A nice moment saw him introduce his long term musical partner Alun Davies who provided his trademark acoustic accompaniment that is so much part of the old Cat sound. Memorable moment after memorable moment followed.
He played the classics masterfully spreading them throughout the set. “Where Do The Children Play”, “Just Another Night”, and “Peace Train” all made welcome appearances. Also performed were "Lilywhite", "Don't Be Shy", and "Ruins".
He gave us an excellent version of “Boots And Sand” the song about his being turned away from the U.S. “The Wind” saw him sitting stage right at a café table in a reflective mood. “Thinking ‘Bout You”, and “The Rain” also appeared from Roadsinger, which judging by the amount of people who knew the words, has sold quite well.
A lovely moment came when he played “Wild World” for his grandchildren in the balcony near us. That provoked one wag in the crowd to call for him to play “Grandfather & Son”. In fact, his connection with the audience between songs was also an endearing feature of the evening.
No Yusuf show would be complete without “Peace Train” of course. It is that ‘holy roller’ that Yusuf chose to board all those years ago. It led him along his spiritual path that has seen him visually morph into the person he really wanted to be.
His departure from the music scene left many fans stunned whilst secretly hoping he would quickly return from this ‘diversion’. He gave up so much, and had so much talent, at a time when he clearly still had so much to offer. The world was at his feet, musically, but he wanted something altogether more significant.
What we see today is the result of one man’s journey along the road to find out. Even the most die-hard fans can see, and most importantly, accept that now.
When that ‘little wave’ saved his life in the sea off Malibu he promised to work for God. Here he is back in the public glare having done precisely that for 30 odd years. His personal search became complete shortly after when his non-Muslim brother gave him a copy of the Holy Qu’ran.
Last night's warm and emotional reception proves that no matter how wild the world gets, people not only respect his music but also his own personally chosen path. Again the words to “Be What You Must” say it all, ‘I have journeyed endless miles, seen many harbours where I took rest a while, on this boat called near and far, to be what you must, you must give up what you are’. (Yusuf Islam)
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.