Upon a backdrop of pseudo-social media and music videos on giant screens - like an angel - Katy Perry came flying in above the stage, hanging from wha
Read More The night kicked off with a vibrant opener - a seamless fusion of blistering guitar licks and the rich textures of Latin percussion. Maracas shimmered through the mix, setting the tone for what was to come: a sonic celebration steeped in rhythm, soul, and Santana's signature magic. Without missing a beat, the band slid into the timeless groove of Black Magic Woman. Carlos Santana, ever the icon, played with a hypnotic blend of elegance and swagger - casually chewing gum while coaxing pure emotion from his guitar strings. But it was the spellbinding dialogue between his fretwork and the percussive pulse of the drums that truly stole the moment. It wasn't just a song - it was a conversation, raw and intimate, that captivated the crowd. Then came Maria Maria, an early highlight that sent a jolt of joy through the audience.
Arms swayed, smiles stretched wide, and the venue pulsed with nostalgia. Santana's music transcended generations, turning the crowd into one big, swaying wave of rhythm and shared memory. As the night reached its final stretch, Carlos Santana-ever the spiritual showman-paused for a moment of gratitude. A man of few but powerful words, he thanked the crowd with sincerity and urged everyone to embrace kindness, compassionate mercy, and forgiveness. Then, as if to let his guitar say the rest, he launched into a searing solo that radiated passion and soul-pure Santana. "Life Is for Living "followed, and the title couldn't have felt more appropriate. The crowd erupted into joyful movement, clapping and dancing in spontaneous celebration. For a few glorious minutes, time melted away, and the message was clear: this was what living truly feels like. Next came the crowd favourite "Corazon Espinado " a vibrant, sun-soaked anthem that danced between pop charm and Latin flair. Its infectious melody and joyful rhythm lit up the arena, inviting smiles, swaying hips, and a sea of waving hands. As the show built toward its emotional peak, Santana introduced "Put the Lights On. " With a gentle cue, thousands of phones flickered to life, creating a galaxy of stars inside the venue. It was a moment of collective uplift-a visual symphony that turned darkness into something dazzlingly hopeful.
Then came the encore, and Santana did not hold back. The opening thunder of guitar and drums announced "Toussaint L'Ouverture, " a nod to his early fusion of Latin rock with jazz influences. The crowd roared, swept up in a fiery storm of rhythm and virtuosity, the energy palpable. Finally, like a closing chapter in a love story that never truly ends, came "Smooth. " From the first sultry guitar lick to the final note, the performance was electric. The vocals hit just right, and Santana's iconic guitar work flowed with effortless cool. More than two decades since its release, "Smooth " still ignites hearts, and on this night, it burned brighter than ever. The audience danced, sang, and basked in the glow of a living legend.
Carlos Santana, a maestro whose music transcends time, and whose flame shows no signs of fading.
Review by Sara Law.
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