yusuf

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

As Reuters blogged

Yusuf IslamYusuf 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…