Quite simply it doesn’t get any better than last night. This was the latest concert in a week to celebrate the 50th birthday of Chris Blackwell’s legendary label Island Records.
I consider myself privileged in managing to get on line and buy tickets to see Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens of course) for his one off performance to mark that birthday. Those that were, like me, lucky enough to be at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire last night experienced a magical, emotionally charged night that, frankly, I thought that I would never be able to see.
Turning the corner on the queue to get in we spotted Yusuf’s Roadsinger camper van parked out the front. It was a nice touch and brought home the fact we were about to see one of music’s true legends.
Of course, his legend extends beyond his rich catalogue of classic songs that he left behind when he quit the music business following his conversion to Islam in the mid seventies. He didn’t just move away on some passing whim. He has walked the walk and become something of an ambassador for his faith and has remained committed to his chosen path often inspiring many others in the process.
He has opened, and is still involved with, Islamia, an Islamic school in North London. His charity work, particularly with Small Kindness, reveals that he takes that particular pillar of Islam, Zakah, very seriously indeed.
Recently though he has felt the need to re-enter, albeit tentatively, the music business that he walked away from all those years ago. I guess the need to create music never really leaves someone this gifted.
He recently appeared live in concert in Los Angeles, his first performance in the United States for many, many years. I wonder if he played “Boots And Sand”? In case you don’t know the song it is about his being turned away by U.S. Immigration a few years back.
His reappearance is perfectly timed and his music can once again speak volumes in a world that doesn’t make any sense. Very often his chosen religion finds itself the centre of political tension as extremists abuse the name of Islam. The word means peace after all - and this is the man that hoped for the “Peace Train”. If only more people would climb aboard.
Article comments
1 - beryl
I thought your article was excellent and I experienced exactly the same feelings not noticing the Edge etc due to Bono 's presence. The Baaba Maal set was incredible but then Yusuf appeared. I was one of the 2 ladies crying and I have never been to a concert like it. We stood for 5 hours and I could have done it all again . It was life affirming and totally special and I have terrible withdrawal symptoms this week now that the high has worn off. Yusuf seems the most gentle thoughtful loving person and it is a privilege to have been a part of the evening.
2 - Jeff
Thank you so much Beryl !
You are so right when you say, 'It was life affirming and totally special and I have terrible withdrawal symptoms this week now that the high has worn off. '...........
I know exactly what you mean - I have been going to concerts all my life - but there was something magical going on that night. It was joyful, emotional, and inspirational. If only I could have expressed it better in the article. We were indeed privileged to experience it. If you are in the UK he is live on Radio 2 tomorrow night Weds 3rd June - not sure of the time. Thank you for taking the time to read this and most of all for posting such a lovely feedback. Jeff Perkins - Eurorock, Classic Eurorock.
3 - Jeff
Yusuf Live on Radio 2 - slight correction - it's being recorded Weds 3rd June but is being transmitted on Saturday 6th June - not sure of the time. Don't miss it.