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🚤 From Beaches to Barges: How Trafficking Gangs Are Using “Taxi Boats” to Cross the Channel

🚤 From Beaches to Barges: How Trafficking Gangs Are Using “Taxi Boats” to Cross the Channel 🚀 Introduction Earlier smuggling methods involved launching boats directly from hidden beaches. But now traffickers are staging inflatable “taxi boats” offshore—forcing migrants to wade into the frigid water to board. This innovation not only exploits a legal loophole but also raises the stakes for everyone involved. 📚 Background: A Shift in Smuggling Strategy Origin of taxi boats : Initially, gangs placed dinghies inland—rivers or canals—to evade French police on beaches ( telegraph.co.uk , telegraph.co.uk , express.co.uk ). Over the past year, they've progressed to launching boats offshore—about 100 m from the shoreline—forcing migrants to swim or wade out to board . The strategy is a direct response to French jurisdiction limits: once boats are at sea, police may not intercept them without risking lives ( thetimes.co.uk ). 🚤 What the New Method Looks Like Taxi ...
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🎸 Sly Stone (1943–2025): The Funk Pioneer’s Final Bow and Enduring Legacy

When Sylvester “Sly Stone” Stewart—founder and frontman of the genre-fusing band Sly & the Family Stone—passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82, the world bid farewell to a musical legend. Surrounded by his family, Sly died after a prolonged battle with COPD and other health complications (welt.de).

Sly and the Family Stone frontman was 82

 

🧭 Early Life & Cultural Revolution

Born March 15, 1943, in Denton, Texas, and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sly Stone reshaped the musical landscape with:

  • A multiracial, mixed-gender band lineup—groundbreaking in 1967 (soultracks.com)

  • A seamless fusion of funk, soul, rock, gospel, and psychedelic music

  • Chart-topping hits like Everyday People, Dance to the Music, Stand!, and Family Affair (the-sun.com, welt.de)

Their 1969 Woodstock performance, drenched in rain, became iconic—showcased in documentaries like Summer of Soul and immortalized in popular music history (ew.com).

🩺 Health Struggles and Redemption

The 1970s and ’80s saw a talented musician battle demons:

  • Drug abuse, erratic behavior, and financial turmoil caused a steep decline in his public life (reddit.com, theguardian.com)

  • By 2019, doctors warned COPD and Cr his addiction would kill him. He chose recovery and "got clean" at long last (ew.com)

  • His 2023 memoir, Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), reflected on his chaos and creativity (en.wikipedia.org)

🎥 The New Spotlight: SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)

Directed by Questlove, the documentary premiered at Sundance in January 2025 and released on Hulu in February (en.wikipedia.org). Highlights include:

  • Roundtables with artists like André 3000, D’Angelo, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Jimmy Jam, and George Clinton (en.wikipedia.org)

  • A focus on Black artistic genius and the pressures of fame

  • Limited participation from Sly due to health—but the film captures his musical brilliance through archival footage and collaborators (daveandchuckthefreak.com)

Fans have praised its depth and respect for Sly’s legacy (reddit.com).

🏆 His Legacy & Cultural Influence

Sly Stone’s impact remains unmatched:

  • A major influence on Prince, Public Enemy, Michael Jackson, hip‑hop, and funk’s evolution (pitchfork.com)

  • Pioneered sampling and experimental production—his Stone Flower era introduced early drum machine use (medium.com)

  • Credited by artists like Questlove: “the transformation and self‑awareness his music inspired” (pitchfork.com)

His band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993, honored at the Grammys in 2006 (apnews.com).

🔮 Final Moments & What Comes Next

Sly passed peacefully in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones. His family statement confirmed his death from COPD and hinted at upcoming projects: a screenplay adaptation of his memoir, completed before his passing (en.wikipedia.org).

This screenplay promises a new spotlight on his life—another step in keeping his story alive.

🧠 Conclusion

Sly Stone changed the world through his music, vision, and fearless creativity. He championed unity—through diversity, sound, and authenticity. Though his life had shadows, his music became the beacon. Now, as we say goodbye, his legacy resonates louder than ever.

❓  FAQs

1. When did Sly Stone die and from what?
He passed on June 9, 2025, aged 82, due to COPD and other underlying health issues (en.wikipedia.org).

2. What were his most famous songs?
Hits include Everyday People, Dance to the Music, Stand!, Family Affair, I Want to Take You Higher (welt.de).

3. What was unique about Sly & the Family Stone?
They were among the first racially integrated, mixed-gender rock bands—redefining music and culture (time.com).

4. What led to his withdrawal from fame?
Struggles with drug addiction, health issues, and erratic behavior caused him to drop out of the spotlight in the ’70s and ’80s .

5. Did he recover later in life?
Yes. Post-2019, he overcame addiction, documented his life in a memoir, and collaborated on a major documentary .

6. What is SLY LIVES! about?
A documentary exploring his life, music, and legacy, directed by Questlove, featuring several music icons .

7. Will new projects continue after his death?
Yes—a screenplay adaptation of his memoir is set for release in the coming years .

8. How did the public react to his death?
Fans and artists mourned deeply; Questlove posted tributes; coverage reflects widespread recognition of his influence (pitchfork.com).

9. What awards did he receive?
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee (1993), Grammy honoree (2006), and LA Times Book Prize for Audiobook Production (slystonemusic.com).

10. Where can I experience his music now?
His albums and the SLY LIVES! documentary are on streaming platforms; memoirs and live archives are in circulation too.


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