Famed rock icon Carlos Santana has been the star of a successful residency on the Las Vegas Strip since 2012, entertaining sold-out crowds with over 300 performances.
His shows continue to draw in audiences, and despite a controversy in August 2023 that led to an apology to the transgender community, his residency remains unaffected.
The situation arose when a video from an August concert in Atlantic City, N.J., circulated online, featuring Santana’s remarks about transgender individuals.
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Santana said in the offensive video: “When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it ain’t right.
“Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man — that’s it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, that’s your business. I’m OK with that.”
“I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle,” the guitarist added, bringing his hands together. Chappelle has been criticized for past transgender community material used in his stand-up sets.
Santana issued the following apology in a statement in August 2023.
“I am sorry for my insensitive comments,” Santana wrote. “They don’t reflect that I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs. I realize that what I said hurt people and that was not my intent. I sincerely apologize to the transgender community and everyone I offended.
“Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all person’s ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift.
“I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace,” Santana concluded.
The apology appears to have been effective, satisfying MGM’s residency promoters, resulting in Santana extending his residency into 2024 and even 2025.
However, the controversy hasn’t significantly affected other Las Vegas Strip headliners and performers.
For instance, despite facing multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors during his life, Michael Jackson’s legacy continues at Mandalay Bay, which has presented the Cirque du Soleil show “Michael Jackson ONE” since 2013.
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Great news for fans of the classic rock band Santana.
The group has announced an extension of its residency, “An Intimate Evening with Santana: Greatest Hits Live,” at MGM Resorts International’s House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip.
They will add 16 new shows in January, February, and May 2025.
Tickets for Santana’s upcoming shows on January 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, February 1, 2, and May 14, 15, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24, and 25 are now available at Ticketmaster.com.
Fans can also catch the remaining shows for 2024, taking place on November 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10. Santana kicked off this residency back in May 2012.
You’ll want to check back here regularly to stay updated on the news.
