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Post by helen on Jul 3, 2007 9:41:48 GMT -5
Just back from Germany, will give report later when I have time.
This is just to say. Yes I don't mind spending money on traveling to see people in concert that I like for instance Yusuf Islam. I use to spend money on going to see him when he then performed as Cat Stevens. So now I'm luckly that I can afford to fly, stay in hotels and I donate to a charity of my choice every month and have done so for many years. As I said before, please remember most of us were and are fans of Cat/Yusuf are are so happy that he is performing again. He may be a man with a mission but to me he is a great special artist .
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Jul 3, 2007 10:31:07 GMT -5
Just back from Germany, will give report later when I have time. waiting for the report, hope soon ;D peace Linda |
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Post by robinssong on Jul 3, 2007 13:25:57 GMT -5
Cristalina and Christine,  Thanks so much for your good wishes! ladyhelen, Hope you liked it over here! Looking forward to your report! Love, Sanna |
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Post by flemmishfangent on Jul 3, 2007 16:10:50 GMT -5
i HOPE SANNA THAT YOU SOON GETTING WELL REGINE
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Post by robinssong on Jul 3, 2007 18:57:32 GMT -5
Thank you so much for your good wishes, Regine! Love, Sanna |
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Post by Vivian on Jul 3, 2007 19:09:24 GMT -5
Just back from Germany, will give report later when I have time. This is just to say. Yes I don't mind spending money on traveling to see people in concert that I like for instance Yusuf Islam. I use to spend money on going to see him when he then performed as Cat Stevens. So now I'm luckly that I can afford to fly, stay in hotels and I donate to a charity of my choice every month and have done so for many years. As I said before, please remember most of us were and are fans of Cat/Yusuf are are so happy that he is performing again. He may be a man with a mission but to me he is a great special artist . Beautifully said. As I said, I LOVE hearing these stories. Some day I will be able to travel to see Yusuf. In the meantime, I hope he'll return to Florida and play here. Oh, I can't wait to hear your stories. And yes, Yusuf is a very special artist! Peace,Vivian |
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Post by helen on Jul 4, 2007 16:42:15 GMT -5
Challenge Future Concert in Bochum. Germany
It was Friday afternoon when I knew for sure that I had tickets for the concert. I tried to get tickets from ticket offices in Germany but as I had left it late, I had only decided to go that morning.
I phoned the Rrhurcongress, where the concert was being held and I was lucky to speak to someone who spoke English as I can not speak German. She told me that they did not sell tickets directly from the venue. Luckily she must have liked my voice because she offered me two tickets as a gift. I accepted and made my travel arrangements.
I arrived at the Renaissance Hotel which I knew was near the venue, but not realizing that it was next door and the side door went directly into hall. Met the girl and got my tickets. I did buy her a nice present for giving me the tickets and arranged to meet her after the concert.
We then noticed that most of the artists was also staying here at the Renaissance and to our delight were walking through the foyer up and down the stairs, saying hello to everyone whilst they were preparing for the evening. Very exciting!! All the time I was hoping to bump into Yusuf or someone with him so I could asked if we could meet him. Never saw himƒ¼
The doors were due to open at 6pm and the concert to start at 8pm. At about 3pm we walked next door to have a look and noticed that a queue was beginning to form outside so we too stood in the queue, as seats were not allocated. It was very hot and sunny, my leg went stiff standing in one place, (as I recently had a knee operation) but I suffered the pain.
There were two queues one from each side. When the doors finally opened everyone ran in into the foyer where we had to queue for another hour. Eventually we all allowed in the main hall where every one just ran in. I was not in front anymore but managed to get a seat near the front. Unfortunately, it was very dark so it was very hard to get decent photos especially as I only took my small camera. I didn¡¦t know most of the artists as they were German but it was exiting to see Gorbachev, Desmond Tutu and such others. The band Bap was very good and although they sang in German they reminded me of Bruce Springsteen. Of course Carlos Santana was fantastic!
At last it was 11.15pm when Yusuf Islam was introduced. The crowd went mad! Everyone was on their feet clapping and cheering. This I think threw Yusuf as he probably did not realize that a lot of people still devoted fans. To me, it felt like the old Cat Stevens concerts which made me feel 18 again (Wish!)
