Yusuf formerly Cat Stevens kicks off 2015 U.S. leg of his world tour in Philadelphia's Tower Theater; Says smaller venue more intimate

By Staff Writer

Dec 08 2014, 22:32 PM EST

Legendary rocker, Cat Stevens - who is also known as Yusuf Islam, since converting to Islam in 1977, recently kicked off the United States leg of his world tour last December 4 at Tower Theater in Philadelphia.

News from KPop Stars reports that there has been security and ticket price issues relating to Yusuf's current tour that he had to cancel his show in New York, a performance that would have been his first in 40 years.

After a long absence from touring, Yusuf is back doing what he loves to do, making music and performing for the people who have known him best since his 1972 classic, "Morning Has Broken".

A report from CBS News relays that Yusuf had been missing from the concert scene for many decades. And while his Philadelphia show's venue was a lot smaller compared to his previous performances, a show by Stevens still proves to be a much-awaited for event for his fans.

In an interview with CBS News, Anthony Mason told Yusuf, "You could fill theatres bigger than this." Yusuf's response was, "Well, yeah, sure. But It's the intimacy I'm looking for. It's not a matter making money or proving that I can play the big halls," Yusuf replied. "I just wanted to get close to my audience. That's the buzz for me."

Philly reported that Stevens' Thursday night performance presented the musician as a man of "peace, fairness, and action" and as he performed old songs such as "Oh Very Young" to the newer "Editing Floor Blues," the magic of his music remains to be relevant for everyone.

Noted in The Artery last Sunday, the "Peace Train" artist will be heading to a sold out concert at the Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theater and again get to capture the hearts of fans who have long been eagerly waiting to hear his music live. After his tour around the United States, Yusuf will also be performing in Europe.

Yusuf Islam's US tour dates include two sold out shows on December 9 at The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, Illinois; and December 12 at The Masonic in San Francisco, California; and December 14 at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. Tickets for the L.A. show can still be purchased at TicketMaster.com.