In a recent episode of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s podcast Music Makes Us, iconic percussionist Sheila E. recounted a memorable incident from her time touring with the legendary Marvin Gaye during his 1983 Sexual Healing tour. Now 68, Sheila E. shared a story that highlighted both the pressures of live performance and the sibling dynamics that unfolded behind the scenes.
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Sheila E. was part of a large ensemble, a 24-piece band, which included her brother, Peter Michael Escovedo. The siblings, who share a deep connection both personally and musically, found themselves navigating the exhilarating atmosphere of rehearsals together. While recalling one particular rehearsal, Sheila E. laughed as she described how the band began to embrace the groove of Gaye’s classic “What’s Going On.” The infectious rhythm had everyone in the band moving, prompting Sheila to emulate a dance step made popular by the Jackson 5.
However, amidst the excitement, things took a humorous turn. As Sheila E. was caught up in the creativity of the moment, she inadvertently added an extra beat while playing the congas. This deviation did not go unnoticed by Gaye, whose typically calm and soft-spoken nature took a sudden shift. “He turned around and he goes, ‘Somebody hit an extra beat,’” Sheila E. recalled, highlighting the immediate tension that arose from her mistake.
In the heat of the moment, no one was willing to admit to the blunder, causing Sheila’s heart to race. Knowing she had a backup ready to take the fall, she bravely stepped forward to confess. “I’m like, ‘It was me. I’m gonna be fired. I’m not going out on tour,’” she shared, feigning guilt to save her brother. “I said, ‘Sorry, Mr. Gaye. My brother will never do that ever again.’” Peter Michael, who was 65 at the time of the podcast, quickly followed suit and accepted the blame, illustrating their tight-knit relationship and the bond they share in the world of music.
The Sexual Healing tour, which would subsequently be Gaye’s last, ended tragically when he was fatally shot by his father in April 1984 at the age of 44. Sheila E. commented on her experience with Gaye, describing him as “sweet,” “nice,” and “kind,” painting a picture of a devoted artist who nurtured his collaborators despite his legendary status.
Reflecting on the incident with the extra beat, Sheila E. described it as a valuable lesson in understanding when to hold back in a performance. She previously disclosed this story to The Guardian in 2024, indicating that the experience influenced her musical style and approach throughout her career, urging others to recognise the power of restraint in musical expression.
The podcast episode featured Sheila E. speaking with celebrated artist Kathleen Hanna at the Foster Theater in Cleveland. In this relaxed setting, they explored not only this humorous anecdote but also the underlying themes of family, responsibility, and the transformative power of music.
In a separate segment from the YouTube series The E. Family, Sheila E. also elaborated on how Peter Michael managed to secure his position in Gaye’s band. Encouraged by Sheila, he arrived in Los Angeles without a formal role, simply hoping to play along during rehearsals. His persistence paid off when Gaye’s manager recognised his talent and advocated for his inclusion in the touring band—something Gaye himself endorsed.
This account of the mishap from 1983 serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live music and the intricate relationships that underpin major tours. Sheila E.’s blend of humour and humility in recounting the story highlights not only her experiences as part of Gaye’s final tour but also the irreplaceable value of family in the world of performing arts.