British guitarist analyses Carlos Santana's 1969 Woodstock performance!

Tonight I'm taking a look at the legendary performance from Carlos Santana at Woodstock in 1969!
Original video - • Video
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[@cindymatthews8892]

I was there, a 19yr. old girl from NJ, against everyones' dire warnings not to go. The best thing I ever did. Santanas' performance of Soul Sacrifice was the best I have ever seen, and Woodstock was the smartest choice I have made till this day.

[@camronbay1]

How was the sound I could only imagine.

[@stevecarter1673]

I saw the movie when it came out I was 17you had to be 18 to get in. I used a borrowed fishing license and was admitted.

[@timmarlow6672]

I envy you Cindy, that has to be the most incredible performance by Santana. I wasn't there but it just looks and sounds fantastic in the movie (saw them live many times later). Met Richie Havens for a chat after a gig a few years ago (very sadly no longer with us) what a nice guy - I asked him if he thought his rings - he had one on most of his fingers - added to his sound but he didn't think so! Also spent an afternoon at Chip's house (Woodstock MC) and he had some stories! Another really nice guy - he kept pulling beers out of the fridge for me as I interviewed and filmed him and gave me a big hug when I left. Like the movie suggests the spirit of Woodstock lives on...

[@AlizeeDefan]

I was at the celebration of life festival A TOTAL BUMMER

[@kris2k]

jealous

[@terrylarrabee3807]

You really need to hear the uncut version with the drum solo. He’s on fire

[@vt-je3zo]

ditto. i prefer the full version myself. i can definitely tell the editing.

[@bobburroughs6241]

Mike steals the show.

[@jlbaker2000]

See the Tanglewood 1970 show to see Michael Shrieve at his best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3zGemWjmNiom68

[@stephenp.6395]

... and was still a teen.

[@simoncooper2994]

I'm not a big fan of drum solos generally but I'll happily listen to the uncut solo from this - freaking amazing. What a groove...

[@njmcd]

Michael Shrieve was just 20 years old here. He was inducted into the RnR Hall of fame for his work with Santana and Rolling Stone deemed Michael one of the best drummers of all time.

[@pockynon]

Michael Shrieve was with Santana for a long time - not sure why he left.

[@johnleonard3806]

@@pockynon just listened to a Michael S interview where he explained that all the other members had moved on. His gut was telling him it was time but he didn't want to go. After a health scare he promised himself if he got thru it ok he would listen to his heart and broaden his horizons. So he left .

[@TheDivayenta]

He became quite the film score composer, too.

[@moodyrick8503]

Carlos is a guitar player whose sound is as recognizable as any singer. _A true one of a kind._

[@risseldyrosseldy910]

Without question.His influence first showed itself in Clapton's solo in"Do What You Like (Blind Faith)

[@moodyrick8503]

@@risseldyrosseldy910 *"Without Question" ?* I had never heard that before. So I did some extensive searching but could not find anything about Eric being influenced by Carlos on "Do what you like". Santana was a fairly unknown band until Woodstock. Blind Faith LP released on Aug. 9. 69 Santana's 1st. LP released on Aug. 22. 69

[@moodyrick8503]

@@risseldyrosseldy910 I got the notification of your response but when I click on it, nothing shows up. (not uncommon for KZbin) But from what I can read, it sounds like you are talking about your impression and not a known fact. How exactly did you rule out coincidence to the point that you can be certain that it's _"without question" ?_ I can't find any evidence that Eric ever acknowledged Carlos as his inspiration for the guitar solo.

[@ciccioaporta3774]

He's right about the uncanny similarity. Clapton ,does in fact ,sound like Santana on that solo.Who really knows. That solo is also similar to the way Mick Taylor might approach it who was definitely getting exposure ,Going from Mayall to Brian Jones replacement in 1969.Or ,maybe just the same smack dealer hahaha.Recall, that Spirit, rather the estate of Randy Wolfe,had a case against Page lifting Taurus But in the end, Zep had better lawyers .

[@moodyrick8503]

@@ciccioaporta3774 I'm not arguing that they are not similar, I'm only taking issue with his assertion that it is _"without question"._ Some songs & leads may be similar by intent or by accident, but with nothing more than _feelings or intuition_ to base it on, calling it "without question" seems quite unfounded. Without question, I wish George Harrison had hired better lawyers. _My Sweet Lord_ does not remind me in any way of _He's So Fine._

[@alejandrocruzb.4815]

Rock, Soul, African and Latin music elements all mixed together. That was the Magic of Santana

[@budsurtees4224]

Mike Shrieve, take a bow. You played out of your skin here.

