Majicatters reporting in!

[JaneB]

Wow - it looks like I am the first one. I need to make this quick as it is almost 2:30am here. Needless to say, the entire show was spectacular! The Moonshadow preview was great - it is really special to hear his songs put together in the context of a story. Yusuf came on after the preview at 9pm and played until 10:45. The set list was what you have already seen, with the exception of a medley of three of his "oldies:" "I Love My Dog," "Here Comes My Baby" and "The First Cut is the Deepest." GREAT!

He was having a great time and rockin' it on stage! At the end he rocked it so hard his glasses flew off of his face!

Most of us met up at the stage door and after about an hour(?) they started letting people in a few at a time to meet him and have him sign something. I WAS DYING!!!!!

However, he must have gotten tired because all of a sudden they weren't letting anyone in, but were taking 1 item from each person to have him sign. AAUUGGHH!!! So close! I have my autograph but it's just not the same...

Alun came out earlier and I asked him to sign the program (the back which is pretty much black) and he said "It won't show up." I said "Yes it will - it's a silver Sharpie." He replied "You smart Americans think of everything!"

RAH allowed photos and video this time, so there will be a lot of stuff posted over the next couple of days - I won't be able to upload anything until Friday or Saturday.

He sang "Fill My Eyes" and I captured that on video - I was very happy!

Because the acoustics in RAH are as spectacular as they are, even when people were singing, I could hear Yusuf over them. Thank you, Royal Albert Hall!

Signing off for now - much more to come from everyone else.

Jane

[faithfullight]

It sounds like you had a wonderful time, Jane. I wish I could have been there too. You are so lucky! Thanks so much for sharing.

[crobarbie]

Well, as Jane already told you... it was spectacular show, I knew that Royal Albert Hall must be something special. Atmosphere was great and touchy, sound was better than perfect (I have never heard anything so clear in my +50 years!), setlist was almost identical like in Birmingham or Liverpool... almost, becasue he played Maybe There is a World (instead Welcome Home which he did not play for the first time on this tour), but his unprepared but brilliant mix of I love my Dog, Here comes my Baby and The First Cut is the Deepest was something which nobody expected, maybe even not his band (as he told). Yusuf singing was better than ever (and I know what I am talking because I saw him when he played in 1976 in Zagreb)... and yes, he was so funny few times when he lost himself in setlist planned order, or when he forgot for a second a verse start in Midday... and he threw his glases twice Band was also great, public was very enthusiastic... and, almost forgot, the "Moonshadow" was also great, I liked it a lot.

And yes, in my programme book there is one small addition... "To Barney, peace. Yusuf"... I was lucky enough to be amongst those
who had opportunity to got Yusufs autograph and to say a couple of words to him.

And now it is time to sleep. Bye, bye

[downunder72]

The first reports are what I excpected they would be, and I'm so happy for everyone. I'm even happier knowing that they allowed photos, and video, which means in the next few hours we are going to get a sneak preview of the event of the year. Won't have to wait till the DVD is released. I read the were filming it, weren't they?

Jane you got your birthday prezzie, "Fill My Eyes" and an autograph, two autographs. I understand you dissapointment of just being a breaths away from Yusuf, and not seeing him up close, and shaking his hand. Well neverthless, you still must be a very happy girl today. Where you up to any tape tricks? ;D I hope so. ;D

Barney you have something to be really smiling today. Getting an autograph, that's very special, but getting to actually meet Yusuf to personally adress the autograph "To Barney, Peace", now that must have sent you over the moon. All your hard work and devotion really paid off last night.

Thankyou both for you super quick reports. Sleep well

[helen]

Well what can I say except it was more than fantastic.
My 26 year son loved it and I was very well behaved as I promised I would be good.

I felt I was at a Cat concert.

There was people taking photos, but as we walked in the stewards did say to us "No photography and videos"
But who listens.
I shall get Heather and Michele to write a review when they wakes up.
I am up early so I am going to start cooking.

[mjtrewhella]

Well my brain is still buzzing , I've hardly slept , going over last night.
For me Tuesday's dead made my night my life so happy . He looked happy he was enjoying himself., his voice was much stronger , severall times I closed my eyes and was transported back to the 70's. I realy loved the preview of the musical , I think it will be a winner ,hope we get early notice of the show . as a bit of fun we could post our own fantasy set list , mine would include Cyprios , Crazy and The king of trees for starters , as Helen says we will never be satisfied, lol Michele x

[juliette]

Well I second what everyone else has said. A brilliant night and as Michelle said - it was like going back in time. The Cat was back. He was funny and seemed to be having a great time.


I went to Liverpool also and think last night's show topped it. What a shock when he did the medley of "I Love My Dog"/"Here Comes My Baby"/The First Cut Is The Deepest". Gobsmacked to say the least. It was the highlight of the night.

