Watch As Legendary Guitarist Carlos Santana Collapses On Stage During Performance

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana was “doing well” and under observation at a local hospital after collapsing onstage about 50 minutes into his concert Tuesday night, July 5, at the Pine Knob Music Theatre.

An official statement said guitarist and bandleader was “overtaken by heat exhaustion and dehydration” shortly after introducing “Joy,” a collaboration with Chris Stapleton from Santana’s latest album, “Blessings and Miracles.” Ironically Santana, who turns 75 on July 20, introduced the song as “mystical medicine music to heal a world infected with fear.” As his band began playing the song, Santana sat down on a stage riser and passed out.

Crew members and medics immediately rushed to Santana’s aid, along with his wife, drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. A black curtain was placed between Santana and the audience to keep the treatment private, and other crew members admonished fans who were taking photos and videos with their phones. The house lights eventually came on and tour manager Paul “Skip” Rickert told the crowd of about 12,000 that, “As you can see, we have a severe medical emergency. Let’s share our prayers…we need that right now.”

Rickert also told the crowd that Santana would not return to the stage on Tuesday, but promised a return at some point.

Santana was conscious and waving as he was wheeled offstage on a stretcher about 20 minutes after he collapsed. He was taken to McLaren Clarkston hospital immediately from the venue. The crowd shouted encouragement towards the stage during the incident and left Pine Knob in an orderly fashion.