AS YUSUF Islam himself put it , he is “back 33 years after my journey through the universe”.
As well as a physical journey, it was a deeply spiritual one, leading to a conversion to Islam, a change of name and the renouncing of his beloved music.
His beliefs have shifted just enough to allow him to return to public performance, and he seemed a little surprised, yet delighted, by the crowd’s enthusiastic welcome on Saturday.
The show started with a preview of Islam’s new musical, Moonshadow, with Chris Holland standing in for Noel Sullivan, formerly of reality TV winners Hear’say, who had bronchitis.
As a work in progress, it had plenty of potential – an intriguing parallel universe setting, gradually engulfed by darkness; a daydreaming hero searching for a better world; and undertones of ethnic divides, which will hopefully be further developed in the final script.
Giving some of Islam’s best known songs (Matthew and Son, Old Schoolyard and Wild World) the musical treatment brought out their strong melodic qualities.
Islam’s own set was heavy on the greatest hits, but also included a number of his more recent compositions, which he asked the Arena audience to indulge him in performing.
His voice had lost none of its unusual timbre, as he sang classics Morning Has Broken, Peace Train, Where Do the Children Play and, of course, Moonshadow.
Islam had fantastic rapport with the audience, amused by the hecklers (“I love my dog? – no, that’s far too old”) and thanking them for spending so much money on their tickets, which he added would go to charity.
He was rewarded with a demand for two encores – including the Beatles’ Long and Winding Road and Father and Son.
As one member of the crowd yelled, we could have stayed there all night.
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
I'm here!! I'm Here!! I'm in the Langland on Gower st. room 29. But I'm probably not there I'm probably out exploring the West End. my cell is still Italian but sms me at 00393481200150. My skype username is workahollis. I would like to meet up with whoever wants to. I know other people made threads about meet ups, but I'd like to use this to condense all the other threads just into time and place.
Hi Workahollis1, we are meeting at The Harrison Bar I think Jane, said she will be there around noon, we won't manage to be there until around 1:45 Then there's another meet up at the Chicago Rib Shack around 4pm near to the Knightsbridge tube station not far from R A H.
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
Re: Monday December 7 « Result #5 Today at 11:25am »
I'm sorry about Ellen, and I'm sorry you're stuck with an extra ticket. I remember when I was waiting in line to see Yusuf outside the Shepherds Bush venue in May, there were some people going back and forth asking if anyone had an extra ticket. If no one responds by email or to this board, you may find someone wanting a ticket outside the RAH. Try to be there a little earlier just in case. You never know. If only Athens wasn't so far away, (besides many other 'if onlys' ), I would jump on a plane tonight, and relieve you of your extra ticket. Have a great time at the concert.
Jane, Ellen is not attending. She fell ill. I am trying to figure out the ticket situation and may not make it to dinner as I need to be on my email and check with the hotel's front desk if I get calls to sort this out. I will do my best to make it, but if I don't I hope you understand. Thanks for putting it together!
Of course we understand, I hope you get a buyer for the ticket. What a shame that Ellen, is sick It's so sad that she is going to miss the concert. Get well soon Ellen.
Let's hope that we can meet at the interval, if not before. We are on row 10 seats 11 to 16 so not too far from you.
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
Thanks Maya. I think the message this tale sends, just about sums it up. Yusuf is long last at peace with himself. The only person he feels he has to answer to, is, God.
Re: Wednesday 9th December « Result #8 Today at 10:28am »
Helen it sounds like you strained your vocal cords in Birmingham. I know you, and I'm sure you won't let this ruin your evening on Tuesday. I hope you find that singing voice of yours by tomorrow, but if not, you can lip sync, or you can always use the eyes Can you imagine, "How Can I Tell You", blink, blink.
Joined: Nov 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 48 Location: New York
Re: Monday December 7 « Result #9 Today at 7:07am »
Jane, Ellen is not attending. She fell ill. I am trying to figure out the ticket situation and may not make it to dinner as I need to be on my email and check with the hotel's front desk if I get calls to sort this out. I will do my best to make it, but if I don't I hope you understand. Thanks for putting it together!
are the plans finalized Bob??? I sure would love to pay double for it .. I have one in 15 row but would love to give that away and buy yours!! xoox New Yorker here too
Joined: Nov 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 48 Location: New York
I NOW HAVE EXTRA RAH 8TH ROW « Result #11 Today at 6:55am »
Hey all
Ellen has fallen ill and can no longer accompany me to the show. I am scrambling to find a taker for her ticket. I am presently in London and about to go walk for the day. I paid 235.50 pounds for both tickets. I am only asking face value.
