Guitarist Carlos Santana, aged 77, was taken to a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, April 22, after experiencing a medical issue during preparations for his planned concert. While at the Majestic Theater for a soundcheck, Santana encountered a medical emergency diagnosed as dehydration.
His manager, Michael Vrionis, released a statement about the rescheduling of the San Antonio show: “It is with profound disappointment that I have to inform you all that tonight’s show in San Antonio has been postponed. Mr. Santana was at the venue preparing for tonight’s show when he experienced an event that was determined to be dehydration.”
The concert’s postponement was deemed “the most prudent course of action” given Santana’s condition. Attendees at the venue reported seeing the musician being placed onto a stretcher and taken to a local hospital for monitoring.
Vrionis assured fans that Santana is recovering from the incident and anticipates rescheduling the San Antonio concert and continuing his U.S. tour. It was later announced that he was scheduled to appear on April 25 at Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK.
This incident is the latest in a series of health-related disruptions to Santana’s performance schedule in recent years. In January 2025, the guitarist postponed several dates of his Las Vegas residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay following a “hard fall” at his home in Hawaii, which resulted in a broken finger on his left hand.
In July 2022, Santana faced another dehydration-related issue when he collapsed on stage during a performance at the Pine Knob Music Festival in Clarkson, Michigan. During his Miraculous Supernatural Tour with Earth, Wind and Fire, the medical issue was confirmed by his representative as heat exhaustion and dehydration, further complicated by food poisoning.
Santana’s health concerns date back further. In December 2021, he underwent an unscheduled heart procedure, causing the cancellation of several performances in Las Vegas. In a video message, Santana explained experiencing chest discomfort and seeking hospital care, leading to the cancellation of seven shows for recovery purposes.
Despite these health challenges, Santana continues his Oneness Tour 2025. Approaching his 78th birthday in July, Santana has recently reflected on life and mortality after the deaths of close friends and musicians Jeff Beck and Burt Bacharach, motivating him to keep performing actively.
Santana gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, known for their unique blend of rock and Latin American jazz. His signature sound merges blues-based guitar with Latin and African rhythms played on instruments like timbales and congas.
After his initial early success, Santana experienced a career resurgence in the late 1990s, gaining renewed popularity and acclaim. Despite occasional health-related postponements, he has remained a significant figure in the music industry, continuing to tour extensively.
Ticket holders for the postponed San Antonio show are advised to retain their tickets, which will be valid for the rescheduled date. The current U.S. leg of Santana’s tour is set to continue through the spring, followed by a series of summer performances in Europe.
