Carlos Santana concert in Monaco

Carlos Santana is more than just a guitarist — he is a musical visionary who forever changed the landscape of modern music. With his unmistakable tone, masterful phrasing, and ability to blend rock, Latin, blues, and jazz, Santana has created a sound that is both timeless and transcendent.

Carlos Santana is making his big comeback, and his world tour will be stopping off at Sporting Monte-Carlo for a hypnotic show on 23 July.

Since 2006, the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival has brought together the greatest names in the history of music, which have built the international reputation of Salle des Etoiles.

With rock, pop and, for the first time in its history, electro, the line-up for this 2025 edition, proposed by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and its artistic Director Alfonso Ciulla, once again targets an eclectic audience. 

Practical information:

• Date: 23 July 2025
• Price: Dinner-show – 490 euros
• Location: Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco
• Information and reservations: +377 98 06 36 36 / ticketoffice@sbm.mc

Carlos Santana: The Soulful Maestro Who Bridged Rock and Latin Music

Born in 1947 in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, Carlos Santana was exposed to music from a young age, learning the violin from his father, a mariachi musician, before discovering his passion for the guitar. His early exposure to Latin rhythms and melodies became the backbone of his unique style. When Santana moved to San Francisco in the 1960s, he became part of the city’s vibrant music scene, where psychedelic rock was on the rise.

In 1966, Santana formed the Santana Blues Band, later simply known as Santana. Their breakthrough came with a legendary performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where they played “Soul Sacrifice”. The electrifying set introduced Santana’s fusion of rock and Afro-Latin rhythms to the world, earning immediate praise and paving the way for their self-titled debut album, which included the hit “Evil Ways”.

Throughout the 1970s, Santana continued to innovate with albums like Abraxas (1970), which featured classics such as “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va”. These tracks became instant staples, characterized by Santana’s melodic guitar solos and the band’s driving, percussive grooves. His music transcended language and borders, appealing to diverse audiences across the globe.

What set Santana apart was his ability to fuse spirituality and music. Influenced by his deep interest in meditation and global philosophies, his compositions often felt like sonic journeys, inviting listeners into a space of emotion, reflection, and joy.

In the late 1990s, when many classic rock artists faded into nostalgia acts, Santana made one of the most remarkable comebacks in music history. His album Supernatural (1999), featuring collaborations with contemporary artists like Rob Thomas, Lauryn Hill, and Eric Clapton, became a worldwide sensation. The single “Smooth”, with Rob Thomas, topped the charts globally and won multiple Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.

Santana’s impact goes far beyond commercial success. He has consistently promoted cultural diversity, social consciousness, and the power of music to heal. His fluid combination of Latin percussion, bluesy guitar riffs, and rock energy created a genre-blending sound that opened doors for many artists who followed.

Today, Carlos Santana remains a touring powerhouse, still thrilling audiences with his signature tone and soulful performances. Whether it’s a classic hit or a modern collaboration, Santana’s music continues to speak to the heart, proving that music knows no boundaries.