It’s been a sad week for popular music. Two musical innovators passed away this week, both aged 82.

Sly Stone, 1943 – 2025

Last Monday, 9th June, saw the death of Sylvester Stewart, better known by his stage name Sly Stone, frontman of Sly and the Family Stone.

Sly and the Family Stone, created by Stone, featured bassist Larry Graham and was one of the first bands with both black and white musicians, bringing funk to mostly white audiences. The band disbanded in 1983.

In 2015, now destitute and living in a van, Sly Stone was awarded $5 million in unpaid royalties.

Brian Wilson, 1942 – 2025

Two days after the death of Sly Stone, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys sadly died.

Under Brian’s leadership, the Beach Boys transformed from a band that sang pop songs about surfing, cars, and girls into one of the most innovative bands ever. The 1966 album Pet Sounds, which sold slowly at first, is now celebrated as one of the greatest albums of all time. His unique approach, such as using both a double bass and an electric bass in Good Vibrations, was groundbreaking. Many well-known artists have recognized Brian as an influence on their music.

Brian’s mental health issues affected his role in the Beach Boys after Pet Sounds.

Sadly missed, in tribute the BBC showed a repeat of Brian’s 2005 set at Glastonbury. I cried.