Discover the best concert Carlos Santana has ever seen
Carlos Santana reminisces about the most unforgettable concert he’s ever attended – Jimi Hendrix’s performance at the Northern California Folk-Rock Festival in 1969. The legendary musician, now 77 years old, recalls the mesmerizing experience of watching Hendrix play while under the influence of LSD, a psychedelic drug known for altering perception and inducing hallucinations.
Speaking on a podcast, Santana vividly describes the awe-inspiring moment, stating that he had witnessed Hendrix perform on several occasions but that particular day was truly exceptional. He recalls being in utter amazement at the otherworldly way Jimi played his guitar, creating a mesmerizing, almost cosmic experience for the audience. Despite the mind-altering effects of the drugs, Santana recalls Jimi’s performance as nothing short of magical and unearthly.
“The canvas he painted with his guitar that day was so vast and galactic,” Santana reminisces. “It was beyond anything I had ever witnessed before. He transported us to a place beyond our wildest imaginations, and back, all in one breath. It was a moment of pure transcendence, leaving us all wondering in astonishment, ‘Who is this guy?’”
Reflecting on his youth spent in San Francisco, Santana fondly recalls attending concerts at the Fillmore, regarding the renowned venue as his “almamater”. Despite financial constraints, Santana was determined to soak up knowledge and inspiration from the diverse array of artists who graced the stage. From Cream to Howlin’ Wolf, Steve Miller, and Chuck Berry, Santana absorbed every musical genre like a sponge, learning and growing with each performance he witnessed.
Though Santana is now recognized by younger generations for hits like ‘Smooth’, featuring Rob Thomas, he remains committed to sharing a message of universal love and acceptance through his music. He emphasizes that every individual is deserving of love and is cherished by a higher power, embodying the belief that everyone holds a central place in the grand scheme of the universe. Santana’s mission is to spread a message of inclusivity and unity, affirming that we all occupy a place of importance in the vast circle of existence.
The legendary artist recently released a new book, ‘Carlos Santana: Love, Devotion, Surrender,’ offering readers a visual journey filled with unseen photographs and personal anecdotes from his remarkable career. Additionally, Santana dropped a compilation album titled ‘Sentient’ in March, featuring unreleased tracks that showcase his musical evolution and creativity over the years.