(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Four decades ago folk legend Cat Stevens converted to Islam changed his name to Yusuf Islam and all-but-vanished from the stage.
Cat Stevens. AFP
The 66-year-old British singer has had his share of controversy but his return to the spotlight recently in his native London confirmed that his voice at least soft yet powerful can drown out all the noise.
On tour he is performing songs from his new album - the bluesy Tell ‘Em I’m Gone - as well as classics from his 1960s and 1970s heyday such as Wild World Moonshadow and Peace Train.
Despite scepticism from some fellow Muslims about his musical return Yusuf said in an interview that he sees no contradiction between faith and performance.
Born in London now living in Dubai the singer sums up his dual identity: “I’m a mirror glass for the Muslims as well as the Western world (which) looks at me in a slightly different way but they are looking in the same mirror.”
A balancing act pulled off according to The Independent’s reviewer in a comeback performance described as “beatific waves washing over a crowd ranging from young hijab-wearing women to older fans needing wheelchairs and walking sticks.”
“If the emanations from any stage could actually influence world peace the man sometimes still known as Cat Stevens provides them tonight” wrote the paper.
Yusuf’s return to the United States comes 10 years after he was banned from the country after his name appeared on a no-fly list — a fact he blamed on mistaken identification.
“I feel very welcome now” he said describing his inauguration into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a “significant moment where they kind of remembered me”.
“I think it’s gonna be pretty good I’m hoping” he said.
He said he likes performing songs that will be “familiar” to his audience.
“One song I do is The First Cut is the Deepest. I try to remind people I wrote that song not Rod Stewart!” he said.
Like most performers Yusuf continues to pay close attention to his image which mixes rock and roll with spirituality through a biker’s jacket sunglasses and a white beard. Born Steven Demetre Georgiou to a Greek father and a Swedish mother he now prefers to use his two other names side-by-side.
His website his album cover the signs at his concert venues and the T-shirts sold inside all feature Yusuf and Cat Stevens.
“People who want to remember me as Cat Stevens - welcome. Those who want me as Yusuf you’re here” he said.