[@gmb858]

I'd like to hear Fil's analysis of Mike Shrieve's full drum solo and it's contribution to the song. I've always believed it was the most outstanding drum performance in rock history as a stand alone solo, but I also believe it is "instrumental in blending and shaping the whole performance of Soul Sacrifice. The 60's and early 70's rock bands showcased their percussion and drummer with spotlight solos; some good and some bad. Where Mike Shrieve's solo stands out from the others is the fact that percussion, with the congas, bongos, cow bell, castanets, tambourines and maracas, were so essential to Santana's Latin beat. Mike's solo complements and accentuates the importance of rhythm in completing percussion statements. His solo really "puts the importance of the rest of the instruments into the listener's face." The drum solo is "cut out" in several iterations of the record which is a shame as it deprives the listener of the full artistic expression. Any thoughts on this, Fil?

[@thelonious-dx9vi]

Amen to that. He sounds really grown-up too, for being so young at the time.

[@notimetowaste1254]

@Spike Elwood your ignorant statement shows how much you know about music.... Nada! 🤡

[@notimetowaste1254]

Yeah, he played every note in the correct key. 🤣

[@rayc7192]

Sadly this is the shortened version.

[@bradparker9664]

With no disrespect to Carlos Santana, and as a guitarist, I appreciate his talent, but in the uncut version, Michael Shrieve is the real star of this performance. The uncut version runs about ten minutes, and his drumming is absolutely phenomenal.

[@franciscoramirez4179]

This performance made him a Legend!🥁👌

[@recuperacion420]

Who cares who was anything bro

[@lesleylesley5821]

When I saw them in 1973 and it was Shrieve who stood out the most, he did a long solo. they were a fantastic band, unique in Rock.

[@TomGorham]

When I was in my band in the 60s-70s we could not rely on our drummer to the same thing every time. He just went wild every time. And he was fabulous. Sometimes we were all a little high but we were always together and each one could look at each other and know what to do. I see the same thing here. We could just jam in front of an audience and come up with something great. I'm now 70 and have never had an experience like that since. I will never forget.

[@Bogie3855]

This was just what a huge crowd of stoned people wanted to hear. Carlos and his band stole the show and did very well after that.

[@Craiglaca1]

Few weeks later a big record deal followed by million dollar houses.

[@edoardorainone1423]

To my knowledge, it is one of the best performances in the history of music of all time, a perfect musical chart, a jewel

[@ottomatic7823]

The best, in history, of all time?

[@recuperacion420]

Oh yes. Top 5 for sure. Dub bass groove was also invented right there. @2:25

[@shillcreativeworkshop]

I was somewhat apprehensive about watching your analysis of Santana's performance at woodstock. Being a musician and an old Hippie I feel the performance was iconic. I have to say your analysis was awesome. You have made the performance a whole new experience for me, without taking anything away from what I already feel. Your breakdown of the of the song was educated and insightful. For me you took something I loved and made it better. Thank you.

[@Two4Brew]

Fil has a good ear, and better heart, backed up by an excellent mind.

[@donc.123]

Steven... My thoughts exactly. Will have to keep an eye in this Channel and Fil's commentaries that I somehow stumbled upon.

[@adrianlizardo1064]

Check out Carlos's interview abojt his lsd trip. Jerry Garcia gives him a tab of acid, he cant even look at his guitar, and, the next day, Jimi Hendrix's gf tells him that he blew Jimi's mind. He was frying balls the whole performance.

[@Bogie3855]

This was history!

[@marceltroia9750]

That's Fil's skill.. I love his analysis

[@donc.123]

"Sorry, Carlos, but you guys need to go on, like NOW!" "But I just dropped some acid." "Well, do the best you can." "Okay. We'll see what we can do..."

[@beekay5914]

it was mescaline

[@richardrejmer8721]

@@beekay5914 the 4 interviews with Carlos that I have seen about this. . Every time he says it was Acid. . I guess you know better than Carlos. . .

[@timlinj]

Jerry Garcia was ALWAYS in that ?....angel minute ?..in my words...but yeah.....Grateful Dead are a strong....blood runnin river...all over music. I Hear it.

[@timlinj]

BTW Don Callahan ?...Besos por tu y famiia :-0

[@OjoRojo40]

@@beekay5914 LSD

[@lauriekane4686]

One of the most perfect live performances, ever. It's like a well orchestrated frenzy of primal perfection. Wild and cultured at the same time. Great choice, Fil!!

[@alanna8983]

"Frenzy of primal perfection", great comment, Laurie! Very spot on.

[@yotony0]

@@alanna8983 Yes, Laurie's words are like Santana's performance....perfect. Woodstock - omg, what an assembly of brilliant musicians. Nothing since has come close - in half a century !

[@MichaelT199]

Laurie Kane Preach, Laurie, Preach! Brilliantly stated.

[@markkuhnen8488]

The drummer 17 teen year old kid one of the performances in history

[@froter1]

And of course , can’t forget Michael’s delicious playing on the drums !

[@NothingMaster]

This was a revolutionary rhythm/sound for its time - a kinda groove that not too many people had heard before. Not unlike Hendrix’s magic, it took the music world and elevated it to a whole new level.

