Its doubtful that folk singer Yusuf Islam, or the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, expected his return to the musical stage to be met with such derision. He found a cascading wall of boos and fans darting out of the O2 Arena in Dublin. His well known anthems like “Wild World” and “Father and Son” were met with vigorous applause. but Stevens seemed to try his audience patience by presenting an impromptu 40-minute take on his new West End musical Moonshadow slapped into the middle of his set.

He took to the Internet following the show posting these comments to his blog “[the show] was an unnerving one, especially for the cast and creative team who had put their entire bodies and souls into the Moonshadow section, so I can only feel sorry for them. They did a great job, and 90 per cent of the audience that night and some major reviews recognised that. Philosophically and educationally I have gained something from the experience, so has the public generally, and we can now move on to the next gig a bit more prepared. My voice doesn’t seem to have altered, which for many fans is already a Godsend. But to not expect me to sing my favourite new songs, from two carefully and thoughtfully created albums, and demand a ‘Beam me up Scotty’ return to the Cat Stevens persona of yesterday, is more than any amount of imagination can hope for.”

Cat Stevens currently has three upcoming dates in the United Kingdom — Birmingham, Liverpool and London. Let’s hope Cat keeps this Moonshadow thing in the bag for his forthcoming dates. Whoever is producing this musical on the West End better rethink what could turn out to be a very costly endeavor.

2009 Cat Stevens Concert Tour
November 2009
23 – Birmingham – NIA Academy

December 2009
5 – Liverpool – Echo Arena
8 – London – Royal Albert Hall