Cat Stevens Sets Book Tour to Support New Memoir, ‘Cat on the Road to Findout’
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Yusuf/Cat Stevens has announced a book tour to support his long-awaited memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout. The autobiography, coming September 18, 2025, in the U.K. through Constable, and October 7 in North America through Genesis Publications, is described as “an extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music’s most enigmatic figures of our time.” It’s available for pre-order in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here. (The audiobook will be narrated by its author.) The tour, “An Evening of Tales, Tunes and Other Mysteries,” will be held in the U.K. in September and in North America in October. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on May 23 at 10 a.m. local time here, following an artist pre-sale on May 21.
From the May 20 tour announcement: Each night, Stevens will engage in an in-depth conversation about his new memoir, which chronicles his evolution from chart-topping pop star to spiritual explorer. The evening will also feature select unplugged performances of songs that have defined generations, offering an intimate journey through the life and music of one of the most beloved and enigmatic artists of our time.
From the May 13 book announcement: More than a memoir, the Yusuf/Cat Stevens story is a backstage pass to the mind of a man who has lived a thousand lives. From his folk troubadour beginnings, to the glamorous chaos of ‘60s pop stardom, to his ‘70s reign as a generational voice, his songs formed a musical odyssey that intricately recorded the journey to self-discovery. Then came his unexpected departure from superstardom, embracing Islam and leaving fans heartbroken.
Missing from the public narrative has been the intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation – until now. Cat on the Road to Findout finally reveals the curious complexity and intellectual reasoning behind his navigation through life – a voyage which has now culminated in his return to music and art, to share his lessons of life with those seekers, dreamers, and believers, who still love and admire him. He remains true to the optimistic message of his melodic peace train.
Yusuf/Cat Stevens in 2025 (Photo: Aminah Yusuf; used with permission)
Cat Stevens, born Steven Demetre Georgiou, on July 21, 1948, rose to fame in the swinging ‘60s with pop hits such as “Matthew and Son” and “The First Cut Is the Deepest.” His early career was interrupted by a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis – a turning point that ignited his quest for peace and understanding. Emerging from this experience, he rapidly rose to become one of the most prolific singer/songwriter icons of the ‘70s, captivating the world with soul-stirring anthems such as “Wild World,” “Father and Son,” “Peace Train,” and “Morning Has Broken.” His classic albums Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, and Teaser and the Firecat have earned him a rightful place in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Following another dangerous encounter with fate and a near-drowning experience in 1975, Cat’s life took a spiritual turn as he converted to Islam and changed his name to Yusuf Islam. Leaving the music industry behind, Yusuf dedicated his life to God, family, and humanitarian work, for which he received numerous prestigious international honors, including the World Award for “humanitarian relief work helping children and victims of war” and the Man of Peace Award, voted for by The Nobel Peace Laureates.
The latest chapter is Yusuf’s return to music, through which he has re-joined his past and present lives. Now known as Yusuf/Cat Stevens – a name that represents the synergy between the two key periods of his existence – his inspirational story is one of quest, survival, and redemption. With more than 100 million records sold , his soulful voice and poetic lyrics continue to inspire, now intertwined with a life of activism and altruism. As a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness, and humanitarian work, Yusuf has become a global advocate for peace and coexistence.
Cat on the Road to Findout unveils the untold chapters of Yusuf’s remarkable journey, illustrated with dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight. The long-awaited memoir invites readers to a rare glimpse into the soul of a man who has lived multiple lives in one.
Speaking about the book tour, he says: “Having passed through the exhaustingly complex maze of everyday material life, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition, and artistic achievements, I think I’ve got a few things to share. Keeping an open mind was part of the nature I instinctively maintained as a creative songwriter. Nothing was off-bounds. Music was a way of discovering my purpose within the universe. I just kept on exploring, reading, and learning more, ignoring myths and warnings and crossing dangerous-looking bridges into the vast ranges of philosophies and through the veils of the spiritual unknown.”
Cat Stevens Cat On The Road To Findout—An Evening Of Tales, Tunes, And Other Mysteries 2025 Book Tour (Tickets will be available here)
Sep 06 – Cambridge, UK – Corn Exchange
Sep 08 – Bristol, UK – Bristol Beacon
Sep 11 – Birmingham, UK – Alexandra Theatre
Sep 14 – London, UK – Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Sep 16 – Manchester, UK – Bridgewater Hall
Sep 18 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia Theatre
Sep 22 – Glasgow, UK – Royal Concert Hall
Oct 02 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Oct 06 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Theatre
Oct 08 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Oct 11 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Oct 14 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Oct 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Oct 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theatre
Related: Our 2016 Stevens concert review
[Stevens’ little known 1974 concert album, Saturnight: Live From Tokyo, has been released in the U.S. in multiple formats for the first time ever. The 2025 title is available on CD and vinyl in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.]
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationThis would definitely go on my wish list, as it hopefully would be “soul baring”. I want decadent details! He had such a unique voice, and last I heard him, he still sounded really good.