Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) announces first tour in over 30 years

After quite an extraordinary break of 33 years, Yusuf, the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens, strolls back on the stage. It’s been a long wait, and fans are about to see why. As one would expect from such an innovative and unpredictable artist it�s not a tour in the usual sense. The legendary singer/songwriter is expected to offer audiences a taste of his timeless hits, like Wild World, Father & Son and First Cut Is The Deepest, as well as music from his highly acclaimed new albums, An Other Cup and Roadsinger. Expanding the music concert with his return to the acoustic guitar, Yusuf will present a preview of the latest step on his lifelong voyage. Incorporating an exciting mix of concert and musical Continue reading →

Yusuf Islam plays first LA show in 33 years

With a wry nod to his problems with American immigration authorities, British folk singer Yusuf Islam performed his second U.S. concert in 33 years on Monday, treating 400 fans to classics from his youthful days when he was known as Cat Stevens. The 60-year-old musician treated the invitation-only crowd to an hourlong set that included such hits as “Peace Train,” “Wild World” and “Where Do the Children Play?” as well as a selection of tunes from his new album, “Roadsinger.” Looking professorial with his full gray beard, checkered shirt and sleeveless jacket, the bespectacled singer sprinkled his performance with lighthearted banter. “I bet you thought we’d never make it,” he said at the outset, later explaining that he was referring to his 2004 deportation from the United States after his name appeared on a “no-fly” watch list designed to weed out suspected terrorists. Islam, who became a Muslim in 1977 and abandoned his pop star life, ran afoul of authorities who alleged he supports charities that ultimately funnel money to terrorist groups. Islam denied the allegations and has frequently spoken out against terrorism. He has since returned to the United States on several occasions.

But he encountered bureaucratic difficulties on his current visit. An unspecified work-visa issue forced him to cancel a planned May 3 show in New York, where he played a similar promotional show in 2006. This left Los Angeles as his sole American date. He has said he plans to perform a handful of shows around the world to promote “Roadsinger,” only his second mainstream pop release in three decades. But no dates have been announced beyond the American pair. It was not known if the New York show would be rescheduled. Islam last toured the United States in early 1976, by which time he was becoming disenchanted with his pop career amid declining sales. After a London show in 1979, he focused solely on his family and faith. He made a tentative return to the pop world in 2006 with the album “An Other Cup,” and promoted it with an intimate London show that was filmed for a DVD. Monday’s show at the El Rey Theater, which was organized by the record label, was also filmed. Accompanied by a four-man band, Islam sang and played his acoustic guitar. A number of celebrities attended the show, including Irish actor Colin Farrell and singers Josh Groban, Chris Isaak, and Michelle Branch. Many songs were greeted with standing ovations. During the two-song encore, they cheered the line “Look at me, I am old but I’m happy” from “Father and Son,” and clapped along to “Peace Train.”

More about Will And The People

At Will and The People gigs everyone gets involved in the party, even notoriously uptight London crowds find themselves letting go when faced with their infectious, genre-blending ska-rock-pop. “We are on a mission to bring the pogo back!” says Will Rendle, their 22 year old frontman. “I can’t understand bands that don’t engage the audience. At our gigs they become part of the show.” Support slots with their musical heroes The Police at Hyde Park Calling and with The Hoosiers on theirrecent tour prove that Will and The People retain their ability to connect when playing a bigger stage. Following their three dates on The Hoosiers tour the band’s myspace page received over 19,000 plays in6 days – an incredible strike rate. Growing up in a sleepy town on the south coast, the smart but easily bored Will was in and out of trouble until he found an outlet for his wayward energy. Inspired by his love of Bob Marley & TheWailers, The Specials, and Californian ska-punk pioneers Sublime (“My favourite band ever”), Will started playing the guitar and writing songs. “It immediately became everything to me,” says Will. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since.” At 18 Will blew out a place at University and moved to Brighton, throwing himself into the local live music scene. The next couple of years were spent in local bands until, frustrated by their lack of focus, Will decided to put his own band together. But it wasn’t easy. “I wanted to live with my band and do everything with them,” he says now, “but I found it impossible to find people who were up for it as much as me, who wanted it as much as me.” Nevertheless, with persistence The People were found – Dan Lundholm (bass), Simon Hanson (drums), John Tilley (keyboards), and Alison Brown (backing vocals) – an incredibly loose and fluid unit that crosses over indie, ska, reggae, blues and rock. Their ability to turn their gigs into happenings soon got the band noticed. As the buzz about them spread, Will & The People landed themselves a recording deal within a few months of trying. After signing to RCA Label Group the band relocated to London where they are currently working on their debut album with producer Johnny Douglas. “I get so angry when I listen to albums and there are only three or four great songs and the rest is filler,” says Will, his eyes ablaze. “Even one bad song is too much filler. I want every song on our record to be brilliant so people want the whole album.” Few who know Will would bet against him realising this ambition. Will & The People’s debut album will be released in Summer 2009. Will And The People are playing tons of London and regional dates. Check myspace for more details. Debut single ‘Knocking’ out May 4th (as in ‘be with you’)

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!
Want your photo in the Will and The People album artwork?

Email watp@sonymusic.com with photos of yourself and your mates and Will himself will look through the entries and decide which lucky soldiers will be included in the actual album artwork! Take the photos of you and your mates at Will gigs or at home or wherever and send them to the above email.

The lucky soldiers/weirdos/fans who are picked will be notified by email and asked to agree to the terms and conditions.
http://de.click2music.co.uk/cl ick2music_new/datagen_v2/pages /terms/WATP_photo.doc

This could be your chance to go down in history!!

Plaats: London
Woonplaats: Brighton
Land: Verenigd Koninkrijk
Beroep: Music
Website: http://myspace.com/willandthepeople
Bandleden Vocals/Guitar/Toons – Will E-Rendle
Beats/BV’s/amusement – Max Tempo
BV’s/ Micro keys/balance – Noddy
Keys/BV’s/Sounds/In house doctor – Jonathan Tilldred
Bass – The Guru
We play our own instruments which we bought/stole/borrowed so na na nana na x For management or a simple steer in the right direction contact:- Jill@24-7musicmanagement.com Invloeden Can’t Stand Losing You, Sublime, BOB MARLEY, Cat Stevens, Muse, Crowded House, Talking Heads, Rage Against The Machine, Bob Dylan, DREAMING

19.apr.2009 20:00
Vicars Secret Tea Party @ Nottinghill Arts Club London
29.apr.2009 20:00
Little Civic Wolverhampton
06.mei.2009 20:00
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes London
09.mei.2009 20:00
Glasgow SECC W/Girls Aloud Glasgow
10.mei.2009 20:00
Manchester – Ruby Lounge Manchester
11.mei.2009 20:00
Nottingham Trent Arena w/ Girls Aloud Nottingham, Midlands
12.mei.2009 19:00
Nottingham Trent w/ Girls Aloud Nottingham, Midlands
13.mei.2009 20:00
Sheffield Arena W/Girls Aloud Sheffield, Midlands
15.mei.2009 20:00
Sheffield Arena W/Girls Aloud Sheffield, Midlands

http://www.myspace.com/willandthepeople