Post by Marge on Dec 18, 2009 15:33:48 GMT -5
Well - I will attempt to revive my memories of having attended the Dublin concert - even though I know this post is a bit late - as I just joined this fan club. Please bear with my memories.
As mentioned in previous posts - I'd seen Cat Stevens open for Traffic in 1970. For 39 years - I had hoped to hear him sing live again - but he had his own mission - and then all of a sudden in 2006 - I started to note there was movement going on with him. I'd told my husband about him - but he was of course, clueless. At any rate - the opportunity did avail itself - and we chose Dublin since we'd just been at RAH to see Clapton in May.
I had been warned by some Irish friends about how the crowds could get - and we'd experienced some minor stuff at a Clapton concert in Cork in 2008.
We found the O2 Center to be a wonderful place for a concert - like nothing we have in the states. When Mr. Islam entered the stage - I couldn't understand why he wasn't given a standing ovation - but that's me. The first portion of the concert contained both old and new songs - and his voice and music were simply amazing. I sat at the edge of my seat - with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face - to have recognized this dream.
He then did the Moonshadow - in the middle - which we knew was coming. I enjoyed it - but it ran a bit too long (42 minutes) - and I was starting to get a bit antsy too. Meanwhile - when this started - the booing started - I couldn't believe they would boo children - but they did. We just kept our visions on that stage - and it was lovely. I leaned over and told my husband he needed to shorten it - and explain to these "whatevers" - what he was doing. I was taught - if you don't like something - get up and leave quietly - don't disturb those that do. There was no excuse for the behavior - no matter what - you simply don't do this - at all - except maybe in soccer game - but not in a concert or theater. It isn't all about me - it is about all the other people that came to see this most wonderful man perform. If you don't like something - then get up and leave quietly - and that's the way it is done.
We saw Mr. Islam in the worse of times - trying to protect his cast - and care for his audience. He commented he "knew how Dylan felt" - and I remembered that (when it happened to Dylan) and laughed.
When he came back on he took control of the audience and gave them what they wanted - but would not be incriminated by the screaming of song titles - etc. This man is nothing but pure class. He pulled the lead person from Moonshadow up with him - this helps to rebuild the hit - this young man took.
I loved every moment of this - and my coming up late - you know the song list - the backdrops and art work were amazing - but most of all this incredible person - with his incredible voice - and his writing - was simply awe inspiring. I am so grateful to have had the chance to have heard him again after 39 years and to see him. I recognized a dream - that at the beginning of the year - I thought impossible.
Nothing is impossible. Immediately following this crowd behavior - I tried to give myself up for adoption - because I am Irish decent. But after Mr. Islam's comments in Dublin in an interview - and his extract of writing about the tour - it is obvious to me - I can continue to be Irish - and have pulled myself off of the adoption market.
Nothing would ruin that night. What an incredible talent this man is - how beautiful it is - that he has come back to share his gift with us. A at a time - when the world needs him the most.
He appeared happy by the time he hit RAH - and if he is happy and having fun - there is always that chance - he may come again for us. It was interesting to note - there were a lot of young people at this concert - in their 20's (they weren't the booing ones). When you can attract the younger ones - then music will be passed generation to generation. This is good.
But I will never go to Ireland again to see any other show - I've had enough. Two shows in two years. Our friends ran back to us - to see if we were okay - they were so embarrassed.
Mr. Islam - fans - thank you. What kind and passionate person this man is - how giving - and all the things the rest of us would love to truly be.
That's my review - would I do it again - YEP - even with the boo-birds. LOL
BTW - my husband loves him and his voice - and had a wonderful time.
Kind regards to all,
Marge
I attached "All Kinds of Roses" - but it didn't come up - sorry...
