Yusuf Islam (Cat Steven)'s invite-only May 3rd NYC show is cancelled or postponed due to visa/paperwork issues

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Posted in music | tour dates on April 30, 2009

Yusuf Islam (Cat Steven)'s invite-only May 3rd NYC show is cancelled or postponed due to visa/paperwork issues

As Reuters blogged...

Yusuf Islam, the British folk singer formerly known as Cat Stevens, has largely shunned the pop-music grind since he converted to Islam in the 1977 and devoted his life to his family and his faith.

But he is starting to dip his [balls in it!] toe back in the waters, releasing his first mainstream album in almost 30 years in 2006 and playing his first concert in 28 years in 2007. He returns to stores next week with a new album, "Roadsinger," and will play a handful of intimate shows around the world to promote the release.

First up is a May 3 stop at the Highline Ballroom in New York City, followed by show at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. Each venue holds about 700 people.

Islam, now 60, last toured in 1976. After converting to Islam, he slowly withdrew from his pop-star life, and finally hung up his guitar after a London show in 1979.

That WAS true, but due to "paperwork" issues, Yusuf won't be able to make into the country in time (he lives in London). No word on whether this was just poor planning, or (a conspiracy theory...) related to the government giving him a hard time for his religious beliefs. The show will probably/hopefully be rescheduled though. Stay tuned.

A video documentary below...

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Tags: cancellations, Cat Stevens, VISA issues, Yusuf Islam

Posted on April 30, 2009 3:32 PM

Comments (23)

Dis cat's da bomb!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:38 PM

I predict that this post will inspire an intelligent discussion.

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:38 PM

I think he and Matisyahu should get together for beers. I love it when rich, drugged out hippie white kids have epiphanies and turn themselves into hipster ascetics.

Posted by Saddamn | April 30, 2009 3:41 PM

Shit!!! I was all set to go!!! :( I didn't even get any official notification about the cancellation. Thanks though, BV.

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:43 PM

would have loved to went to this, I wonder what you had to do to get an invite.

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 3:53 PM

I'm willing to bet he cancelled because of the Pigfluenza Hamdemic outbreak.

Posted by bacon lover | April 30, 2009 4:06 PM

What time does Daft Punk go on?

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:07 PM

nick zinner was supposed to be there!!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:10 PM

where does this leave the punks and the crystal castles?

Posted by makeitnotcrystalcastles | April 30, 2009 4:12 PM

he barely got cleared to come in for that performance a couple years back that kcrw broadcast from lincoln center... it was a last minute clearance...

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:16 PM

I had gotten an invite from the label. I guess it's an industry thing. I still didn't get a formal cancellation notice from them though. I'm still holding out hope!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:18 PM

I heard the working title of the new LP was "Tea For The Taliban."

PS - nice State reference!

Posted by JR | April 30, 2009 4:32 PM

Great, another beardo, i'm glad the country stopped letting them in, finally!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:33 PM

the hipster grifter stole his passport, after giving him a moonshadow with her mouth.

she warned him, "baby, it's a wild world. But I'll always remember you like a child, girl."

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:34 PM

great The State reference. Louie!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:39 PM

Its funny you should mention because when I think of terrorism I immediatley jump to "Moon Shadow".

Posted by j | April 30, 2009 4:48 PM

Any info on the El Rey show?

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:54 PM

Well, he did advocate the murder of Salman Rushdie a few years back . . .

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 4:58 PM

Highline is canceled. No rescheduled date. El Ray is still on though. (Bastards!)

Per the e-mail I received:

"We regret to inform you that Yusuf's performance, this Sunday, May 3 at Highline Ballroom has been cancelled. While Yusuf (the artist better known as Cat Stevens) is approved for travel within the United States, there was unfortunately a slight delay in obtaining the necessary work permits. The band and tour crew have now obtained the necessary permits and will be performing their scheduled Los Angeles show, May 11. He will also appear on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, May 13 as well as several other NY television and radio shows later that week. We are working to reschedule his NY appearance and will keep you informed.

"Yusuf will be performing in Los Angeles, May 11 at the El Rey Theatre, please let us know if you will be in Los Angeles and we will accommodate you with tickets to that show.

"Again, we apologize for any inconvenience."

What's with all the visa issues as of late?!? WTF?! I mean, I know they mistook him for a terrorist a while back, but that doesn't seem to have anything to do with this cancellation!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 5:15 PM

Actually, I stupidly overlooked that sentence about them working on a rescheduled appearance. I'll cross my fingers, but I'm not expecting much!

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 5:16 PM

So how does one get tickets for the El Rey show?

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 5:52 PM

You have to be a member of Al-Qaeda.

Posted by Anonymous | April 30, 2009 6:01 PM

http://mp3salem.com

Posted by bigsmaszone | April 30, 2009 7:07 PM