I wrote down the running order in the dark - writings all over the place but it is correct. Went as follows:-

Lillywhite
The Wind
Where Do The Children Play
Thinkin' Bout You
Boots And Sand
Maybe There's A World
Oh Very Young - FABULOUS
Sitting
In This Glass World
Bad Brakes
Miles From Nowhere
Fill My Eyes
Roadsinger
Morning Has Broken
Midday (Avoid The City After Dark)
I Think I See The Light
Dont Be Shy - (Amazing)
Wild World
Peace Train Blues followed by Peace Train

1st Encore
All Kinds Of Roses
Moon Shadow
I Love My Dog/Here Comes My Baby/First Cut Is The Deepest
Tuesdays Dead

2nd Encore
Father And Son

Some of the people sitting around Helen and I seemed to be brain dead. Helen said "They must have won their tickets". They did not even clap and kept giving Helen and I dirty looks when we were singing and cheering. Boring Farts!!!! How could they have sat there with no response to him. Some people

My fantasy set list would have included "Two Fine People", "King Of Trees", "C79", "How Can I Tell You" and "Maybe You're Right" although I know some of those are not suitable for him now but we can dream.

It was great to meet up with everyone and it was a brilliant night.

Let's hope we don't have to wait too long for the next tour. He seems to have the bug back again.

[richina]

FANTASTIC everyone and THANK YOU!!
Autographs ....in the same air space ....aaarrrgh I'm so jealous!!
I knew it would be fabulous and I'm so happy to hear your reports of this wonderful show! ;D ;D
Looking forward to the videos! What a once in a lifetime experience!!
And since the "Cat" is back, all I can say is MMMEEEEOOOOW!
LOVE IT!!
ps threw his glasses off huh? Cool!

[tiffany]

Well, we went to the RAH last night, just Mum and I, and the whole concert was spectacular, with Yusuf's great music of old and new. We were in Rows 11 and seated in 58-59, so we got a clearer view of the man. His music was amazing and he had his own acoustic band, but, sadly, I couldn't get to the stage and say "hello" to him, because there were thousands of other fans in the building, so had to make do and mend. However, a great evening was enjoyed by millions who were attending the show.

Sadly, on our way back from the RAH, I had an accident, and tripped over a rubber mat, and hurt my knee, but it's a bit stiff. I was very upset after hurting myself, but I'm OK now!!

[bobk]

I'm sitting in Heathrow now pondering the event. I have a bunch of pictures and videos recorded from the 8th row that I will share upon my return to the States. I may need help here advising me how to do it. In fact, if someone can give me a crash course in it right now for pix and vids please do. I didn't go looking for him after the show...I was just wandering when I came across the Stage Door and waited it out. I managed to get in and get an autograph. I handed my US passport to him and kidded him that he could sign it and I would happily say when I got home to Customs whose signature it was. I think he understood my allusion to Boots & Sand and that debacle, but the security guard didn't. Alas he signed my ticket. He was most gracious in staying after to sign. His son and daughter hung around outside next to the VW bus. What a laid back scene. I was able to walk in and out of the building during the break and only one time did security tell me to turn my video off.

Peace, I will write more when I get home.

Bob

[richina]

I'm thrilled for you Bob!! ;D What a night! Look forward to seeing and hearing everything!! You lucky dog!!!

[nancy]

First 3 uploads I have found ........

Wild World



First Cut is the Deepest



I Love My Dog & Here Comes My Baby



Ohhhhhhh I so wish I could have been there !!! Nancy

[richina]

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
can you tell I'm green
Love the videos Nancy....keep 'em comin' everybody! It's almost like being there!!

[nancy]

Dec 9, 2009 11:34:43 GMT -5 richina said:

AAAARRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!
can you tell I'm green
Love the videos Nancy....keep 'em comin' everybody! It's almost like being there!!

NOPE - not like being there A dream for me.

Here are some photos from RAH ....... NICE !!

www.daylife.com/photo/06gIfo68Cg8ly

[richina]

Thanks for the find Nancy...NICE!

[hurt]

Thank you Nancy.. great Videos from the Royal Albert Hall, i want more. :-)

[downunder72]

Thankyou Nancy. This is real torture watching these videos. ;D Yusuf at his absolute BEST!!!!! I hope Julliette is right about Yusuf having the tour bug in him again. I had been waiting all day to get a glimpse of the concert. As I said, it's going to take a few days for our Majicatters to come down to earth. I reckon the excitment was all too much for them. ;D They were really blown away. After watching these 3 videos, I can understand why. They must be still pinching themselves to prove it was not a dream.

Again Nancy, I can't thank you enough. Now back to torturing myself. ;D :-*and loving every minute.