[@carlosaliaga9718]

compara Soul sacrifice, con In da gadda da vida, de iron butterfly....too much differences...

[@matthewmartinez8373]

Kinda sounds like afrobeat which I don’t think was very popular at that time

[@CALISUPERSPORT]

I heard that Hendrix saw the Woodstock movie and loved Santana’s performance

[@Strange_Brew]

Mike Shrieve’s drums really set the stage for Carlos’s excellent fly by wire solos. It showcased and carried the whole act!

[@hansroland6894]

Mike was recently 20 years old that day...

[@bladestormviking]

how they got ANYTHING coherent in this set is beyond me, since the entire band was frying their brains out on acid at the time.

[@flnthrn2]

"Getting high" doesn't quite describe the Band's morning before hitting the stage.

[@davids4554]

What does? :)

[@humandroid53]

@@davids4554 blowing their minds on strong acid!

[@DUCKBMET]

when jerry garcia gives you some lsd, it pays to know if you''re going on stage shortly...Mr. Santana handled it very well, indeed.

[@tupelohoney622]

We called it "hitting the stratosphere" in the good ole days.

[@reeceschrock396]

Kinda... acid... weed... gettin high...

[@WestSeaSpirit]

The fact we still have videos like this available on KZbin is a gift to humanity

[@MAXIMUSISADOG]

the drummer looks like he skipped school to go play at Woodstock.

[@jeffgrant4168]

Looks like he took some good mescaline

[@secondsun7727]

Pretty sure he did. Good thing he Didi. LOL 😛

[@secondsun7727]

@@jeffgrant4168 they all were tripping.☮️

[@xhocheinsdurchmol]

Actually he really did lol

[@HollyHowl]

was the 2nd youngest performer at Woodstock that year

[@pockynon]

There will never be another Woodstock, regardless how many times it is tried to be duplicated.

[@tonyalways7174]

Without a shadow of doubt I believe this is the best live performance I’ve ever seen and the filming of it takes something magnificent and turns it into something truly iconic. The awe and joy on your face matches the faces in the crowd.

[@recuperacion420]

I agree totally. I cannot put a no1 there are like 5 top five for me but this one is magic

[@chipurBillWhite]

A barely 19 years old Michael Shrieve on drums.

[@stephens9462]

Bill White I think he had only been playing for a few years too

[@bigbow62]

Thank you Bill.... I forgot his name ! I thought he was 18 ? Either way WOW he was awesome !

[@markd4926]

He was 20

[@keef7224]

And this vid cuts out most of his incredible solo

[@Mojomatrix]

Yea man, that was a monster solo for sure

[@crustycobs2669]

So, the 60's wasn't a hallucination. It really »was« that good .

[@Research0digo]

Oh yeah! btw - we got the war come to an end!

[@barbarakirsch1819]

Oh yeah, it was that good!!

[@roberthaney4106]

Duh

[@alesiabradley5399]

Ooooih yeah😈

[@if6was929]

At times it was, at least it was until white powder drugs became prevalent.

[@827dusty]

In a couple of different interviews, Carlos has stated that he and some of the other guys in the Band, were Tripping" on LSD during this performance. They didn't know they had been rescheduled to go on stage, much sooner than they had been told. They got high on the LSD, thinking they would be coming down, by the time they were to perform. "Hey Fellows...There has been a change." Nothing to do but go on stage and perform. Carlos Santana said he was so high, he thought his guitar was a snake, and it kept changing shapes and so forth. You can see how high he was watching this song. One of the greatest live performances in Rock History.

[@steveclapper5424]

The overwhelming joy of this performance makes it unforgettable.

[@ledzeppelin5647]

19 year old drummer in front of 400,000 people!

[@judithsample1714]

Michael Electricity on the Drums 😘

[@jeffgrant4168]

On some good acid

[@bladestormviking]

his body is in front of that many people, his mind is somewhere outside Seti-alpha 6, trying to thumb a ride home.

[@miguell6862]

Not Just the drumer also El Nica Áreas en los timbales (percusión)

[@andrewcruz7595]

@@miguell6862 YYYYESSS

[@YesCerr83]

This guy’s analysis is really great. I’m no music major. I just love music. I really enjoy how he describes everything. It’s how I felt listening. He puts it very well into words.

[@mikeososki]

As a 13yo guitarist playing since age 7, Woodstock's Santana and Ten Years After were major inspirations!

[@andrewmell0r251]

Great analysis of one of the most iconic live performances of all time...the unedited version is just spinetingling and kudos to the tech team who captured the fantastic set that the band performed. Never, ever get tired of watching vintage Santana P & L :)

[@transportrrt]

He was actually talking to God , "Lord keep in tune and keep me in time" direct quote from him years later in interviews

[@thomasmalatesta7331]

I remember when this album was released 50 years ago. Of all the great acts that are on the Woodstock album, Santana left the biggest impression on me. He plays melodic guitar solos, usually improvised on stage. Sounds easy, very difficult for the average player. Every note that he plays on the guitar is already pre-determined. No mindless pentatonic scales played at warp speed. Quality notes - Top class guitarist.

