Yusuf Islam excited by Liverpool return after three decades

Nov 6 2009 by Jade Wright, Liverpool Daily Post

Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, talks to Jade Wright about his love of The Beatles, and the Jacaranda

He converted to Islam at the height of his fame in December, 1977, and adopted his Muslim name, Yusuf Islam, the following year.

In 1979, he auctioned all his guitars away for charity and left his music career to devote himself to educational and philanthropic causes in the Muslim community.

But now, three decades on, he is making his first tentative touring steps.

“I had done a couple of shows for invited audiences,” says Yusuf. “In 2007, I did the BBC In Concert series and the Shepherd’s Bush Empire. People started saying ‘When are you coming on tour?’, but I wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to play big venues – or, if I did, I needed to keep that intimate feeling.

“Then I met Rob Hallet, who had been doing the Leonard Cohen tour. I saw that maybe it was possible for me to do the same thing.

“I thought ‘This is how I want to start’. If things go well, I’ll think about maybe going abroad.

“There are still some places in the world I would love to play. I do travel a lot, and I spend a lot of time in Dubai. It has a very rich culture. The people there are very sincere, and the Arab world and the Western world work well together.”

But for now he has his attention focused on the UK tour, and on coming back to Liverpool.

“When I come to Liverpool, I want to take my time wandering around,” he smiles. “I’m sure there are bits that will be the same, but I know so much will be different. Liverpool has got such history.

“And if I make it up to the Jacaranda, I’ll be sure to write you a song.”

YUSUF plays the Echo Arena Liverpool on December 5. Tickets are priced at £50/£60 & £75 from the Echo Ticketline 0844 800 3680.

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