The Family Stone

Funk legends The Family Stone are heading to these shores this summer for a big show. The band, best known for hits Thank You (Falettin Me Be Mice Elf Agin), Everyday People and Dance to the Music are playing Dublin’s Beatyard at the August Bank Holiday.

Billed as the first-ever interracial, inter-gender mainstream rock band, The Family Stone is led by original members Jerry Martini and Greg Errico, with Alex Davis and Phunne Stone, who goes by Ray Syl, on vocals.

Ahead of their visit to Ireland, the Beat’s Demelza de Burcas caught up with them to get a flavour of what to expect from them.

The Beat: What’s new?

Jerry Martini:

The Family

Stone is enjoying doing new songs from the Sly archives that are relevant to our lives and our audience.

The Beat: Tell us about your new/ latest record?

Martini:

We will soon be recording songs from our female lead singer, Phunne Stone. who is the daughter of Sly Stone and my partner for 50 years and the late Cynthia Robinson.

The Beat: Describe you music in one sentence.

Martini:

Our music can be described as uplifting, beautiful, great dance music, thoughtful and music for everyday people.

The Beat: What are you listening to at the moment?

Martini:

I switch back and forth from the funky music of the 70’s to today’s pop stations with Arianna Grande, Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons, Chainsmokers etc.

The Beat: What artists do you rate?

Martini:

I rate the musicians I listened to growing up, all of the great jazz musicians, Elvis (inset) and The Beatles. There are great musicians from all eras including now.

The Beat: What has been your favourite moment as a musician?

Martini:

I have so many favorite moments in my 50 plus years with Sly And The Family Stone and the Family Stone including Woodstock, Madison Square Garden more recently Glastonbury.