Latest news with #CatStevens
Vogue
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
I Want My Funeral To Be Fun
An unfortunate fact about my life: I have spent a lot of time planning funerals. I was 21 when my mom died of stage four colon cancer. She requested a traditional Methodist service where Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam's songs were to be played. Both of my American grandparents wanted smaller to-dos in a chapel connected to the funeral home and asked for open caskets (something I still think about to this day). And then there was my dad, who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) last year; he had a remarkable-for-the-disease four years to meticulously plan his funeral. The memorandum was full of staunch requests (my fiancé was to read this exact passage from the Bible by memory, there would be a slideshow of approved photos at the country club reception), which made the planning almost too easy for somebody who was larger than life. These experiences helped me learn something important about myself: I want people to have fun at my funeral. After all, the word does have 'fun' in it. Wear an outfit you think I'd like, but please remember I hate high-low dresses, skinny jeans, and khaki pants—the inspiration is Naomi Campbell at Andre Leon Talley's funeral. A movie theater-sized slideshow should be only hot photos of me—if I've ever texted you a tasteful nude, go ahead and throw it in there to remind everybody how good I looked. Let's hire Caffè Panna to hand out ice cream cones while a champagne tower overflows (each glass finished off with a crunched-up antidepressant adorning the rim). Maybe Sephora can do beauty touch-ups on-site, giving everybody a dab of Victoria Beckham lip gloss and a pop of Westman Atelier blush? Book the venue for the entire night, even though we all know if I was there, I would have snuck out at 9:15 p.m. sharp to be home with my cat. But I want my funeral to be a capital P party. Last month, transgender Filipino-American drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo (also known as Jiggly Caliente) passed away. Instead of a traditional funeral, 'Slaybill' (a play on Broadway Playbill) was hosted in her honor. The event took the idea of a celebration of life to heart—guests wore pastel colors and the run of show included eulogy-turned-comedy acts all about Caliente, as well as roasts that walked the line between dark humor and just plain dark. Fellow drag queen Karl Westerberg, known as Manila Luzon, embodied it all in his laughing-and-crying-at-the-same-time eulogy. When recalling filming Caliente's Drag Race tryout video in an Apple store, he said 'it was giving a glamorous Augustus Gloop going up the chocolate tube in Willy Wonka,' but also 'I'm so sad we can't keep doing and dreaming bigger and bigger things together.'
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Yusuf/Cat Stevens announces book tour, Beacon Theatre show. Get tickets
Vivid Seats is the New York Post's official ticketing partner. We may receive revenue from this partnership for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Featured pricing is subject to change. All aboard the 'Peace Train.' Yusuf/Cat Stevens just announced he's embarking on his first North American tour since 2016. This time around, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is promoting the release of his forthcoming memoir 'Cat on the Road to Findout,' due out in the U.S. and Canada on Oct. 7. Advertisement Midway through the North American leg of the run, the 76-year-old singer-songwriter will make one New York City stop although that could change due to high demand. As of now, his lone Big Apple gig is scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Beacon Theatre. At all gigs, Yusuf will engage in 'in-depth conversations' about the book and perform 'select unplugged performances of songs.' While we don't know exactly what that entails, our team looked into his archives on Set List FM and found he played fan favorites like 'The Wind,' 'Moonshadow,' 'The First Cut Is The Deepest,' 'Wild World,' 'If You Want To Sing Out, Sing Out' and many more at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. Advertisement The autobiography tracks Yusuf/Stevens' artistic career from his beginnings in the '60s to his '70s ubiquity while touching on his 1975 near-drowning that influenced his religious conversion to Islam and name change to Yusuf Islam and subsequent return to the industry in the '90s. '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,' Stevens shared in a press release. '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. Now I have written a book which explains what I've learned and the stories along the way. That doesn't make me a teacher, but more of a potential specimen for those who are searching and pursuing happiness on all sides of the divide. Believe me, folks, it's out there!' Fans can purchase tickets for all upcoming North American Yusuf/Cat Stevens shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale for the 'Cat on the Road to Findout Tour' is Friday, May 23. Advertisement Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand. They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event. Yusuf/Cat Stevens tour schedule 2025 A complete calendar including all North American tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below. Yusuf/Cat Stevens set list Advertisement As noted above, Yusuf/Stevens performed at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival. According to Set List FM, here's what he took to the stage including a pair of exciting covers. '01.) 'The Wind' 02.) 'Moonshadow' 03.) 'I Love My Dog / Here Comes My Baby' 04.) 'The First Cut Is the Deepest' 05.) 'Matthew & Son' 06.) 'Where Do the Children Play?' 07.) 'Oh Very Young' 08.) 'Hard Headed Woman' 09.) 'Sitting' 10.) 'Tea for the Tillerman' 11.) '(Remember the Days of the) Old Schoolyard' 12.) 'If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out' 13.) 'Morning Has Broken' 14.) 'Take the World Apart' 15.) 'Here Comes the Sun' (The Beatles cover) 16.) 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' (Nina Simone cover) 17.) 'Highness' 18.) 'Peace Train' 19.) 'Pagan Run' 20.) 'Wild World' 21.) 