Yusuf / Cat Stevens performing in Istanbul, Oct. 19, 2022 (Photo via his Facebook page)
Cat Stevens has performed his first full-length concerts in five years. The legendary singer-songwriter of such classic songs as “Peace Train,” “Morning Has Broken,” “Moonshadow,” and “Wild World” played the first of two dates in Turkey (now often referred to as Türkiye) on October 19, 2022, at the AKM Turk Telecom Opera Hall in Istanbul, and a second concert on Oct. 23 at the CSO Ada in Ankara. Watch several performance clips from both shows below.
His Sept. 16 announcement of the concerts noted “it will lead the way to more international touring in 2023.” (On March 3, 2023, he revealed his first date – a biggie – of the year.)
The musician, who is also known as Yusuf Islam, or Yusuf/Cat Stevens, hasn’t toured since his 50th Anniversary tour of 2016-2017. He’s performed at public benefit concerts just twice since: once in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019 and again in 2020 in London. In 2017, he did a series of 18 concerts in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. He began that tour in 2016 with concerts in Canada, the U.S. and U.K.
When he announced the concerts, Stevens wrote, “My relationship with Türkiye goes back to the early Eighties when I first visited after embracing Islam. The welcome I received was so affectionate and strong, I felt at home immediately. Turkish music also had a lot to do with my return to singing in 2006. The ilâhiler (Divine songs) I was introduced to, were so inspiring and familiar, because of my Greek-Cypriot background.”
Profits from the pair of 2022 shows will go towards supporting his Peace Train charity.
Watch Stevens perform “Moonshadow” on Oct. 19 in Istanbul
Stevens’ band included Kwame Yeboah (drums and keys), Eric Appapoulay (guitar), Luke Smith (keys), and Stefan Fuhr (bass).
Related: Our 2016 review of Cat Stevens in New York City
Watch him perform “See What Love Did To Me”
In recent years, Stevens’ catalog has been getting significantly expanded editions via UMe. A 50th anniversary of his 1972 album, Catch Bull At Four, will be released on Dec. 2.
While introducing “Oh Very Young,” he said, “In my songs, I give a message to the young people who will take over the responsibilities of this planet.”
Watch him perform “Oh Very Young” on Oct. 19
Thanks to Peace Train @ Istanbul for the clips.
Watch “Where Did the Children Play” on Oct. 19
Cat Stevens, Istanbul, Turkey, October 19, 2022, Concert Setlist
Moonshadow
Oh Very Young
See What Love Did To Me
The Wind
Wind East & West
O’Caritas
On The Road To Find Out
A is For Allah
Maybe There’s a World / All You Need Is Love
Wild World
Where Do the Children Play?
Tala’al Badru Alayna
All Kinds of Roses
Angel of War
Olive Hill
Morning Has Broken
God Is the Light
The Beloved
Father and Son
Peace Train
If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out
Watch him perform “Morning Has Broken” on Oct. 19 in Istanbul
Watch him perform “Maybe There’s a World” and “All You Need Is Love”
Related: Listings for 100s of classic rock tours
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationBefore your time. The lyrics so wise. Xx Polly
Yusuf/Cat Steven’s continues to get better with age. A man with songs that have such beautiful meanings. They give a look at life a positive perspective. WE surely need that these days. Thank you Cat. Will always love you.