He started with ¡¥Maybe there¡¦s a World¡¦ and then sang ¡¥Avoid City after Dark¡¦, which people were dancing and singing to, me included. Hence the bad knee!! The atmosphere was amazing. Yusuf then announced that he would like to sing more of his new songs but people still like to hear his old songs, thus he sang ¡¥Peace Train¡¦. In my opinion he did not look comfortable or relaxed, maybe because there were 3000 people and he has not sang in front of that many people for years. Then to everyone¡¦s amazement he left the stage. The crowed remained standing and clapping all shouting his name until the announcers called him back on stage. Thankfully he came backƒº
He then started to sing ¡¥Wild World¡¦ Zulu version however cut the song short. Yusuf then said goodbye and left the stage. Yusuf could have sung anything the people just loved him. I and so many others were disappointed that he only stayed on for about 15 minuets.
I¡¦m not sure if Yusuf was meant to close the concert but Carlos Santana came back on stage.
Back at the hotel after the concert most of the artists were in the bar and reception talking to everyone, Yusuf was no where to be seen. I think he stayed in his suite and probably left very early in the morning. I am glad I managed to see Yusuf at Mayfair, London, and had a photo taken with him there.
I am glad that I went because of all the great people that I saw but would have liked it if Yusuf sang for longer.
Yusuf if you read this, please accept that people still love you and love hearing you sing!
(Photos to come. Please could someone let me know how to upload photos-thanks!)
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Post by workahollis1 on Jul 4, 2007 17:11:42 GMT -5
I understand how Yusuf must feel. It must be frustrating to come back to the music world after learning so much from his road to find out, only for people to want to hear the songs he sang while he was till on that road. Now that he's found out he wants to share and nobody will let him. Except us truly devoted fans. I love his old songs too; however I love his new CD and would like to hear any new ones he has. He just has such a relatable view of things and he puts them to music well. I would be happy just to see a concert with him doing all songs I've never heard. Just to see him that would be incredible. Also to hear his new view of life as he's lived it over the past 30 years. I hope he doesn't lose heart and decide it's not worth it anymore. He never liked it when people told him what to play and how to play it. Only if he takes requests. Yusuf we love you no matter what and would love to hear all your songs. You have a real talent to make people happy and less violent . I would love to hear your songs on the radio but I haven't heard any. Maybe that would generate more interest in newer songs. If people are not familiar with the music they will only remember the tunes you were famous for. Chin up mate we are excited you came back to share not only your music but what you have learned.
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Jul 4, 2007 18:28:19 GMT -5
He never liked it when people told him what to play and how to play it Agreed !! and what to wear ;D I understand his frustration Just hope that even if we love his new songs, he could understand that the old ones are unforgettable. peace Linda PS: Ladyhelen, I use" imageshack " for hosting my pics, after you could use a direct link, on this site. |
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Post by SuzieQ on Jul 4, 2007 19:00:55 GMT -5
Hello LadyHelen and Welcome to Majicat  Thank you so much for your detailed account of your day, it is like almost being there with you  I am not surprised that Yusuf seemed a little taken aback at the amount of people there, as we know, Yusuf would prefer to do more intimate venues, but it will have given him a taste of things to come on Saturday's Live Earth Concert in Hamburg. Challenge Future Concert in Bochum. Germany (Photos to come. Please could someone let me know how to upload photos-thanks!) See your PM's SuzieQ |
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Post by Vivian on Jul 4, 2007 19:49:43 GMT -5
Thank you for your great story, Helen. It's understandable that Yusuf was a little uncomfortable, and he does prefer smaller more intimate venues.
Peace,Vivian
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Post by kareema113 on Jul 4, 2007 22:52:27 GMT -5
Actually he has played several large venues in the last couple of years... South Africa, the Nobel Peace Prize, the Italian one, as well as several performances in the Middle East... so I'm not sure how the conclusion is being reached that smaller venues are preferred... other than that he may have more control of the situation.