[@leob4403]

@Won Honglo Myabe he meant that he plans the solos in his head as he's playing them, and not just relying on typical licks and scale runs

[@MrMittens1974]

@Won Honglo Well technically if he knows the song he'll know exactly what to improvise within a predetermined framework.

[@stevehammer781]

"the keyboard player" is none other than Gregg Rolie. Not long after Woodstock, a 15 year old guitar slinger named Neil Schon joins Santana and after a few years, Gregg and Neil leave Santana to form Journey.

[@827dusty]

That drummer was only 19 yrs old. He's from Seattle Washington. I happened by chance, about 25 yrs ago to be at a party he was at. We were introduced, and he jokingly asked me if I wanted him to tell me about his experience at Woodstock in 1969? I said no, (I really wasn't going to) and said he would if I wanted, he was just so used to it happening. He was a really good guy, and was once a very good drummer in his younger days. Such a cool and unexpected experience.

[@balisuncocoyt]

Hey man ... why would you say no?? I would have jumped at the chance to year his story about Woodstock, he probably had a really cool story to tell too ... from his perspective. Good on you for meeting him & thanks for sharing your experience.

[@Sandstroem82]

Michael Shrieve is a fantastic drummer and was on RS best drummer of all times list.

[@maxwellgordon9868]

Michael shrieve is overlooked it's a shame cause he's flawless.

[@AhNee]

He's racist and misogynist. Doesn't think women should be in rock bands, supports the asshole restaurant owner who is accused of multiple sexual assaults and rapes, and turns away even famous Black people from his place (which I think has closed, now).

[@-kdot-2332]

@@AhNee none of that is true

[@jazzcat8786]

Face melting performance!!!! Michael Shrieves drum solo is masterful! My mother was at Woodstock

[@paulablissett9396]

WOWZER!, i almost made it!

[@wingsofpegasus]

👍

[@irenecohen332]

I was there too! 17 years old.

[@diegofmattos]

Just check it out, Tanglewood 1970. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmnHeJtnnqqgebs The band evolved and their stage presence plus musical dynamics are off the top.

[@Mr05Chuck]

So you must be about 50 right?

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

When Michael Shrieve first looked across the stage and beyond he said it was like "standing at edge of the ocean," with the people being the ocean all the way to the horizon. With this performance, the band parted the sea, opened a portal to some other place. And here we are, still getting a glimpse of that moment of transcendence so many years later.

[@cynthusinfinite]

Nice! The love revolution.

[@tomwendt498]

great analysis! my generation had no idea just how great we had it ...not at the time anyway!

[@tonyfleck3029]

Yeah man, try to break it down and analyse it as much as you want to!!!! but we're talking Woodstock, different era, very different mindset!! the beginning of a new world order, if only!!!! A Sensational band of musicians!!! Off their collective tits on LSD!!! An incredible superlative moment, brilliantly caught on film!! I'f you've never dropped acid I'm sorry but you you haven't got a clue what it was all about!! What else can I say apart from Love and Peace Man!! keep on trucking xxx

[@rickjames8383]

Great take so spot on

[@ronniechilds2002]

@@tomwendt498 Yeah, we kinda took it for granted, didn't we? It's hard to believe that the stuff you heard on the radio of the day included names like Beatles, Stones, Santana, Cream, Hendrix, Who, Dylan...on and on. Kind of amazing, really. Of course, you still hear it now in the form of classic rock, but at the time it was brand new. You were hearing it for the first time and it hadn't yet become played to death.

[@markbykowsky8934]

This performance will keep listeners and viewers alike in awe 100 years from now. Santana was paid $750 to perform at Woodstock, among the least paid of all the performers. Never has there been a bigger return on a musical investment!

[@lesleylesley5821]

And apparently Bill Graham forced them to take Santana along with several other bands he was promoting, it was this performance that shot them to fame.

[@thomaswschaller]

one of the great thrills of my life was to be there and hear this astounding performance live. my friend gregg and i came from ohio at 18 years of age... i knew only a few of the acts - had never heard of santana really - and was genuinely blown away. through so many performances people talked or wandered off or slept - not this one. carlos and the amazing band held the attention of many thousands for 6 and a half minutes of pure musical genius and joy.

[@stevenwoodward5923]

I was 10 years old during Woodstock, one of my biggest regrets not being a little bit older.

[@thomaswschaller]

@@Music--ng8cd I expect you're right - was so long ago

[@rogerwilliamson7161]

Thomas, I thought you came from Germany. You have a German name. Greetings from Germany!

[@thomaswschaller]

​@@rogerwilliamson7161 Meine Familie - auf beiden Seiten - ist um die 1920er Jahre aus Deutschland eingewandert. But I was born in the US

[@rogerwilliamson7161]

@@thomaswschaller Danke für Deine Antwort. Perfektes Deutsch!

