Renowned guitarist Carlos Santana, aged 77, was taken to a hospital in San Antonio, Texas, on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, due to a medical issue encountered during preparations for his concert. While at the Majestic Theater for a soundcheck, Santana experienced a medical emergency, later identified as dehydration.
Michael Vrionis, Santana’s manager, announced the postponement of the San Antonio performance in a statement: “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 choice to delay the concert was considered “the most prudent course of action” given Santana’s health. Attendees at the venue reported witnessing Santana being placed on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Vrionis assured fans of Santana’s good recovery and expressed anticipation for rescheduling the San Antonio concert and continuing the U.S. tour. A new date for the postponed concert will be announced soon.
This incident is the latest in a series of health issues affecting Santana’s schedule in recent years. In January 2025, he had to postpone several dates of his Las Vegas residency at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay due to a “hard fall” at his home in Hawaii, resulting in a broken finger on his left hand.
In July 2022, Santana faced a similar dehydration-related situation when he collapsed on stage at the Pine Knob Music Festival in Clarkson, Michigan. He was performing during his Miraculous Supernatural Tour with Earth, Wind and Fire when the medical issue transpired. His representative later confirmed that Santana suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration, which was further complicated by food poisoning.
Santana’s health challenges date back further. In December 2021, he underwent an unscheduled heart procedure that led to the cancellation of several Las Vegas performances. In a video message, Santana explained that he had experienced chest discomfort and sought medical care at his wife Cindy Blackman’s suggestion. Following medical advice, he canceled seven shows to focus on recovery.
Despite these health challenges, Santana has continued his Oneness Tour 2025. The guitarist, turning 78 in July, has recently reflected on life and mortality following the deaths of friends and fellow musicians Jeff Beck and Burt Bacharach. These losses have reportedly renewed his determination to keep performing.
Santana gained fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band Santana, known for blending rock with Latin American jazz. His distinctive sound merges blues-based guitar with Latin American and African rhythms using percussion instruments like timbales and congas.
After initial success, Santana experienced a resurgence in the late 1990s, achieving renewed acclaim. He remains a significant figure in the music industry, touring extensively despite health-related interruptions.
Following the recent incident, Santana’s management confirmed that he is expected to resume his tour once fully recovered. Ticket holders for the postponed San Antonio show are advised to keep 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 before moving to Europe for summer performances.