[Deleted]

Dec 9, 2009 5:31:58 GMT -5 juliette said:

Some of the people sitting around Helen and I seemed to be brain dead. Helen said "They must have won their tickets". They did not even clap and kept giving Helen and I dirty looks when we were singing and cheering. Boring Farts!!!! How could they have sat there with no response to him. Some people

hey, be nice! that was me and my SFD friends in disguise! ;D

[rubylove25]

Im just home from London and still reeling from last night, i was also at Liverpool on Saturday and thought that was brilliant but last night was even better, mainly due to meeting up with other members of our Majicat family, Helen, Joanne, Jane, Gabi, Regine, and the 2 Chris's and Annie, I was one of the very lucky ones to get to see Yusuf after the show, I was with my friend Marilou from Belgium and we told him how we met at the RAH at Night of Rememberance 6 years ago and how we have kept in touch ever since but only met up again for this concert, Yusuf said "how fantastic that you have this special friendship you must always remain friends " we told him that we never would have met had it not been for him - he signed my programme and Marilou's ticket. Mohammed was mingling with the crowd outside - as he always does - "borrowing" cigarettes and always happy to pose for photos - I'll post mine when i come "Back to Earth " - all in all wonderful night.

Meg

[richina]

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!! Sorry couldn't resist.
Glaucus, I thought I saw the back of your head in one of the vids. You know, sitting quietly, listening intently...being a boring fart! ;D ;D ;D
I wish someone had a video of Jane (for real), I bet she wasn't as much of an SFD as she thought! (judging by the looks and sounds of the concert, I don't think anyone was)!!
LOVE IT!!!
your green friend Richina
ps really slung his glasses off, twice COOL!!

[nancy]

Dec 9, 2009 14:56:05 GMT -5 richina said:

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!! Sorry couldn't resist.
Glaucus, I thought I saw the back of your head in one of the vids. You know, sitting quietly, listening intently...being a boring fart! ;D ;D ;D
I wish someone had a video of Jane (for real), I bet she wasn't as much of an SFD as she thought! (judging by the looks and sounds of the concert, I don't think anyone was)!!
LOVE IT!!!
your green friend Richina
ps really slung his glasses off, twice COOL!!

LOL LOL - oh my you make me laugh !!! ;D

Anyone who just sat there like a bump - well - what a pity. I would never be able to - I know it !!! And if he sang Oh Very Young - I would crumble into a mess of tears. No - SOBS !!! And they would be loud - and I wouldn't care if some fuddies stared at me

I'd really like to see Yusuf's glasses flying - I think that is sooooooo neat You GO Yusuf - we love you !!!

I am so happy for all that attended - and also SO happy for Yusuf.
I'm sure he is exhausted .... but boy it's nice to have him BACK

Waiting for more ..... photos - videos ..... do we ever get enough?

Peace all - Nancy

[peritura]

Raelly cannot say much about last night's concert, words literally fail me-it was perfection! The songs, the voice, the musicians and the rapport with the audience- it all came together to make a heavenly night! I have been to quite a few concerts, really good ones that I have enjoyed immensely (Bob Dylan, REM, Green Day to name a few) but none of them had that perfect balance, that intimacy. Well I did say words fail me-it was just all I could have ever dreamed it to be and more. What a shame I had to rush off to get my last train home at the end!

[windofmysoul2]

And who said that miracles do not happen???

No one from here, that's for sure. Dream on majicatters...dream on...and the dream becomes REAL!

George

[JaneB]

It's not a pity to "sit there like a bump" if that is the way one enjoys listening to Yusuf's beautiful voice, which I do. I will guarantee that I enjoyed the show as much as, if not more than, others who can't sit still.

[Vivian]

I want to thank you all for the wonderful story of events. As I've said, they do raise my spirits, which as been pretty low most of this year, The videos are wonderful, as are all the photos. Now for all who actually got back stage to greet Yusuf, I hope you gave him all our love from those who couldn't make it accross the pond. We were all there in spirit, and hopefully our chance will come.

By the way, I'd be one of those ladies who just could not sit still, much to the embarressment of even my own Hairy Hippie, who would hide his face and "pretend" not to know me.

Peace,Vivian

[oysterman]

A brilliant night at the Royal Albert Hall. I can't believe it after all these years, some of the oldest songs I never thought I'd hear him sing.

Got some lovely videos, now posted on YouTube (slowly formatting so be patient)

www.youtube.com/user/oysterman555#p/c/7B9861377669ACAD

Enjoy, and do post back on your thoughts

[hatidje]

Thanks, oysterman! The videos are great!

[downunder72]

Can't thankyou enough oysterman!!! The quality of your videos were excellent. Hard to keep such a steady hand, but you did wonders with the videos. Got to see the glasses fly off too!!!!!!

[Incognita]

The videos are awesome with perfect audio. I'm dancing now to Tuesday's Dead ;D

[helen]

Thanks Oysterman your videos are great.

I did not video in London as I did so much in Birmingham just took a few photos. I shall post later.

The people sitting in front and behind us did not even clap.!!

I can not understand why they went?

Today seems really quite and flat
Because Tuesday Heather, Malcolm and Michele were all here and we drove to the Albert hall together.
Cames back all on cloud 9 ;D had snacks an tea ans sat around for ages as none of us could sleep.

Yesterday friends and new friends from Majicat, Facebook and My space all came round for lunch.

So today is very flat.

Thanks everyone for coming round.