Singer Sly Stone and his wife Kathy Silva exchanged vows at Madison Square Garden on June 5, 1974, in a ceremony that predated Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's anticipated wedding at the same venue by decades.

Stone, the frontman of the influential band Sly and the Family Stone, married Silva, a model and actress, on stage before one of his concerts. The event was witnessed by approximately 23,000 fans.

According to an excerpt from Stone's 2023 memoir, the initial idea to marry at Madison Square Garden arose from a conversation with producer Stephen Paley. Stone recalled wanting the wedding to be "the year's biggest deal," leading to the plan to combine the ceremony with a concert and a subsequent party.

Some of Stone's more elaborate wedding proposals, such as releasing 500 doves or having a model fly across the arena as Tinker Bell, were reportedly vetoed. Fashion designer Halston created custom gold attire for the bride and groom, and attendees were encouraged to wear gold.

Silva is seen in her gold dress ahead of the wedding.

Eddie Kendricks performed before Stone's niece sang a spiritual number. Models then appeared on stage carrying gold palm leaves before Silva and Stone exchanged their vows.

Stone and model and actress Silva exchanged vows at MSG in New York City on June 5, 1974 in front of around 23,000 fans - and it was certainly a lavish affair. Stone recalled feeling "a little nervous" during the ceremony on stage, in front of the large crowd.

Stone recalled being 'a little nervous' as the bishop began performing the ceremony on stage at MSG in front of 23,000 people. Fans are seen in the audience during the wedding.

Following the wedding ceremony, Sly and the Family Stone performed a full concert.

The ceremony was followed by a full concert from Sly and the Family Stone.

Geraldo Rivera, host of Good Night America, described the event as "quite spectacular." A reception was later held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, featuring Japanese and soul food, New York champagne, and a cake topped with a gold record.

A party was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel afterwards and included Japanese and soul food, a tribute to the bride and groom, New York champagne and a 'round cake with a gold record on top,' a tribute to the 'business Stone was in.'

After the wedding, the couple discovered that the bishop had not been registered in New York, requiring him to submit paperwork to make the marriage official. The issue was subsequently resolved.

Stone and Silva divorced in 1976. The musician died in June 2025 at the age of 82.

Swift and Kelce are set to tie the knot at the famous venue this week.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are gearing up to tie the knot at Madison Square Garden this week.