YUSUF Islam

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Friday 29th May

Yusuf and U2

Yusuf’s headline appearance at Island Record’s 50th Anniversary show last night was given an unexpected boost by U2 frontman Bono.

After a surprise appearance alongside Baaba Maal, Bono remained onstage to introduce Yusuf, praising his ‘songwriting genius’ and paving the way for a raptorously received set.

Click here to see the photos.
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Comments
1. Will always love you and your music. Jeannie
  12 Jun 2009 Regina Panati Report Comment
2. I had been so excited about seeing Yusuf at the Shepards Bush Empire. For a number of personal reasons his music means much to me. This was one of the best nights of my life, such a feeling of love and peace and strength - I was overwhelmed. Thank you Yusuf, and welcome home.
  08 Jun 2009 Melissa Settle Report Comment
3. I have grown (up) with you since Matthew & Son and it has been a lonely 30 years since you stopped making music. I managed to get a ticket for Shepherd's Bush on Thursday night and it was very emotional to hear your beautiful music and see you perform again. It was a truly magical evening (even if I am getting a bit old to be crushed in a standing concert!)
  
  The new album is amazing; although I loved An Other Cup this was more like the old you, in the early Mona Bone period, but even more poetic and meaningful, if that's possible. I know the adulation is hard to take but don't give up - everyone was just so pleased to see you again after so long. I look forward to more of your beautiful music and hopefully, live concerts.
  01 Jun 2009 Linda Shergold Report Comment
4. Listening to ANOTHER CUP and now ROADSINGER takes me back so many years. The guile in lyrics haven't changed given the obvious restrictions you are performing under. I trust that with more time and a softening in these restrictions, your songs will evolve to more powerful lyrics and music, as happened all those years ago.
  
  I must say, you have been the number 1 artist in my life since I first heard you on the radio some 35 years ago, and I never tire of hearing your music. Another testimony to your talent is that my children [18, 14, 11 years old] know the lyrics of most of your songs.
  
  I was very privileged to see you in concert in the 70's at the Horden Pavilion in Sydney, and fell so sorry that it is impossible for me to see you live again. Keep the challenge and your dreams alive. Thank you. Morris
  01 Jun 2009 morris briffa Report Comment
5. I bought Roadsinger and enjoyed it. I am just happy to hear yor sound again. Hope to see you in concert sometime in the US.
  01 Jun 2009 Bruce Frederick Report Comment
6. Outside the Shepherd's Bush Empire on Thursday night a woman with a camera crew (from C4?) asked me for a comment about your performance. I was so full of emotion at having finally seen you in concert that all I could say was "we've so missed him!" I feel honoured that I was there in that little West London venue on that magical night and thank you so much for performing again!
  01 Jun 2009 Davy Taylor Report Comment
7. Yusuf, Thursday night was so memorable it will never be forgotten, the love in that hall was overwhelming, we all sang along with you word for word, the friendships that were made, the pleasure you gave us all - Thank You - I just hope next time my lovely friend Marilou will be standing next to me singing along. Meg
  31 May 2009 meg stevens Report Comment
8. From Cat Stevens to Yusuf this Peace Train never stops to thrill! Roadsinger ride on those tracks soon after An Other cup, and quench my thirst as 40 years have pass since I've got hooked onto your divine tunes. Its been a privilege to see you perform on stage.
  
  Like Island records I too celebrated my 50th birthday this month, the ultimate present engraved onto my memory forever! Peace, Brigitte Pividal.
  31 May 2009 Brigitte Pividal Report Comment
9. It took me a while to be ready too listen. The day before I had surgery I walked out by the sea to calm my mind and listen to the album. It so relaxed me. Thank you for the music. Everytime I dream my no1 today. aido
  30 May 2009 aido Report Comment
10. Cat Stevens with U2 - WOW! Who could ask for more? Awesome, Yusuf and Bono... AWESOME.
  30 May 2009 Regina Guillory Report Comment
11. Love the last album Roadsinger. Can not take it out from my CD player. A classic. Yusuf when you stopping by DC area?
  30 May 2009 Yousri Ben Slimane Report Comment
12. As a 2nd generation American-Muslim, with roots from India, I grew up listening to Cat Stevens, with my brother, in a small American town with a very small Muslim population, in the late 80s. We loved "Don't Be Shy", "Can't Keep it In" and other classics from the 2 Greatest Hits albums, and even though Yusuf gave up music at the time, we always hoped that he would return to music, and at the same time, come out as a spokesman for moderate, mainstream Islam, where music and the arts are welcome.
  
