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Cat Stevens Returns, as Yusuf Islam, to the U.S. Stage After Three Decades

"I bet you never thought we'd make it," said Yusuf Islam, the singer-songwriter formerly known as Cat Stevens, after his first song on an American stage in 33 years. Truer words were never spoken. After having first left behind his pop-star past for several years, then famously being refused entry into the country in 2004 and suffering visa problems for a planned New York show earlier this month, the thought of ever seeing Cat Stevens sing 'Peace Train' live seemed an impossible dream.

Even walking into Monday's invite-only show at Los Angeles' El Rey theater and seeing the name Cat Stevens, in quotes, on the marquee, was like stepping into a time warp. Islam took the stage a little after 8 pm, following an instrumental intro by his band, who welcomed him by saying, "First Cat, now Yusuf," beautifully bridging the three decades.

Islam opened with the simple, sweet 'Welcome Home,' the opening track on his new 'Roadsinger (to Warm You Through the Night)' collection, then followed with 'Lilywhite,' off 'Mona Bone Jakon,' an album he said, "Somehow I seem to connect much more with now."

Throughout the hourlong set he moved between his past catalog -- invoking chills during a sublime 'Where Do the Children Play' and moving the audience noticeably during 'Father and Son' -- and new material, such as 'Thinking 'Bout You' along with 'The Rain,' a song he said he pulled from a 1968 batch of songs.

Charming, genteel and humble, Islam has lost none of his onstage charisma, turning a gorgeous rendition of 'The Wind' into a storytelling session on the many breaks in his life, including the famous story of finding the Koran after nearly drowning. He introduced 'Wild World' by saying, "I bet you never thought 'Wild World' would be sung in Zulu," and delivered new songs like 'All Kinds of Roses' and 'Be What You Must' with engaging banter. The latter was written for a musical, of which he said, "God willing, will be out next year."

After yet another standing ovation for 'Father and Son,' the smiling Islam said, "You must let me go," before closing out the night with a singalong version of 'Peace Train' that captured all the hope and joy of one of those rare shows that surpassed all the expectation and hype.

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Mikki

Cat Stevens made Youtube remove it claiming copywright laws that he owned it and didn't give anyone permission to use it. So much for Islam and his greed

January 17 2010 at 7:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
chalk

@Melissa

What ever way he wants to back slide is fine and dandy. He knows he was wrong for making the statement he made, and it's good that he realizes this and has moderated his views. I just wish he would be honest in admitting that he in fact harboured a wish to kill Rushdie and/or give him up to be murdered. he was speaking for himself, watch the video. at the end of his write up on "Chinese whiskers" he quotes some examples of murderous passages in the other filthy book: the Christian bible, as if this legitimizes his stance. He is a small minded man who has yet to admit his book's and his own short comings.
-Jess

December 25 2009 at 7:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to chalk's comment
RainForestWest

He did NOT give ANY opinion - one way or the other - he simply recited the Law from the Qur'an - and because the question was asked by the Christian/Western media - he drew parallels with what the Qur'an said, and similar passages in the Bible. That's all. If you want to make assumptions from that - fine - but that's YOUR problem. The TV show to which you are referring, was a separate instance - and all attempts at humour and levity were edited out. The original interview was just over 3 hrs in length - but only a small part of it was broadcast - and edited in such a way as to engender the biggest controversy. That his charitable work of 33 years, and his out-and-out REFUSAL to involve himself in the politics of Islam - continues to be ignored in favour of that stupid media-controlled "interview" - says more for the hatefulness of most people who want to drag everyone else down to their level - instead of spending the time, the spirit, the heart - to do has he has done. Give it up.

November 09 2010 at 2:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Melissa

Oh, for heaven's sake - I wish people would actually read what is printed instead of simply interpret it in a way that serves their purpose. The man was NOT calling for anyone to be killed, not at all; he was simply reiterating what the literal interpretation of the Ku'ran states for what is considered blasphemous to their writings. He clearly states that whether he agrees with it personally or not, it's what is stated in the book. That is ALL he was saying - simply interpreting it. He wasn't supporting or suggesting or anything - for people to take and twist things around - why, gee - sounds just like what many Christians do to their teachings in their Bible, to try to fit what works for them. That must be why the methodolgy seems so familiar.

Stop reading things into what others' do simply to serve your own purposes - that's much of what's wrong with our country (the United States), nowadays - inflammatory statements - and let him be who he has been for years - a peaceful, talented man who has given so many of us joy through his music for many years.

September 07 2009 at 11:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Anvar Samadzoda

This is what Yusuf says about the issue:
http://www.yusufislam.com/faq/3ed8ab9cb40dcd15dc38b7f0efc2f696/

August 03 2009 at 12:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
eminsker

Uhhh...Cat Stevens isn't a terrorist. Come on.

May 19 2009 at 5:37 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to eminsker's comment
tudza

Don't think anyone here said he was a terrorist. He's a guy who sings songs about peace yet condones the order to murder an author for what he wrote. Make of that what you will.

June 30 2009 at 8:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tudza

Sorry if I double post here.

All you need to do is search YouTube for Cat Stevens BBC 1989 and you will find Yusuf saying very clearly that he wants Rushdie dead and he would help make it happen.

May 17 2009 at 5:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
tudza

Indeed, my first look showed that Yusuf denied support for the fatwa against Rushdie, but a quick look on YouTube under "Cat Stevens BBS 1989" turns up the video of the original show. It is very clear he is series that he would turn Rushdie in and hopes that he dies.

May 17 2009 at 5:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to tudza's comment
Mikki

Cat Stevens claimed copywright laws and made YouTube remove it!

January 17 2010 at 7:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
papercranes10000

Yusef is an evil man. He called for the murder of Salman Rushdie. His bloodthirst led to the murder of his Japanese translator, attacks on several other translators, and the deaths of 37 people in Turkey. This violent man, Cat Stevens whatever, is a small brained beast who chirps mindless ditties like Peace Train while calling for the murder of others. He is far worse than Charles Manson. He should never be allowed in the US. We should never forget the evil that this man represents.

May 16 2009 at 9:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to papercranes10000's comment
jude

have you seen all the good that he has done for humaitarian issues and monies donated over the last 33 years

March 06 2010 at 12:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply