Carlos Santana Talks Retirement
Carlos Santana talks retirement. So what, you ask. Everyone gets to a certain age and starting thinking about moving on from their job, right? But what if your musical ability is the stuff of legend that shows no sign of stopping. Do you even consider retirement?
How Do You Ask The Question
How do you ask one of the greatest guitar players in the world if they’d even consider retirement? I’ve always wondered if that’s a weird construct for musicians like Carlos Santana. We live in a world where Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones are still going strong with no signs of stopping – and that’s a good thing, right?
We caught up with Carlos before he heads out on the road with the Counting Crowes and talked music, life, his plans for a new version of Woodstock in 2025 and yes…we asked about the “R” word.
Carlos Santana Talks Retirement
(Big Jim) Can I ask a question? I don’t know if this is a bad word, because Ryan and I were talking about this. Most folks get to a point in their life where they’re like, all right. I’m gonna stop. I’m gonna take a break. I’m gonna retire from this nine to five job, whatever there is. For Carlos Santana, retirement is never gonna be an option, right?
(Santana) No, because it’s not a job, it’s a gift…I don’t know when my mechanics don’t want to cooperate and I will graciously bow out and give it to somebody else that can do it better.
But right now, I don’t see nobody that can do it better. So I wanna stick around. (laughing)
Carlos – Don’t Leave
We had a scary moment with Carlos a couple of years ago here in Detroit when he collapsed on stage during a particularly hot summer. Obviously everyone’s first concern was his well being (glad to say he’s fine – as you can see from his guitar playing) But beyond that there’s vibe at a Santana concert unlike anything you’ll experience. He talks about love and light and positivity, and that energy washes over you during his shows.
There are moments where you just get lost in his guitar playing (like Clapton and Eddie), then the rolling percussion and next thing you know there’s a big smile on your face as you dance in your seat.
We live in a world with Carlos Santana – one of the best ever. Maybe retirement is just for mere mortals. Not Carlos. Ever. Carlos Santana talks retirement? Not today folks. And I’ll never bring it up again!
