emotional.”

The Family Stone, whose lineup does not include the famous Sly, was appearing as part of the “’70s rock and Funk Fest at the Basie” that also included Rick Derringer, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Badfinger feat. Joey Molland.