'Father and Son' Yusuf/Cat Stevens new music In June 2023, Yusuf/Stevens released his 17th studio album 'King of a Land.' Amazingly, more than 50 years removed from his heyday, the gifted vocalist sounds just as powerful and lilting he did on 1970's seminal 'Tea for the Tillerman' and 1972's 'Catch Bull At Four.' The major difference is the production value; Yusuf/Stevens trades in stripped-down, sparse arrangements for fleshed-out, polished studio instrumentations. As a result, some tracks are majestic like the plaintive album opener 'Train on a Hill' and stirring title track 'King of a Land.' Goofy rockers like 'Pagan Run' and 'All Nights, All Days' seem out of character for the sensitive, serious star but are a welcome respite. All that being said, the obvious highlights here are the two tunes that sound most like something Yusuf/Stevens would have recorded in 1971. They are the modest 'Son of Mary' and singalong jingle jangle 'Take The World Apart' that sounds like a Paul Simon outtake. Both are wonderful and worth adding to your classic rock playlist. Want to listen for yourself? You can find 'King of a Land' here. '70s icons on tour in 2025 Advertisement Many of the most gifted singer-songwriters from over a half century ago are still giving their all on the stage. Here are just five of our favorites you won't want to miss live these next few months. • Paul Simon • Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band Advertisement • Stevie Nicks • Neil Young • Al Stewart Who else is out and about? Take a look at our list of all the biggest classic rockers on tour in 2025 to find the show for you. Advertisement This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'80s Sex Symbol, 66, Unrecognizable at Grammy Hall of Fame Gala
The 2025 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala was held Friday, May 16 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Among those performing as part of the tributes to the inducted recordings was former Bangles frontwoman and total '80s sex symbol, Susanna Hoffs. The 66-year-old singer was part of the tribute to Cat Stevens' song "Wild World," which was one of 13 newly inducted recordings. The new Hall of Fame members include: No. 1 Record — Big Star (Album)"Color Him Father" — Linda Martell (Single)"Conga" — Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine (Single)"How I Got Over" — Clara Ward (Single)J.D. Crowe & The New South — J.D. Crowe & The New South (Album)"Knock On Wood" — Eddie Floyd (Single)"Last Kind Words Blues" — Geeshie Wiley (Single)Never Too Much — Luther Vandross (Album)Reasonable Doubt — JAY-Z (Album)Supernatural — Santana (Album)Tea For The Tillerman — Cat Stevens (Album)Wrecking Ball — Emmylou Harris (Album)Zombie — Fela Kuti & Afrika 70 (Album) Musicians who performed as part of the tributes included John Mellencamp, Jon Batiste, Leslie Odom Jr., Orianthi and Hoffs. "It's a privilege to recognize these eclectic recordings as the 2025 Grammy Hall Of Fame inductees," said Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, in a statement. 'Music has the unique power to shape culture and mark moments in time. Each inducted recording reflects that spirit, and we're excited to celebrate these impactful works, ensuring their legacies continue to inspire generations to come.' Michael Sticka, President/CEO of the Grammy Museum, echoed this sentiment, adding, "The Grammy Hall Of Fame serves as a vital bridge between music's past and present, honoring recordings that have left a lasting mark on our cultural landscape. We're proud to preserve and share these influential works at the annual Grammy Hall Of Fame Gala this spring." Following the breakup of The Bangles in 1989, Hoffs has released nine solo albums. She also married filmmaker Jay Roach in 1993, and they share two sons, Jackson, 30, and Sam, 26. Hoffs also wrote the 2023 romcom novel This Bird Has Flown, which Universal Pictures purchased the rights to for a screen adaptation.
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) set to release memoir
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time." A press release continues: "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." For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation". Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe." The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding". Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work. The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight". Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time." A press release continues: "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." For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation". Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe." The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding". Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work. The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight". Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time." A press release continues: "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." For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation". Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe." The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding". Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work. The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight". Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7. Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time." A press release continues: "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." For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation". Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe." The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding". Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work. The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight". Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7.
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) set to release memoir
Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout. Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time." A press release continues: "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." For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation". Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe." The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding". Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work. The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight". Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7.
