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 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.

(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) 

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!