entertainment

Latin rock legend Santana ignites Austin with the spirit of blues master Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Carlos Santana, the 77-year-old Latin-American musician, deserves recognition for his timeless talent. His guitar skills, still exquisitely showcased, have cemented his place in rock history, with a rich discography that reflects his enduring genius.

Published August 19, 2024 at 1:00pm by Mars Salazar

Gray-haired rebels rage against the dying of the light with rock legend Santana

Austin, Texas - The Moody Center was lit up with the silvery manes of seasoned music lovers as they gathered to worship at the altar of rock deity, Carlos Santana. At 77, Santana is a testament to the ageless power of music, his fingers dancing across the guitar strings with ageless grace and fury.

"Being here in Austin, I feel very inspired. If I were to go to the Vatican, I wouldn't be as inspired as here. No disrespect to the Pope, but he can't play guitar." – Carlos Santana, iconic guitarist

Here are five moments from the show that rippled through the crowd like a lightning bolt:

Ode to Stevie Ray Vaughan: Santana transported the audience back to his first brush with Austin's musical royalty. He recalled a near-death plane ride that left him feeling invincible, challenging the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughan to a duel of epic proportions. The story ended with a heartwarming feast at the Vaughan brothers' mother's home, a testament to mutual respect and the power of Austin's musical community.
'Put Your Lights On' Illuminates the Arena: The stadium transformed into a sea of twinkling lights as Santana guitarist Tommy Anthony belted out "Put Your Lights On." The audience became stars, raising their phone lights to the sky and creating a galaxy of emotion.
Cindy Blackman Santana, Drum Goddess: Locking in her husband's gaze from the side stage, Cindy Blackman Santana delivered a drumming performance that defied human limits. Her arms, a blur of muscular precision, held the audience in a trance. Santana himself, in awe, attributed her prowess to dedication, devotion, discipline, and diet—the formula for a superhuman performance.
'Foo Foo' Frenzy: Santana cast a spell with "Foo Foo," turning the stadium into a baile of psychedelic dreams. His fingers, possessed by the gods of rhythm, brought the crowd to their feet, with moms and aunties chanting his name in unison. A jubilant jig from Santana himself only fueled the frenzy.
Sermon from the Sage: Preaching self-acceptance and universal love, Santana closed the set with words of wisdom. While his words drew from his Christian faith, their essence transcended religion, encouraging fans to shed the "victim mentality" and embrace their inner power. A true disciple of music, he shunned the "Amazing Grace" funeral trope, preferring a celebration of life with "La Bamba" and "Tequila."

Santana, a living legend, proved that age is but a number. His performance, a tribute to the enduring spirit of rock 'n' roll, left the golden years crowd buzzing long into the night.

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