YUSUF Islam

Articles

Cat Stevens Plays Live Concert

BBC News
21st October, 2003

Musician Yusuf Islam – formerly known as Cat Stevens – made a rare stage appearance at a Royal Albert Hall benefit concert on Monday night.

The singer performed the title track from a new work for children at the event, I Look, I See, marking 20 years of the Islamia Schools, which he founded in 1983. A host of musical stars from around the world also took part in the gala, which saw the star also perform his 1971 hit Peace Train.

Cat Stevens was a big star in the 70s, having hits such as Father and Son. He converted to Islam in 1977. The singer left his pop career behind after conversion but began recording again recently, including a new version of Peace Train for a charity album.

He told the audience at the Albert Hall: “We’re at this spot again – maybe some of you might remember the last time I was here. It was 1972.

“I think it was the foggiest night in London and I don’t know how many of you found your way here. We’re here today and times have changed.

“A lot of dreams for me have come true and we’re here to celebrate 20 years of Islamia school.”

Among the numbers performed by the singer was a follow up to his song, The Wind, from his Cat Stevens days, called Wind East And West.