Post by Celticat on Jun 21, 2010 18:11:11 GMT -5
Well here goes...
What can I say??? I have just experienced one of the most incredible moments in my entire life and I can still hardly believe it was real!
I knew early on in the night it was going to be a very emotional time for me when I had tears in my eyes...just reading the programme in the foyer.
We found our seats 10 minutes before Noxshi were due to perform and found many "new" friends surrounding us...all with the same anticipation. I must say, I was impressed with their music. So very different to anything I have heard in a long time...all I could think of was psychedelic and Pink Floyd. The audience seemed to appreciate their music just as much too...
About 9pm Yusuf took to the stage and I truly thought my heart would burst. My 11th row seat had the most perfect view straight through to Alun and Yusuf. I sat on the edge of my chair the entire 2 hours. I managed to stay fairly calm until "The First Cut is the Deepest", when the tears flowed yet again. Suddenly, I was transformed back to my bedroom with my older sister who loved this and played it over and over. It was a beautiful moment as sadly she is no longer alive...
We tried to take photos and some video. We did manage a small amount, but the security were VERY strict and were stopping everyone. I don't know how you all managed so well in Perth and Melbourne...lucky you!
I loved the moment towards the end of "The Wind" when Yusuf sang a few wrong words and Alun's head shot up to look and they both smiled...those in the audience who noticed, cheered. These are the little pieces which all make it so very special.
It was magical to see Alun and Yusuf on stage together. He really is the right hand man... All I could think at the time was Alun and "Steve" together again...
The promoter Paul Dainty had presented Yusuf with a new guitar which he played for a few songs. There were stars on the fret board which signified the Southern Cross. Yusuf joked that Paul had been trying to get him back in Australia for 36 years. Ahhh...all good things come to those who wait....and it WAS well worth the wait.
Yes, Waltzing Matilda was a highlight, but Yusuf calling out the Australian chant "Aussie Aussie Aussie" and the entire audience replying "OI OI OI" was so funny. He said "Oh, it really does work!!" (Bless!)
Yusuf did talk to us quite a lot during the show. There were a few songs not in the same order Majid had posted from Perth. I was beginning to worry "Tuesday's Dead" wasn't going to be played...but sure enough, second last with Peace Train completing the night. Perhaps, we were running a bit behind time as "I Think I See the Light" was missed...(or was I in such a trance like state???!!!)
In the blink of an eye the night was over. I didn't want to leave the venue as I wanted the magic to last just that little bit longer. But....all good things must end....and it was time to leave. My new friend on my right and I hugged and thanked each other for helping to make the night more special. Her husband has offered to email me the pictures he managed to snap secretly...(SHHHH! don't tell a soul, LOL!)
Just like a real tourist I had my hubby take a picture of me with the concert advertising Yusuf outside the venue. There were quite a few of us with the same idea and we all laughed...still filled with the magic...
The journey home was weird...35 minutes just to exit the car park and another 30 minutes driving. We were pulled over on The Spit Bridge to do a random breath test. My hubby counted to 10 (No he hadn't been drinking) but the lovely young policewoman asked "Have you been drinking" and "have you been to the Cat Stevens concert?" It was a crack up!!!! Her reply was "my partner has tickets for Wednesday night"
That is all for now folks, perhaps Paulo will have more to add. He is most likely on the same high too...
For me, my Bucket List has the most wonderful big tick against the # 1 entry....
What can I say??? I have just experienced one of the most incredible moments in my entire life and I can still hardly believe it was real!
I knew early on in the night it was going to be a very emotional time for me when I had tears in my eyes...just reading the programme in the foyer.
We found our seats 10 minutes before Noxshi were due to perform and found many "new" friends surrounding us...all with the same anticipation. I must say, I was impressed with their music. So very different to anything I have heard in a long time...all I could think of was psychedelic and Pink Floyd. The audience seemed to appreciate their music just as much too...
About 9pm Yusuf took to the stage and I truly thought my heart would burst. My 11th row seat had the most perfect view straight through to Alun and Yusuf. I sat on the edge of my chair the entire 2 hours. I managed to stay fairly calm until "The First Cut is the Deepest", when the tears flowed yet again. Suddenly, I was transformed back to my bedroom with my older sister who loved this and played it over and over. It was a beautiful moment as sadly she is no longer alive...
We tried to take photos and some video. We did manage a small amount, but the security were VERY strict and were stopping everyone. I don't know how you all managed so well in Perth and Melbourne...lucky you!
I loved the moment towards the end of "The Wind" when Yusuf sang a few wrong words and Alun's head shot up to look and they both smiled...those in the audience who noticed, cheered. These are the little pieces which all make it so very special.
It was magical to see Alun and Yusuf on stage together. He really is the right hand man... All I could think at the time was Alun and "Steve" together again...
The promoter Paul Dainty had presented Yusuf with a new guitar which he played for a few songs. There were stars on the fret board which signified the Southern Cross. Yusuf joked that Paul had been trying to get him back in Australia for 36 years. Ahhh...all good things come to those who wait....and it WAS well worth the wait.
Yes, Waltzing Matilda was a highlight, but Yusuf calling out the Australian chant "Aussie Aussie Aussie" and the entire audience replying "OI OI OI" was so funny. He said "Oh, it really does work!!" (Bless!)
Yusuf did talk to us quite a lot during the show. There were a few songs not in the same order Majid had posted from Perth. I was beginning to worry "Tuesday's Dead" wasn't going to be played...but sure enough, second last with Peace Train completing the night. Perhaps, we were running a bit behind time as "I Think I See the Light" was missed...(or was I in such a trance like state???!!!)
In the blink of an eye the night was over. I didn't want to leave the venue as I wanted the magic to last just that little bit longer. But....all good things must end....and it was time to leave. My new friend on my right and I hugged and thanked each other for helping to make the night more special. Her husband has offered to email me the pictures he managed to snap secretly...(SHHHH! don't tell a soul, LOL!)
Just like a real tourist I had my hubby take a picture of me with the concert advertising Yusuf outside the venue. There were quite a few of us with the same idea and we all laughed...still filled with the magic...
The journey home was weird...35 minutes just to exit the car park and another 30 minutes driving. We were pulled over on The Spit Bridge to do a random breath test. My hubby counted to 10 (No he hadn't been drinking) but the lovely young policewoman asked "Have you been drinking" and "have you been to the Cat Stevens concert?" It was a crack up!!!! Her reply was "my partner has tickets for Wednesday night"
That is all for now folks, perhaps Paulo will have more to add. He is most likely on the same high too...
For me, my Bucket List has the most wonderful big tick against the # 1 entry....
It's like revisiting your youth, in a way, and yet being glad you're old enough to comprehend the words more completely. 
It is all too difficult to explain...either you get it, or you don't! 
I have been quite busy. Today I spent the majority of the day up at the Cleveland Clinic with dear friends. But just reading all about the wonder of these beautiful concerts, seeing the photos, watching the videos, makes me so happy to know that Yusuf still has the charm, wit, and magic of music within his beautiful soul. How fortunate we are to see this generous man still giving his all, to his fans. I wish I could see one of these concert, but am just as happy to hear some of his fans glorious reports of how wonderful the concerts are. Continue to enjoy the concerts and telling us all about the concerts. Some of us are living these concerts through you.. Thanks...
Won't do it again, I promise. 