  In the 90s, I re-discovered his music, with a high school friend who had American roots in the midwest. I am sooo happy that Yusuf has embraced music fully now. He is a shining example of how Muslims and non-Muslims can find common ground in peace. I might also throw in that U2 is my favorite band ever and I would love to see them collaborate with Yusuf!!
  30 May 2009 Omar Ansari Report Comment
13. Wa 'alai kumus salaam. And I agree with the comment, Yusuf for the Nobel Peace Prize... If there is ever a human alive on this blue planet that speaks and sings of his heart and for the world, it IS YUSUF... Yes, there may be different philosophies and different thoughts but there is one trueness from him and it is about promoting Love and Peace and Understanding.
  
  For me he is my mentor in music and growing in life from my troublesome teen years to my greater understanding of life on this planet...Continue on your road Yusuf with you and your family and the course that is set before you... I will donate to your cause for the "Little Ones"...They are the future of this world... God be with you and again, wa 'alai kumus-salaam... Hope to meet you one day in person... If it is God's will.
  30 May 2009 Wayne Acey Report Comment
14. In the year 1976 you were on your last world tour. I was at that time a 14 year old girl, loving your music and dreaming to see you singing and playing once in my lifetime. Now 33 years later my dream came true.
  
  It was an amazing and unforgettable evening for me and everybody who had the great pleasure to enjoy your show. I hope you felt the emotional atmosphere in the audience. You've made 2000 people happy, please continue your way!
  
  Believe me (and now I'm using your words) you will always sing your song well and ring a small bell in our hearts. God may bless you and your family Iris Block, Witten (Germany)
  30 May 2009 Iris Block Report Comment
15. Wow - Thursday - what a night! Thank you Yusuf!! Your stories and songs impacted this, then, young teenage girl and gave me some inspiration for how life might turn out. I still have those 33 rpm's (and a working record player), but purchased those 2 + Catch Bull at Four and Buddha & The Chocolate Box, and An Other Cup in CD form when I bought a ticket for Shepherds Bush.
  
  I cried listening to the early songs, reliving the girl who first listened to those songs, and the woman who I've become with a life very different to what I'd expected - remembering was very cathartic and healing (I'm a psycho-spiritual psychotherapist so crying's fine with me!!). My journey took me through a different spiritual road to Yusuf's and it was heart-warming to listen to An Other Cup, and subsequently (when it was released) Roadsinger. I hope Yusuf will do a tour, and my heart is truly grateful to be listening to his songs - old and new - again.
  30 May 2009 Sandie Ritter Report Comment
16. Two years ago I had a dream, that I would go to a "Cat Stevens" concert together with my mother, and now it has come true. It was absolutely worth coming all the way from Germany. Thank for what you are doing, Yusuf! Philipp
  30 May 2009 Philipp Sattler Report Comment
17. Thank you for a fabulous experience on Thursday night - worth waiting 40 years plus for - and my husband was very understanding. He's now a fan and understands what it's all about (and why I waited outside Greasbrough Club for hours back then). Wish I still had the pink stetson hat. Sue
  30 May 2009 Sue Scott Report Comment
18. Thank you for the music and bringing us together on a unforgettable evening. If the critics read this boards before they write anything LOL they will see we are all behind our Roadsinger to support him on his way to build bridges between people. We thank God you are back on the road. Pe Regine from Belgium.
  30 May 2009 Regine Masson Report Comment
19. Dear Yusuf and family, I'm just home from London. Wow what a day Thursday was meeting my friends of Majicat some I already met some new; all different people but with one thing in common, you Yusuf, with your unforgettable songs and wise words.
  
