This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Artist News Gigs & Festivals
Cat Stevens to return to the UK for twin London shows
By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 22 September 2014
Yusuf Islam – who now seems to have conceded that his (not especially) new name has never caught on and is instead billing himself (or at least is being billed) as Yusuf/Cat Stevens – has announced a pair of London shows for November. His first UK concerts for five years, they will follow the release of his new album, ‘Tell Em I Gone’, though Legacy recordings on 27 Oct.
Says Islam/Stevens of the new album, which features guests including Richard Thompson, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Tinariwen: “Although I was to venture through many lyrical terrains, melodious valleys and cadences during my 50 year musical and spiritual exploration, and though many would agree that I have covered a lot of ground, there was always one path I meant to take. Hidden in the background behind my renowned troubadour persona lurked an R&B alter-self waiting to be let free”.
He adds: “What’s powerful and profound, to me, is the overall message which emerged, lyrically [here]. It suddenly stared me in the face: the innate struggle for freedom! Isn’t that what most human beings dream of? Music and the blues particularly was a means of escape for many chained to the destiny of the rich and powerful”.
The two live shows will take place at the Hammersmith Apollo on 4-5 Nov. Tickets are on sale now, and you can hear a track from the new album, titled ‘Dying To Live’, here.