[@knawl]

Probably his best recorded live performance in my opinion, great drummer

[@DrumWild]

I've heard he is still drumming in Seattle. Great player!

[@joebersik9846]

I believe the drummer was only 18 when this happened!! WOW

[@tennissir1986]

His oldest recording is a live Fillmore West recording that’s pretty good too (1968)

[@tennissir1986]

You Tuber The nice thing about the Fillmore 68 recording is that it received a proper remastering on a major label

[@danr5105]

@@mattrogers1946 20 in 69, better have a deferment or hit up somebody to get you in the National Guard or your ass is headed to Vietnam.

[@jabbalechat7910]

As good as Santana is on guitar the drummer is superb...

[@leonguisburg413]

Michael Shrieve

[@JdoubleU1222]

@John Salvage So glad the cameraman gave him his due.

[@am1604]

look up the full solo.. this video cuts most of it out.

[@am1604]

@John Salvage kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpPQapmll7xqi5I

[@bobmcbride1487]

Micheal Shrieve is a Legendary drummer, His style is Jazz , But he totally took over this performance and it made history.... He never got his due as a drummer, I have been playing drums since 1977, And I couldn't ever hope to play this good.... Shrieve is unbelievable.

[@lesleylesley5821]

They are ridiculously good here! it's hard to believe how fantastic this performance is, it's relentless, they are all right in the grove, as one. Michael Shrieve, the drummer, was only 20 at this show, the 2nd youngest performer at Woodstock. I saw them in 73, and the drummer really stood out as amazing. No other band had this sound back then. Real music, so good. Santana himself was only 22 years old here.

[@melissakhalar1842]

Ah the memories of going to our local theatre alone and watching the Woodstock movie, this performance was great. ❤

[@stanspb763]

I met Carlos a year before this and he was already well established in the San Francisco music scene of the Summer of Love sort avalanche of different styles flooding the music halls. He was a star there but little or unknown before they went to Woodstock, as a filler, not even invited. So their time on stage was not planned. They raised their own plane fare and the whole band was paid well under $1000 so they lost money going but won a fan base. In person, he is mild and soft-spoken, very polite but in the studio or rehearsal, he is unbending and firm. He has fired dozens of good players because they did not stick to the precision he expected. He has a very clear idea of where the song is going and anyone who did not further that goal was gone, often in the middle of a rehearsal. By the time they would come to the studio they were ready. If someone was hired you can bet they were very good musicians because Carlos knows what he wants and expects to get it. Big bands are often a nightmare in the studio but the only problem was set up. One session we had 117 mics up, using and all the iso booths back when 24 tracks were about the most available because syncing 2 decks via time code was not fully sorted out yet. So everything was live, just like a concert, no overdubs. They were an ensemble and recorded the same way they played to an audience

[@mikebtrfld1705]

I remember when they were the Santana Blues Band, out of Oakland, California.

[@charlesjames888]

I can't swear to anything these days but I think I saw Santa at the Filmore East before Woodstock.

[@jackhaugh]

He only wants people that are real in terms of emotional playing. If you’re not real, you’re out.

[@alexandervoog9396]

Your "Technical ability be damned", if you couldn't feel, no, I mean FEEEEEEEL the music, anticipate the next bar by sheer intuition, then your dance ticket was already punched. Understand it wasn't about ego, it WAS about the CRAFT, the EXECUTION, and the RELEASING of one's SOUL via music. Either ya got it...or ya don't.

[@nancypatricia511]

Thanks for the story. I'm not real up on Woodstock but it seems that it was the place whereother bands and performers became famous as well. I know that Carlos was an influence on Prince and it sounds like they had a lot in common as far as their expectations of the musicians in their bands. Thanks again.

[@cyrax1700]

Santana and jimi hendrix speak through playing instruments. like drawing paintings . great analyzing ......bless you.

[@cyrax1700]

surfitlive The three of them are and were, hard core art masters. But still, jimi was 400 lightyears ahead. I am talking about a miracle guitar player!

[@georgeduffy890]

Carlos Santana is such a talent, and so was the rest of his band. These guys looked and sounded perfect entertaining this crowd. And these guys really put their souls into their performance. What a great time to be young!!!😊

[@kevinmckinley3764]

One of the greatest live performances ever

[@djangodunn5968]

Right before Santana hit the stage I asked a fellow next to us if he ever heard of them as we had no idea about them! His response was "another acid rock band from San Francisco". Man was he ever wrong! Awesome experience and thanks FIL.

[@BBINGHAM032352]

It would have been a great name for their first album: Just Another Band From San Francisco ,lol.

[@TheDrummer51]

You're right, that performance launched Santana's career.

[@cravinbob]

Bill Graham was asked to help at the festival so he brought one of the bands he managed, Santana. This was their debut. The song is actually 10 minutes but everyone hacks up the drum solo...bastards.

