The legendary funk musician from the ’70s-era group Sly & The Family Stone is living an altogether different sort of lifestyle these days.
The New York Post reports that the famed musician who once lived in 5,432-square foot mansion in Beverly Hills is currently living out of a camper-style van in a residential L.A. neighborhood that’s known for being rough (the film Boyz n the Hood was set there). The Post attributes the change to years of hard times where Stone, whose real name is Sylvester Stewart, dealt with “a lethal combination of excess, substance abuse and financial mismanagement.”
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The funk legend has had a history of drug abuse, but allegedly times got even tougher in 2009, when Stone quit receiving royalty checks. He claims he was financially taken advantage of by his manager Jerry Goldstein. Last year, Stone filed a $50 million lawsuit against Goldstein, alleging fraud.
But things aren’t all bad for ol’ Sly. He’s still making music, working out of his van and recording on a laptop. “I like my small camper, I just do not want to return to a fixed home,” he told the Post. “I cannot stand being in one place. I must keep moving.”
He also hopes to perform again one day. “It will feel good to step onstage,” he said. “I see all the guys playing those old songs. Let these guys know, like Lady Gaga, let me come in, just let me come in and pay me if you like it.” Based on the video above, we’re pretty sure everyone would like it.
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