“Be What You Must” doesn’t just talk to me, it positively shouts. “Welcome Home” tells of his walking into the mosque in Jerusalem having followed a sign saying 'all seekers this way'.
The title track “Roadsinger” is his journey through misunderstanding and finally being allowed to be seen as Yusuf rather than Cat Stevens, seventies icon, missed by so many.
That brings me to my main observation. Yusuf has finally emerged from his 'celebrity' withdrawal and is clearly a far happier and more contented man than the Cat of old. On the evidence of last night it is clear that, at last, people can accept the change. The addition of, the 'artist formerly known as Cat Stevens', finally seems redundant.
Last night was the pinnacle of my own particular musical journey. I have seen Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and many other true greats, giving truly great performances. However, this was, in many ways, something all together deeper. There was a tangible sense of joy, celebration, warm respect, admiration, all topped off with some highly charged emotion.
As he played “Be What You Must”, I found myself gulping loudly in a way I rarely do. A sudden wave of raw emotion simply crept up on me. When he sang “Where Do The Children Play” two ladies nearby openly wept and a tough looking guy in front had tears in his eyes.
Of course the purpose of a review is to report back on the concert itself. This magical evening was opened by Noxshi, Yusuf's son Yoriyos' band. When the next support band Baaba Maal took the stage for an hour of vibrant African music generated by a huge cast of musicians it signalled the start of a two hour journey that many who were there won’t forget.
Suddenly, to a great reception, Bono appeared, unannounced, to sing “One”. Such is the magnetism of the man that I didn’t initially notice that The Edge, Larry Jnr, and Adam were also up there and that the set had cleared for an impromptu U2 performance. Playing a nicely acoustic “Vertigo” rounded off a wonderful surprise in recognition of Island Records’ place in rock history.
It was Bono himself that introduced Yusuf who walked on the stage to the warmest reception I have experienced in a long time. Taking a standing centre stage position he started with “Welcome Home” and the scene was set for a ‘Maji-Yusuf’ night.
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.