[@gjohung]

@@cravinbob There must be full unedited version somewhere.

[@gjohung]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZW3eWZoeNGFras

[@paulkardash1598]

Greg Rolie was a top notch keyboardist..

[@bryanmyers1435]

Gregg Rollie still is a top notch keyboardist.

[@Kris.G]

I dare to say he was the most important member of the band at the time.

[@Califournyan]

"I know I'm looking at this is detail..." Never make excuses or explain yourself Fil, that's the reason I listen to your analysis. This is one of your best. The hair on my neck stands up every time I hear those first percussion hits. This is a one of a kind performance, and lifted Santana into the stratosphere. I'm sure you're aware of it, but Santana's '2016 LIVE At The House of Blues' is a phenomenal display of how music can be replayed so many years later, and sound so pure. And it's great to see Greg Rolie and Michael Shrieve included.

[@uniknot]

Now I know why I have watched and listened to this all through the years!

[@Ballenxj]

I agree with Laurie Kane, this was one of the best live performances ever!

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

I have watched this video so many times , also have seen Santana live ! I love the way that he makes the guitar almost a religious experiance ! The emotion and soul that he puts into his playing is almost hard to watch because it is so overwhelmingly intense ! When you listen to Carlos Santana , you are listening to his soul ! He is a one of a kind , the only one and only Santana ! Gotta love him !

[@josephdrach2276]

Carlos Santana was and is a genius.His playing hard to resist.This is a great piece but when it comes to favorite pieces,for me, it's Samba Pa Ti.He has so many wonderful works.

[@larrygeetar9309]

Carlos believes HE is the instrument and the guitar is the tool that brings the music to life. For him it IS a religious experience. His belief is Music comes from somewhere not of this earth and you have to open yourself up, becoming a conduit. Of course, the man is absolutely correct. The layer of consciousness where Music resides is a spiritual plane.

[@johantaharin491]

In malaysia,in 1970 i was 9 yrs old.i would save 10cents to put in a jukebox at a nearby shop daily to listen to Evil Ways and Black Magic Woman.still listening to it these days daily👍..feel,santana's solo is about feel.the woodstock was energy!

[@crow2able]

Music had guts and an odd spirituality during those magical years. I will forever be grateful to be born just in time for this.

[@jbenedict100]

My hippie days! I was 21 and just got out of the service. My brother made it to Woodstock but I didn't. The music at the time was so free and expressive. The sixties and early 70's were the best years of my life. In 1967 after bootcamp and my hair grew back a lot of people mistook me for Paul McCartney. It was a lot of fun convincing people I was just a plain ole' guy from Illinois in the states.

[@dannybolman7739]

Oh my, those were the days!

[@Sniffthedrippings]

Welcome home and thank you for service. My father was drafted to the Army and went to Vietnam 66'-68'.

[@ShubhamBhushanCC]

Vietnam was a crime. The soul of america cried and this music was the result. Music changed people.

[@evitafab]

Wish I could travel back to the 60s and see this and my teen parents

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Thanks for serving and the best years ever. I miss them.

[@Logan9Fingers]

In order for it to be an absolutely stand out performance, you’ve got to have a cow bell in there somewhere - and Carlos knows that.... 😂😂😂

[@dalekelly7639]

Could have used more triangle 0:48

[@fossie32]

Haha loved that bit!

[@kevincarrigan6348]

I feel the need for more cow bell !!!!

[@tupelohoney622]

@@kevincarrigan6348 , At Miss State football games Christopher Walken's pic and voice from SNL skit comes on the jumbotron after a touchdown. Let those SEC cowbells ring.

[@JdoubleU1222]

@@tupelohoney622 And Blue Oyster Cult should be in the Rock & Roll HoF just for inspiring that skit alone, lol.

[@plastiekske]

The drum solo was cut short in this video, it's at least 2 minutes longer, and the drummer had just turned 20

[@DjNikGnashers]

One of favourite performances of all times. Santana seems to have as many ppl up on stage as there are in the crowd, all working together in perfect unity.

[@larrygeetar9309]

One thing to remember: this band had already been playing like this for a couple of years. Carlos' vision grew out of the Santana Blues Band. They had played together in S.F. for some time and had a lot of common roots. The Latin influence fused with Blues and R&B gave it a dynamism people had not seen before. They were so tight by August of '69 that even as high as they may have been, it made no difference. You're totally correct about how locked in and on the same page they are. It was Soul with some added juice. Soul is what Santana was about. And one thing more, this is the real and raw Santana we are hearing. His sound is raw; the band is cracking but still plays with dynamics; and let's face it, they were turned on by the enormity of the moment and as great performers do, rose to (and above) the occasion. Amazing performance and a super analysis, Fil. On the money. I saw Santana just before Woodstock at the Tea Party, Boston, and they were just as good then. So they were already headed for stardom. Plus, I liked his guitar sound better back then on those old Gibsons like the SG Special he's playing here. That guitar allowed him to play it both raw and sweet depending on what the music needed. A master, indeed.

