Muslim Lifestyle

Yusuf - Guess I'll take my time - London

Issue 64 January 2010

Review by Omair Kam-char

“That was a legend! You just saw a legend. I hope you know that.” - These were the words of an emotional father making plain to his young son as the exit doors opened and thousands poured out in glee. 

The buzzing crowds left the last date of the “Guess I’ll Take My Time” tour, Yusuf’s first tour in over 30 years, knowing they had just seen a very rare show. 

Most of the audience were older – a middle-aged crowd who probably went to see Cat Stevens at the height of his fame in the early ‘70s. The show at London’s Royal Albert Hall saw a relaxed Yusuf, comfortable with himself and his return to music, giving his fans lots of old hits from albums such as Matthew and Son, and Tea for the Tillerman; as well as new material from his recent albums.

It is clear that Yusuf wants to use his public popularity to subtly give a little goodness back to the wider audience. When he announced that proceeds from the concert went to support an interfaith centre to build understanding there was a great cheer.