Yusuf, also known as Cat Stevens, has announced the postponement of his North American “Cat on the Road to Findout” Book Tour due to unresolved visa issues. In a heartfelt statement, Yusuf expressed his disappointment, noting the extensive wait for visa approvals that ultimately hindered the necessary logistical arrangements for the tour.
The iconic singer, who rose to fame with hits like “Morning Has Broken” and “Wild World,” shared his frustration, particularly for fans who bought tickets and planned to attend his performances. Although the current tour dates are on hold, Yusuf hinted at the possibility of rescheduling for a later time, contingent on visa approvals and his other tour commitments. He remains hopeful that North American audiences will one day catch the show along his Peace Train route.
Despite the tour’s delay, Yusuf assured fans that the postponement will not impact the release of his memoir, “Cat on the Road to Findout,” which is set for release in the UK on October 2. He humorously noted the advantage of books over tours, stating, “the obvious benefit of it being — books don’t need visas!”
Yusuf did not elaborate on the specific reasons for the visa delays. However, the historical context of previous statements he made in 1989 regarding author Salman Rushdie might have influenced the situation. Since then, Yusuf Islam, who adopted the name after embracing the Muslim faith, has moderated his views and continued to engage in the musical community, as evidenced by the virtual CatSong Festival during the pandemic featuring artists like Haim, Dave Matthews, and Jack Johnson.
While the postponement is undoubtedly disappointing for Yusuf and his fans, the potential for future North American dates keeps hope alive for a successful tour in the future.