  When you left with your lovely wife and sweet granddaughter I could show you my thumbs up and said thanks for this unforgettable evening that you gave me and my friends. Never had imagined it would be like this the real thing is better then any DVD. All the new and old songs I sang with you (not too loud LOL) and all these people singing with you was so wonderful and seeing that it made you happy made us happy - you can't imagine, thanks.
  
  Also a sweet moment was when your biggest fan shouted granddaddy and she didnâ€™t stop and we all said granddaddy â€“ I think she was a bit confused of the approval she had that moment. It was a heart warming experience. Thank you, you took the time to meet our friend Sheila, she was so happy you gave her a big boost to go further in her difficult period of life. Now she is going to count of the days to meet on Moonshadow and we will be with her of course.
  30 May 2009 Regine Masson Report Comment
20. He is one of the greatest person I have seen, in all aspects. Thank you for your work on peace and bringing the lost world back to a safer home. Well everything happens on God's will. God may help you!
  30 May 2009 Ahmed Nisham Report Comment
21. Opalsun I felt your presence in 2000. I got all your records again. Listened to them and sang them often. I could hear your songs of the spiritual journey and felt less alone in my journey. When you came back with your 2006 album "An Other Cup" I was ready. You did all I expected and more. You've filled my life with songs of the divine. Praise be to Allah!
  30 May 2009 Valerie Christy Report Comment
22. I think its time for a world tour bro... It seems like the universe is shouting for that. ;)
  30 May 2009 Ali Hamidi Report Comment
23. Thank you Yusuf, we had a wonderful time, well worth waiting 25 years. It was marvelous to hear you sing Lillywhite, Don't Be Shy, Just Another Night, Ruins and all the rest. When we all sang along to Where do the Children Play it was majic! It was the best gig I have seen. You were relaxed and witty and sounded better than ever. Thanks so much for coming back, we need you. Roadsinger is a pure Joy. Keep playing and recording it brings joy to our lives.
  30 May 2009 gary Report Comment
24. I will praise for a concert here in Portugal, where you have a large fanbase and where you never played before... If not I will just have to find a way to see you elsewhere!
  29 May 2009 Rui Fernandes Report Comment
25. Salam, Hello, Bonjour, C'est trop gÃ©nial de voir que Yusuf soit revenu sur scÃ¨ne...Il est un artiste unique et sa spiritualitÃ© sert la cause humaine toute entiÃ¨re! Que Dieu le garde! God bless you Yusuf! We hope you come to Paris!
  29 May 2009 OULADMOUSSA Report Comment
26. A wonderful evening - seeing Yusuf and Alun together on stage once again. The performance was flawless, the growl back in the voice and the guitar work immaculate. That Gibson guitar was beautiful - what a crystal sound - I'd love one! This was an evening I never dared to believe would ever happen again. Thank you so much, Yusuf - it's wonderful to have you back! Chris Abrams
  29 May 2009 Ann Abrams Report Comment
27. I became a fan of Cat/Yusuf in 1966. Now many years later I'm still a fan and he's becoming better and better. Can somebody tell me what I can do to bring him for a concert to Belgium? Marilou
  29 May 2009 marilou bamps Report Comment
28. I wish I was there! In the 70's Cat Stevens was my hero, from 80's onwards U2 have been my absolute favourite band of all time... how great would it have been to see them together!!
  29 May 2009 Julie Walsh Report Comment
29. You are still so very HOT! Bravo, Yusuf! So wonderful to have you back. I absolutely love your new album, and every single song you ever wrote and sang! We were all wondering aimlessly, waiting for your return, now we can find our way! So glad you are back! Debra Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  29 May 2009 Debra Welch Report Comment