It seems to me that the gild might already be off the lily "comeback"-wise. And although these old songs may recall the fans' "good old days", they don't recall his particularly. He has said repeatedly how much he wanted out of the music business and that environment. Of course that environment is still there... I wouldn't have anything to do with a bar as a Muslim. The general public doesn't understand our ways and there are uncomfortable situations that unfortunately make headlines, as well as feel uncomfortable for us as Muslims personally.
Kareema
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Post by helen on Jul 5, 2007 3:17:27 GMT -5
As I said before, Yusuf could have sang anything that evening fans still would have loved it.
Yusuf choose the songs he sang. I think he only felt uncomfortable, because he was not expecting a hugh following of fans still.
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marier
Moonshadow Member
Posts: 302
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Post by marier on Jul 5, 2007 12:36:30 GMT -5
Thanks for your great account Ladyhelen It really is a wonderful experience to hear Yusuf "live", it brought back lovely memories of Porchester Hall. As SuzieQ said Yusuf does feel more comfortable doing smaller venues, he as much said this when we met him at Porchester Hall. Can't wait to see your pics ;D |
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Post by helen on Jul 5, 2007 12:43:16 GMT -5
My photos are very dark. I know Yusuf prefers to perform to smaller groups. But he must understand that the more he performs at concerts the bigger the crowds will get. It would have been nice if we could have bumped into him at the Hotel.   |
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Post by flemmishfangent on Jul 5, 2007 15:04:25 GMT -5
It's good that we fans show Yusuf how happy we are that he is back singing again.
If we do that in a respectable way ,he will accept that.
In the press i found again negative comments refering to the past .I's on us to support Yusuf so much as we can.If i read those comments i feel sick.They even take a chance to now him tru his site and his work.Regine
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 2:25:18 GMT -5
Just remembered Yusuf was wearing his wedding ring on his left hand, he usually wears it on his right. When he sang Wide World he also said baby, baby a couple of times instead of bana, bana.
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Jul 6, 2007 5:37:07 GMT -5
When he sang Wide World he also said baby, baby a couple of times instead of bana, bana. ahhh!! ;D About his ring, maybe it's just difficult to play guitar with it on his right hand, not sure  Linda |
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 10:07:53 GMT -5
Not that it mattered.
Noticed at Porchester hall, it was on his right hand.
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 10:53:25 GMT -5
Here are my photos of Yusuf in Bochum. Sorry they are dark  |
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 10:56:55 GMT -5
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 11:09:56 GMT -5
I'm the one on the right.
The ashtray does not belong to us.
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Jul 6, 2007 11:21:37 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing pics and for the report peace Linda |
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Post by helen on Jul 6, 2007 11:25:25 GMT -5
Thanks SuzieQ for sending me the link. My daughter and I tried to send the photos for ages with captions, but failed.
Maybe I will have better luck next time.
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izitso??
Katmandu Member
True Love is like an appearance of spirits: everyone speaks about it but few people saw it
Posts: 85
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Post by izitso?? on Jul 6, 2007 12:00:51 GMT -5
people are on their feet clapping , from the pics, i could say he did not look relaxed, it'll take time till he'll be confortable with a huge crowed clapping and dancing in front of him Linda |
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Post by 2007 on Jul 6, 2007 13:36:58 GMT -5
Thank you for sharing pics ladyhelen
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marier
Moonshadow Member
Posts: 302
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Post by marier on Jul 6, 2007 15:27:52 GMT -5
Thanks for posting these Ladyhelen. Even though pictures are dark, from what I can see it looks like Yusuf is enjoying himself. Perhaps he is already becoming more relaxed in front of big crowds ;D I hope so because we might see more of him if this is the case |
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Chris
Oh Very Young
Posts: 0
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Post by Chris on Jul 6, 2007 20:24:51 GMT -5
Thanks Ladyhelen, It was nice reading the reviews and looking though your photo's. Also, welcome to Majicat! |
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Post by butterfly on Sept 3, 2007 7:53:47 GMT -5
On 1st of July I visited the concert with Yusuf, Carlos Santana, Bap and other musicans. It was very great and I always remember this event.  Here is an Article of a newspaper of Bochum from the conference. Yusuf with Wolfgang Niedecken, the frontman of the German group "BAP".  |
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Post by butterfly on Sept 3, 2007 11:28:54 GMT -5
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Thanks so much for your good wishes! 
