Yusuf Islam – Cat Stevens Performs Final NZ Show

With the night progressing, the sold out arena of approx 9000 grew louder with applause and a thunderous atmosphere encouraging Yusuf to play on. And he did, treating the crowd with his timeless masterpieces and material from his more recent album Roadsinger.

Yusuf Islam – Cat Stevens – performing in Christchurch, New Zealand. Photo by Lucy Gardner.

During this evening I clearly remembered my sister and friends relaxing at the beach house, singing along to Cat Steven’s and sharing the guitar some twenty-five years ago – good clean fun…. Often, getting louder and more out of tune as the night progressed. This was certainly not the case at Yusuf Islam’s magnificent concert in Christchurch at the CBS Canterbury Arena. This man just seems to keep getting better with age, like I am sure John Lennon would have done.

It brought back what I thought were long forgotten memories which was great. After a near death gas explosion, I have been left to do this review with one eye, the good one is not great either but as they say one is better than none. And at twenty rows back dead centre from the stage it was as good as it gets. It was a new life moment, I felt the best since the terrible day that changed my life five years ago. I loved the concert! and I had great company.

What a fascinating life Yusuf has had so far. To be so, so talented and yet his heart some twenty years ago told him to follow another path. Then in reverse, with the mere presence of his son’s guitar, his heart told him to get on that peace train and tour. And we are so glad he did.

What a beautiful story. You little Beauty.

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