The artist formerly known as Cat Stevens has slotted a few shows in England and Ireland, playing old hits as well as selections from his first stage musical.
To say Yusuf was big in the 1970s would be like saying Eric Clapton likes to noodle on the guitar. As Cat Stevens, best selling albums like Tea For the Tillerman, Teaser and the Firecat and Catch Bull At Four cemented his position as one of the leading singer/songwriters of the decade, and hits like “Peace Train” and “Moon Shadow” are mainstays on classic rock radio stations.
He walked away from fame and glory in 1977 when he converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf. He further distanced himself from the pop world in 1979 when he auctioned all his guitars for charity.
But even legends get restless. Yusuf released his first collection of pop songs since his conversion – An Other Cup – in 2006. His latest album – Roadsinger – was released in May.
Along with dipping into the Cat Stevens songbook, Yusif will also give fans a taste of his first musical, “Moonshadow” when he plays a short round of dates in Ireland and England.
Here’s how the routing stands:
It starts in Dublin at the O2 Nov. 15, and moves to Birmingham at the NIA Nov. 23. Then there’s nothing on the books until Dec. 5 when he appears at the Liverpool Echo Arena and then rolls into London on Dec. 8 for a show at the Royal Albert Hall.
Tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 21. For more information, please click here for the Yusuf Web site.