[@ptofview]

Too late now, but too bad you didn't review the uncut version of this performance. Drummer Michael Shrieve had a much longer, incredible, drum solo. Not to mention many, many more audience shots getting into the performance. Something you didn't mention was EVERY musician looked like they were having SO MUCH FUN, not just playing.!

[@micahhull5126]

One of the greatest live performances of all time! I got high off of that song! Don't do drugs, listen to this performance.

[@PatsyC57]

A trance, like all joined one universe. I know nothing about music but it hits my happy button every time.

[@SpaceCattttt]

Bloody hippies. They had no right being this good. The drummer, Michael Schrieve, was especially astounding. Only 20 years old and already a monster. Moonflower remains my favouite Santana album. Everyone's on fire on that.

[@EbonyPope]

Kevin Bacon on the drums!

[@williamweir1547]

Moonflower = Graham Lear on drums....classic album!!

[@steverichard1740]

I used to listen to Moonflower all the time, what a great album that was!

[@douglasmccomb2350]

Michael Schrieve was the man at Woodstock...

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@douglasmccomb2350 I never said he wasn't, genius...

[@hashtag415]

Maybe the finest and most detailed analysis I've seen you do!

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

The longer version of the video with the ENTIRE drum solo is a must!

[@VNExperience]

I was waiting for you to mention the cowbell. Was not disappointed. Well played, sir.

[@DrumWild]

Santana was tripping balls here, wrestling the guitar neck like a wild snake as the landscape spun before his face.

[@chuckufarley5348]

parrotprodigy productions that's actually Santana description of the event

[@chuckufarley5348]

parrotprodigy productions I don't remember if it was word for word but was close either way though it's a good description for sure

[@chuckufarley5348]

parrotprodigy productions I could not find the exact video I was looking for but this one's close kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZu0foehdr6hp7s

[@tfcooks]

Santana was supposed to perform later so he droped some mesclun but they got called up to the stage just as he was peaking. Incredible performance.

[@chuckufarley5348]

tfcooks he took lsd

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

Michael Shrieve is so great. Shame his solo is edited.

[@lindahayes7492]

I was 19 and it was beautiful I miss that time, Look at how many people were there

[@notimetowaste1254]

Amazing how they all compliment one another.

[@PaulBerson]

Hi Fil Once Again On Target Gives Me Goosebumps, Great Hearing Your Analysis, I Was There With My Brother Sister Mother And Father We Had No Idea We Were Witnessing Music History At Woodstock Brings Tears To My Eyes, Thank You For Your Kindness In Bringing These Wonderful Memories From When I Was A Teenager 🎶💕🎶🏄🥇😎🎼🎸🎊🥂

[@sallynielsen8150]

OUTSTANDING!!!! I have never been able to sit still hearing this song!!! Fantastic, tight, talented musicians!! I could see your excitement, listening to them, Fil!!

[@doncastillo7813]

Grand Funk Railroad said it best "foot stompin music" ... love it !

[@fposmith]

Santana had dropped Acid then had some punch that 3 more hits of acid mixed in. He didn't remember how much of the punch he drank. All he knew was it hit him hard as they went on stage. He said the neck of his guitar was squirming like a snake. When they started to play, he said all he could think of was "Dear God, please let me be in time and in tune" ! They went on to give a performance for the ages !

[@suekelley4466]

Thamk you for your commentary. You are always spot on with your assessments.

[@reemclaughlin4260]

I'm slightly after this era, and my Mom always said this should have been my hippy Woodstock era . I think it's the nicest compliment. They are tight and groovy man.🤙🏼❣

[@reemclaughlin4260]

I spent the next hour researching the drummer!

[@Kevin_OKeefe]

Amazing performance! Michael Shrieve destroyed that kit. Wish it was the full performance.

[@bigbow62]

The long version is much better ..... that drum solo was wicked ! ✌ Peace & Love ✌

[@misterfathersir]

If you watch the end of the performance the camera is on Michael. I remember this live from 400 yards away and one of the instrumental highlights of the festival was the drum solo. I believe he was also the youngest performer there. Too bad Fil reviewed this as an example of group playing but left off the best part.

[@alanna8983]

That drummer is beyond great. He is fantastic!!

[@arcaliasgiants9813]

I saw Michael Shrieve in Seattle at the Backstage (RIP) around 1995 , great performance but REALLY loud.

[@alanna8983]

@@arcaliasgiants9813 is he still alive?

[@simplyhunto]

What you have said is the very best description of that performance! I couldn't have said it better.

[@annettemathews6423]

Mind ,Emotion and Will submitted to the Divine .Carlos knows it

[@JIMMBAY1]

You sure do know how to pick'em, Fil!...

[@drlecter8145]

Time stood still during this number...

[@greghenderson4856]

Santanas tone is amazing and he was using a GK Solid State Amp !!!! He ought to listen to this tone !!!

