Award-winning Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana, recognized for his particular mix of blues-rock and traditional Latin melodies, fainted unexpectedly during a performance in an outdoor auditorium on Tuesday, July 5, in Michigan. According to several attendees on social media, he was barely 40 minutes into the concert at the Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston when he collapsed on stage, and had to receive urgent medical attention.

Popularized in the late 60s and early 70s with his band Santana, the artist was performing his extensive repertoire of guitar riffs and solos mixed with timbales and congas. After he fell, nearby medical staff tried to revive him for 20 minutes, but the efforts failed. Finally, he had to leave, but made one last effort to raise his hand and greet his worried fans.

Those behind the concert reported it was "a serious medical matter," and the show was finally cancelled. The fans were left wanting to enjoy the music legend, who is part of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and is included on the list of 100 best guitarists in history, an index made by the magazine Rolling Stone.

According to Cindy Blackman, Santana's wife and the band's drummer, "he was fine and went to rest." He received a diagnosis of heat stroke and dehydration. The temperature was very hot, at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, and the lights on stage heat it even more.

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“I forgot to eat and drink water, so I got dehydrated and fell. Blessings and miracles to all of you,” Santana wrote later on his Facebook. After fainting, doubts arose as to whether he could resume his U.S. tour, but it seems there will be no major problems. His canceled concert was scheduled for Aug. 4.

Through the end of August, he has 21 dates scheduled throughout the country, where he will perform great classics like "Maria Maria," "Oye como va" and "Black Magic Woman," psychedelic rock anthems with an unmistakable Latin touch.

It is not the first time that Santana has scared his fans. In December 2021, he had to cancel a series of concerts in Las Vegas after undergoing unspecified heart treatment. Shortly after, in February, he and several members of his band tested positive for COVID-19, forcing performances to be postponed again.

In spite of his old age, the musician from Jalisco has no intention of leaving the stage. His talent with the guitar has earned him 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammys. The Mexican legend also has seven studio albums, and countless live and compilation albums.