| When I first heard that Yusuf Islam was coming to town, I was so thrilled. Like a lot of people, I was a big Cat Stevens fan, but I have also been a fan of all the things he has done since returning to music in 2006. His voice remains as great as ever, his songs always have great melodies and lyrics. And as a man, he is admirable for his philosophies and dedication to what is good.
Having to go to a stadium like the Rod Laver Arena for a show of the gentleness of Yusuf's would have been worse ih I hadn't managed to get tickets so close to the front (11th row). Being there, you aren't aware of the chasm behind you and could be in a more intimate surroundings. I also didn't require the two large screens either side of the stage for my view.
The gig went for two hours and contained lots of old a new tracks. Some of the versions were short, but that was ok as 29 tracks is a large and long set without some alterations to some of them. |
