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Yusuf, popularly known as Cat Stevens, one of the best-selling singer-songwriters in history, is back on tour again, mixing evergreen hits, such as "Wide World," "Morning Has Broken" and "Moonshadow," with powerful new songs for the new millennium. In concert, his ringing voice radiates serenity, infusing his thrilled audiences with a brightening glow. His 2009 album tour for "Roadsinger" included acclaimed TV appearances with Jay Leno, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert. In 2010, he rocked in Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear, and his long-awaited European tour in 2011 packed concert arenas in Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium.
Yusuf first gained world renown as Cat Stevens in the '70s with albums such as "Tea for the Tillerman," "Teaser and the Firecat" and "Catch a Bull at Four," and his songs continue to be covered by many artists. "Peace Train" was a hit for Dolly Parton and also used in the movie soundtracks for "We Are Marshall" and "Remember the Titans," and stirringly sung by Yusuf himself for the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Concert.
Cat Stevens became Yusuf Islam in 1977 when he converted to Islam. His art, always layered with the lyricism of mystics, found a further fusion of the spirit and human worlds in the musical core of the Koran. He continued to create best-selling albums, and his charitable work for peace and education expanded exponentially. In 2005, ASCAP named his song, "The First Cut Is the Deepest," Song of the Year, also naming him Songwriter of the Year. In 2013, he was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
A ticket for one of his concerts is like a key to a treasure chest, unlocking even more musical gold from this long-loved troubadour of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Much could be improved on the big line to get tickets checked and through security (literally the line was more than a quarter mile long) - Cat delayed the start of the show to accommodate it. But that did not diminish the show, Great songs, excellent band and Cat/Yusuf was in great form. The mix of songs was some new, many of the classics and a cover too. The crowd was wonderful, and was a mix of young and old.
Once we made it inside we were treated to an amazing performance by Cat Stevens. I never thought I would get a chance to see him perform live and finally he has decided to play some live shows again. Two sets, 28 songs, and a show I will never forget. If he decides to do more shows I highly recommend seeing him.
Music was great, exciting to hear that voice again. While I'm sure scalping was reduced, the ticketing and check-in process was abysmal. It greatly impacted my overall concert going experience, especially in the cold winter climate of Toronto. I don't think the imposition was worth it-in my humble opinion.
After waiting an hour in the cold long line of ticket holders, I was just glad to be inside Massey Hall. I didn't realize how glad until Cat Stevens walked on stage in front of a theatrical set made to look like a dilapidated train station in a prairie town (called Toronto apparently) and began to sing. Hearing that voice live for the first time almost brought me to tears. It hadn't changed in 37 years, unlike most of his contemporaries from that era. Starting at 8:30, he played for an hour with a fantastic back up band, including the amazing Alun Davis from all those original albums on guitar, and then took a 15 minute intermission, before returning at 9:45 for a set that ended at 11:30. It was many old and some of the new songs from his new record. All glorious, interspersed with patter of great warmth and humour. He's mellowed and yet retained all his musicianship from those fantastic early records. And that voice. That amazing voice.
Unbelievable. Getting to see him perform is truly a special moment in my life. His voice has only gotten better over the years and the amount of songs he performed was well worth the long cold wait in line. That being said, I really do think Ticketmaster/Massey Hall NEEDS to improve their process for getting tickets holders into the venue. It was quite the nightmare.
