Guitar legend Carlos Santana recently shared a captivating anecdote about his Woodstock performance in 1969, revealing a psychedelic experience fueled by a gift from Jerry Garcia. Just before taking the stage, the Grateful Dead frontman offered Santana hallucinogens, putting the young guitarist to the ultimate test.

Santana, then 75, described the experience to People magazine as being "higher than an astronaut's butt." He questioned his ability to even play, admitting he could barely touch his nose. At the time, Santana and his band were relatively unknown, having not yet released their debut album. Their Woodstock appearance was facilitated by promoter Bill Graham.

Santana ingested Garcia's "medicine," which he believed to be peyote, mescaline, ayahuasca, or mushrooms. The drugs induced hallucinations and a kaleidoscopic vision of swirling colors. To regain focus, Santana turned to a higher power, praying to stay in time and in tune. He humorously recalled asking God to prevent an embarrassing onstage accident. As if by divine intervention, the band hit their notes, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

Despite the altered state, Santana vividly remembers ranking the festival's performances, placing Sly Stone at the top, followed by Jimi Hendrix and his own band in third. He emphasized the fierce competition for the third spot.

The eight-song Woodstock set catapulted Santana to unexpected fame. Bill Graham had warned him about the impending surge in popularity, a prediction that proved accurate. Santana's first royalty check was a testament to their newfound success. He used the money to fulfill a childhood promise to his mother, buying her a house and providing for her needs.

Santana's incredible journey is documented in the film "Carlos," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.