After roping in iconic popstar Lady Gaga last year for an over-the-top performance, F1 Rocks with Vladivar is taking more of a tried and tested popular route this time around, with guitar legend Carlos Santana. He will be making his Indian debut first in Bengaluru, and then at the F1 afterparty. In a chat with us, he explains why spirituality reigns and how he feels like ‘Ali Baba’ about coming to India.
Your musical inspirations.
Afro beats, African music and a bit of jazz to bring up the spice. I love this music. I love spicy women and food.
Supernatural (1999) was seen as your comeback album.
We didn’t expect it at all back then. I was pleasantly surprised to match my brother Michael Jackson and win nine to 10 Grammys.
You made news for deciding to pen your autobiography.
The book is scheduled for release next year. Most people’s books are about stories, gossip, how they got ripped, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. I find this too shallow. I am presenting in a formal way, the making of Santana, the secret of love and the welcome that I get from eight to 80-year-olds from Africa to Japan. As a musician, people ought to know what your victory is. For me, it is a story of spiritual triumph.
The guitar to you is.
A spiritual inspiration to transcend gravity and time - a meditative state, something that I experience till today.
What are you looking forward to in India?
I am honoured to be performing at Vladivar Rock ’N India. It’s like bringing out a child in me - like the story of Ali Baba, who went to the cave and discovered all those precious jewels. Coming to India for me is about these non-materialistic jewels, engaging with our fans. I am bringing my wife, Cindy. She is a great drummer. I also want to visit temples in India to appreciate textures and imagery. It doesn’t have to be lavish like the Vatican, but simple, modest, yet powerful.
Something that fans might be surprised to know.
That discipline, focus, and virgin energy are the secrets to my creations, even at 65. F1 Rocks is a distinctive musical event that happens during Formula 1 events across the world. `3,500 (general stands) and `10,000 (VIP Platinum Lounge) for the show on Oct 28 at Greater Noida. In Bengaluru, on October 26 at 3 pm, Bharatiya City.
Details: ticketgenie.in
Aakanksha Devi, with inputs from Shefali Rao