[@chrismacgowan1107]

I was at Woodstock a week early iam so glad met great people..

[@jonathanwilliams8208]

Much of the drum solo is cut. It's worth watching the whole thing. I'm not a huge drum solo fan, but this is about one of the best ones of all time.

[@sophiemilton5939]

Agree absolutely. Mike Shrieve was an awesome drummer - imagine doing Woodstock at such a young age........I mean, where do you go from there? How can you take it higher, further.....ever? :-)

[@Benesat]

It’s so sad that the full drum solo isn’t on KZbin. It got taken down at some point a while ago. But I remember watching the whole thing as a kid and being blown away by how on point and still completely insane the entire performance was.

[@AlizeeDefan]

FIL love your videos You explain thing so brilliantly This is probably the #1 best live performance of all time, without a single doubt. I am surprised, however, you used the short version and cut out the best drum solo in the history of live rock performances Probably due to he dreaded copyright. Thanks again, U ARE THE BEST !

[@wingsofpegasus]

This was the version I was sent to analyse as each video is requested ☺

[@ladyca8366]

@@wingsofpegasus We love you anyway. I knew Mr. Shrieve. He doesn't get the credit he deserves...he was just a kid here (so was I).

[@geoffbuck6865]

The drum solo was grossly self-indulgent I thought and destroys the overall flow of the work...

[@ladyca8366]

@@geoffbuck6865 Are you disgruntled or jealous?

[@geoffbuck6865]

Diane from LA : Only by lack of subtlety and those happy to follow the herd...

[@bluescanfly1981]

The genius of this is about each musician having their own individual identity / ego but keeping it in check and letting it shine to allow the others to feed off of it.

[@jims8714]

They don't get more 'classic' than this

[@Deliquescentinsight]

It is impressive how the band were able to achieve such a clear separated sound, the members of the band are all connected and listening to one another, very impressive.(I love the cow bell)

[@jurassicrock1950]

Sometimes shit just happens, they didn't have to think about it, they all just felt it.

[@donmann5120]

absolutely outstanding!!!!

[@mariorabottini5687]

The sheer brilliance of Carlos in his early days....wow phenomenal! The energy and music on stage he and his band delivered was out of this world! It would have been amazing to be there and see this live! Brilliant Fil! Cheers Mario! 😀🤘🤘

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks Mario!

[@kevinblake7078]

His band was so intuned with him, very vibrant and carlos very spiritual, together magic.

[@christhompson7547]

Back in 1972 Carlos Santana travelled with the USO to perform at McDill AFB in Tampa Florida. He was such a gracious and kind person.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

After listening to Carlos since I was a teenager my appreciation for his music has at least doubled. BB King is another who I admire greatly. Both of these megastar's had/have a way of doing what was necessary for the best result. RIP Mr. King BTW this was a great choice to analyse. Thank you

[@JD-pn1ow]

I've watched this video at least a 100 times and it still makes the hairs stand up on my neck. They're in the groove and having a blast. And yeah, they're tripping. The others have also commented that the drum solo is longer, and pretty fn good. I've watched this Santana lineup play this same tune maybe 10 other times. Not one of them comes close to this performance. Awesome!

[@Knards]

And to think 1 year later he wrote Abraxas. There are so many guitarists, but the more I listen to Carlos Santana, the more I realize he was one of the greatest ever. The Sacred Fire and MoonFlower albums are simply sublime pieces of music. Few people have put out such emotionally driven guitar work. His range of albums is incredible

[@MrJamescord]

MrMrwilson11 my favorite is moon flower then Europa.

[@Knards]

@@MrJamescord On the Moonflower album, my favorite song is Savor/Toussaint l'Overture

[@lazycalm41]

@@Knards I am with you on that about Toussaint......Simply fantastic!

[@tommyboyindy1157]

I saw the Moonflower tour in the early 80s. Never wanted the show to end.

[@homoerectus744]

I got so excited listening to you explain the nuances& profound nature of this jam.i was seriously nodding my head,smiling, approval to what you were detailing.did I say it's 4 a.m. in morning.

[@071949]

I am an old retired guy and a member of AARP. There is an interesting profile of Carlos Santana in the "Summer Music Issue" of the AARP magazine.

[@drewpall2598]

Drummer Michael Shrieve was 19 when He join Santana and turn 20 a month before playing at Woodstock He left Santana in 1974. great analysis and break down of all the players in this performance. this might be one of your best analysis! thanks Fil.

[@robertdrummer5150]

Drew, at least you got it right! I hate when people speculate or draw their own conclusions.

[@chevreherd]

What else did this drummer go on to do or did drugs ruin his life

[@margix1172]

Amazing band and amazing guitar player

[@glen8449]

Fil, spot on. This song, without a doubt was my favorite. I had an opportunity to go to Woodstock, and said no. Dam fool I was. I allways regretted that decision.

[@Ohio45545]

Best performance of the Festival.