Email me at goldenroad@optonline.net if interested TODAY.
Joined: Sept 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 189 Location: Italy
Arrived in London « Result #12 Today at 6:08am »
I'm here!! I'm Here!! I'm in the Langland on Gower st. room 29. But I'm probably not there I'm probably out exploring the West End. my cell is still Italian but sms me at 00393481200150. My skype username is workahollis. I would like to meet up with whoever wants to. I know other people made threads about meet ups, but I'd like to use this to condense all the other threads just into time and place.
Did it take long to find me? I ask the faithful light
Joined: Sept 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 170 Location: Kolkata, India
Re: Video Links to The Liverpool Concert « Result #15 Today at 4:08am »
I've been watching the videos and indeed he gets better all the time. Loved his leaping and hopping at the end of Moonshadow I almost felt like I was right there. Enjoy London all you lucky folks!
Joined: Nov 2006 Gender: Male Posts: 37 Location: Canada
Re: Video Links to The Liverpool Concert « Result #17 Today at 1:41am »
Wow! It seems that Yusuf gets better with every concert. I mentioned once, when his Another Cup CD came out, that with time as he becomes more comfortable with performing, he would get better and better. I believe that this is truly happening, as one only needs to watch Yusuf's singing of Tuesday's Dead in Liverpool, a song he sings to perfection. I truly wish that I was there in Liverpool, not only because I truly admire the man, and love his music, but also because his concerts are becoming works of art.
Joined: Sept 2008 Gender: Female Posts: 461 Location: Louisiana, USA
Re: Reference to the Dublin O2 concert « Result #18 Yesterday at 6:25pm »
Thanks for posting, I enjoyed watching. I don't think, however, I care for their bit of humor at Yusuf's expense, or their excuses for the behavior of the audience in Dublin! Oops, there go the claws coming out...hiss hiss!
Joined: Jan 2006 Gender: Female Posts: 2,344 Location: Midlands U.K.
Re: Wednesday 9th December « Result #19 Yesterday at 6:22pm »
Helen, is going to have a house full!!! You are so generous, Helen. I am really looking forward to being there!! What could be better than a post concert gathering of us.
I only wish you could all be there with us, and at the RAH!!! Maybe, we will get the chance to say hello from there!
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
Joined: Nov 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 48 Location: New York
Re: Arrivals and Departures « Result #20 Yesterday at 6:19pm »
I will do my best, Susie. I purposely picked a hotel that was a little different so when I came back from touring I could feel inspired by the surroundings.
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
My son this morning offered to take me to see Yusuf in Liverpool as there were still tickets for sale.
How sweet of him. as it would have been over an 8 hour round trip.
What a perfect, loving, and thoughtful son you have Helen. He must have sensed that you wanted to go to Liverpool, and would have gone to any length to make his mother a very happy lady. Now I know why he is the sunshine of your life. You're a very lucky lady Helen.
To Be What You Must, You Must Give Up What You Are - Yusuf Islam You Must Be The Change You Want To See in The World - Mahatma Gandhi If You Want To Make This World A Better Place, Take A Look At Yourself And Make That Change - Michael Jackson
Isn't it funny, how a few years ago, the only thing that really mattered to us, was, that Yusuf/Cat would return and make music. Now that he is back, we can't seem to get enough of him, and more is simply just not enough. I think we can be excused due to his many years of abscence, and he will understand. I feel we can all appreciate Yusufs need to sing and promote his new work, but I hope in concerts that will follow this mini tour, Yusuf will also have the need to sing more of his old songs. I guess it's hard to please everybody.
I just want to point out that out of 23 songs in the concert 16 were old songs!
16 songs!!!!Well that's more than enough. Can't understand why some people complain.
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), I would jump on a plane tonight, and relieve you of your extra ticket. 
Can you imagine, "How Can I Tell You", blink, blink. ![[avatar]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/avatars/smiley.gif)
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as there were still tickets for sale.![[avatar]](http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/B000I5X82O.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V39429636_.jpg)