As mentioned in previous posts - I'd seen Cat Stevens open for Traffic in 1970. For 39 years - I had hoped to hear him sing live again - but he had his own mission - and then all of a sudden in 2006 - I started to note there was movement going on with him. I'd told my husband about him - but he was of course, clueless. At any rate - the opportunity did avail itself - and we chose Dublin since we'd just been at RAH to see Clapton in May.
I had been warned by some Irish friends about how the crowds could get - and we'd experienced some minor stuff at a Clapton concert in Cork in 2008.
We found the O2 Center to be a wonderful place for a concert - like nothing we have in the states. When Mr. Islam entered the stage - I couldn't understand why he wasn't given a standing ovation - but that's me. The first portion of the concert contained both old and new songs - and his voice and music were simply amazing. I sat at the edge of my seat - with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face - to have recognized this dream.
He then did the Moonshadow - in the middle - which we knew was coming. I enjoyed it - but it ran a bit too long (42 minutes) - and I was starting to get a bit antsy too. Meanwhile - when this started - the booing started - I couldn't believe they would boo children - but they did. We just kept our visions on that stage - and it was lovely. I leaned over and told my husband he needed to shorten it - and explain to these "whatevers" - what he was doing. I was taught - if you don't like something - get up and leave quietly - don't disturb those that do. There was no excuse for the behavior - no matter what - you simply don't do this - at all - except maybe in soccer game - but not in a concert or theater. It isn't all about me - it is about all the other people that came to see this most wonderful man perform. If you don't like something - then get up and leave quietly - and that's the way it is done.
We saw Mr. Islam in the worse of times - trying to protect his cast - and care for his audience. He commented he "knew how Dylan felt" - and I remembered that (when it happened to Dylan) and laughed.
When he came back on he took control of the audience and gave them what they wanted - but would not be incriminated by the screaming of song titles - etc. This man is nothing but pure class. He pulled the lead person from Moonshadow up with him - this helps to rebuild the hit - this young man took.
I loved every moment of this - and my coming up late - you know the song list - the backdrops and art work were amazing - but most of all this incredible person - with his incredible voice - and his writing - was simply awe inspiring. I am so grateful to have had the chance to have heard him again after 39 years and to see him. I recognized a dream - that at the beginning of the year - I thought impossible.
Nothing is impossible. Immediately following this crowd behavior - I tried to give myself up for adoption - because I am Irish decent. But after Mr. Islam's comments in Dublin in an interview - and his extract of writing about the tour - it is obvious to me - I can continue to be Irish - and have pulled myself off of the adoption market.
Nothing would ruin that night. What an incredible talent this man is - how beautiful it is - that he has come back to share his gift with us. A at a time - when the world needs him the most.
He appeared happy by the time he hit RAH - and if he is happy and having fun - there is always that chance - he may come again for us. It was interesting to note - there were a lot of young people at this concert - in their 20's (they weren't the booing ones). When you can attract the younger ones - then music will be passed generation to generation. This is good.
But I will never go to Ireland again to see any other show - I've had enough. Two shows in two years. Our friends ran back to us - to see if we were okay - they were so embarrassed.
Mr. Islam - fans - thank you. What kind and passionate person this man is - how giving - and all the things the rest of us would love to truly be.
That's my review - would I do it again - YEP - even with the boo-birds. LOL
BTW - my husband loves him and his voice - and had a wonderful time.
Kind regards to all,
Marge
I attached "All Kinds of Roses" - but it didn't come up - sorry...
I'm so happy that you got that..."ump", so you could share with us that wonderful dream that came true. 
Don't stop dreaming. 
I, and several other Majicatters, were seated at 3 tables in front of the stage (the rest of the El Rey was filled with chairs). Of the 350-400 people in attendance, there were celebrities, record people, personalities, and of course, cameras everywhere! Suffice it to say, it was fabulous and once in a lifetime!! Look back on the boards under "Those Great Concerts" or "Yusuf Islam", to read everyone's experience at the El Rey Theater....AMAZING! 
I'm pleased you still consider yourself Irish 