30. Such a great night! Bridges were built and love was in the air. So good to hear those songs old and new. Amazing to hear Lillywhite and Just Another Night. "The Wind" became a story beautifully told by our brother Yusuf sitting at his cafe table. If there was ever a night to treasure in the memory, this was the night. Jazaakallhu khayrun akhi. Wassalaam.
  29 May 2009 yusuf Bonner Report Comment
31. Im a 48 year old woman, born in East Germany and my first label in my life was Cat. You never leave me all the years you was in my own music world and I want to thank you for this wonderful new album. So many things we have together, Yusuf, you have helped me to convert to the Islam and this year I will marry my lovely fiance. You and your music... I hope you stay in my life for a long long time.
  29 May 2009 Heike Report Comment
32. Last night was worth the 35 year wait. Eternal thanks, Yusuf.
  29 May 2009 Brian Kulaway Report Comment
33. Yusuf for Nobel Peace Prize now! No singer does more for peace than you... I consider you my spiritual leader, every word you say comes to me like light through darkness. God bless you!
  29 May 2009 Rui Fernandes Report Comment
34. Ever since my very turbulent early years, Cat Stevens was always with me, whether or not he knew it. Even when we went our separate ways, he was never forgotten. Feeling a bit melancholic, and generally weird and not me, I thought I'd try and look up my old friend. Lo and behold, instead of The Cat, I found The Yusuf. With but a very few notes, I could tell it was my old friend, with a new "hairdo". Thanks for being a friend, then and now. And I try not to be "one-way". When times are that you'd like company, I'll always be there. One of your many friends. Forever.
  29 May 2009 Stephen Gallant Report Comment
35. Hi, Thanks for bringing all of us together with your music. Probably one of the biggest steps towards world peace in a long long time !
  29 May 2009 Benoit Beauregard Report Comment
36. Love the new album. My big disappointment is that I cannot get "Boots and Sand" in the USA. Why is that? Tried downloading it from Amazon. UK but the site wouldn't allow it. Will fans in the USA ever be able to get the song?
  29 May 2009 Belmo Report Comment
37. Yassou Yusuf, Teaser And The Firecat was the first album I ever had. I was 5 years old. Your music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember (without admitting my true age) ;0) I now play your music for my 4 year old daughter... and she is as touched by it as I am. Bravo to you for coming back to the world of music. Your voice and words have made this world a better place. Please come to the US for a concert. God Bless.
  29 May 2009 Malina Tzartzanis Report Comment
38. Fantastic artist, so underrated. I think his son can pick up from where he left off.
  29 May 2009 umar qureshi Report Comment
39. Oh I'm on my way, I know I am..." Just as Yusuf has reprised "Sitting's" piano intro, so too has he again taken up his musical journey with "Roadsinger." Touched by both joy and heartbreak, rejection and redemption, this album is a delightfully unexpected continuation of his very best work. Yusuf's voice is as much a part of the natural world as the songbird's morning praise, his poetry as beautiful as the faded blue sky. Surely, with this album, Yusuf has "drawn a perfect heart." Thank you and welcome back.
  29 May 2009 Michael Kelehar Report Comment
40. Yusuf performed a miracle: he got the Edge to smile! Please tour the U.S, Yusuf!
  29 May 2009 Benjamin Sherman Report Comment
41. Wow! These wonderful photos made my heart skip a beat! You all look like brothers. I hope you can work together to influence world leaders towards a future of true peace and prosperity. Yusuf, your journey is still unfolding. God bless.
  29 May 2009 Sunny Report Comment
42. Beautiful photographs, satisfied to see Yusuf in great form. Excuse me for my English.
  29 May 2009 AurÃ©lia Report Comment
43. Please come back to the States Yusuf - you are SO missed here !! Congratulations on the wonderful Island Aniversary show. ~~~ Peace !!
  29 May 2009 Nancy Report Comment
44. He's so amazing!
  29 May 2009 abdu Report Comment
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