Perth's Toby Beard Opens For (And Performs With) Santana In Europe
"Being on stage performing with Santana was simply magic," the Australian musician remembers.
Toby Beard with her band performing live (Courtesy of Toby Beard)
Toby Beard and her band recently returned to Perth after a huge achievement: opening for Santana in front of 12,000 people in Rosenheim, Germany.
The once-in-a-lifetime experience that resulted in backstage hangs with the critically acclaimed guitarist took place on Wednesday, 16 July. Beard even had the opportunity to perform on stage with Santana.
Welcoming Beard to the stage, Santana told the crowd, “Some mornings you wake up and just know something special is going to happen. It was an honour to meet this wonderful singer today.”
According to a press release, Beard spent her teenage years dancing to Santana’s music and dreaming of a career as a performer, marking a full-circle moment for the Perth-based musician and mother.
Now, the reviews are in, too, and they’re positive, proving that the Australian musicians belong on the world stage.
“With her strong gypsy and blues influences, she was an excellent support act,” a review highlighting Beard’s set reads (translated from German). It continues, “With her smoky voice and excellent backing band, she immediately got the audience, who were initially slightly skeptical, excited.”
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Since the group came home in late July, they’ve shared a video diary of sorts of their recent tour of Europe, as well as the show opening for Santana. You can check out the footage below.
“Back in Perth after the craziest, most exhilarating week in Germany and the Netherlands,” Beard’s recent post about the experience began.
“There are no real words for what happened last Wednesday night… Opening for Carlos Santana in Rosenheim, in front of 12,000 people — it was next-level. The crowd was the most electric, loving, joyful audience I’ve ever played for.”
Beard added that before the show, she and her band hung out with Santana backstage before he watched them soundcheck and invited them to dinner.
“I even did my makeup in his room, just chatting away! Then he asked me to sing on stage WITH HIM,” Beard continued. “Standing on that stage felt like home — like exactly where I’m meant to be.
“My band were absolutely on fire, and the crowd felt every ounce of the joy and adrenaline we poured out. It was buzzing. Wild. Beautiful.
“Being on stage performing with Santana was simply magic. A dream come true. Our families were there. Our friends were cheering. And the love was flowing. This night will forever live in my bones. Thank you to my brilliant band, to Saskia, to our families, the Sommerfestival Rosenheim crew, and to the kindest, humblest legend — Santana. I’ll never forget it.”
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