Yusuf/Cat Stevens has announced that his upcoming United States book tour is in significant jeopardy. The reason for this uncertainty is a delay in processing performance visas for both himself and his band. This tour was planned to support his new memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout, which has already seen a UK release and is set for North American publication soon.
Fans expecting to see Stevens perform and discuss his life story are advised to postpone any travel arrangements. The artist's team is working with authorities to resolve the issue. The tour's North American leg is scheduled to begin in early October, but its start date is now uncertain.
Key Takeaways
- Yusuf/Cat Stevens' US tour is at risk due to visa processing delays.
- The tour supports his new memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout.
- Fans should delay travel plans until further official announcements.
- The North American tour was set to start October 2 in Philadelphia.
Visa Issues Threaten North American Dates
The announcement came on September 19, 2025, from Yusuf/Cat Stevens' official channels. Despite extensive efforts by his team, the necessary performance visas have not yet been issued. This situation puts the entire North American leg of his tour, titled "An Evening of Tales, Tunes and Other Mysteries," in serious doubt.
The tour's first stop in North America is scheduled for October 2 in Philadelphia. Subsequent dates include Boston, Toronto, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. These events combine musical performances with in-depth discussions about his autobiography.
"We've prepared something truly special for my American audience, but this is out of our hands," Yusuf/Cat Stevens stated. "Fans are strongly advised to hold all travel plans until official confirmation is provided. We are working urgently with authorities and will share news the moment we have it. Your understanding and patience are appreciated as we fight to keep the 'Peace Train' on its tracks."
Quick Facts
- Tour Title: An Evening of Tales, Tunes and Other Mysteries
- Memoir Title: Cat on the Road to Findout
- UK/Ireland Tour End: September 22, 2025
- Original US Start Date: October 2, 2025 (Philadelphia)
Memoir and Companion Album Release
The tour supports Stevens' highly anticipated memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout. The book was published in the United Kingdom on September 18 through Constable. North American readers can expect its release on October 7 via Genesis Publications. The autobiography details his journey from a pop star to a spiritual explorer.
The memoir is described as an "extraordinary soul-baring journey." It covers his triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest. The audiobook version will be narrated by Stevens himself, offering an even more personal experience for listeners.
Background on the Memoir
The book delves into Stevens' evolution. It chronicles his early career as a folk troubadour and a '60s pop star. It also explores his '70s success and his unexpected departure from music. The memoir aims to reveal the intellectual reasoning behind his deeply emotive transformation and his eventual return to music.
In July, Stevens also announced a companion audio collection. This album, titled On the Road to Findout: Greatest Hits, was released on September 5. It is available through A&M/UMe in various CD and LP formats. This collection complements the memoir by showcasing songs that have defined his career.
Artist's Journey: From Pop Star to Spiritual Seeker
Born Steven Demetre Georgiou on July 21, 1948, Cat Stevens gained fame in the 1960s. Hits like "Matthew and Son" and "The First Cut Is the Deepest" marked his early success. His career faced an interruption after a severe battle with tuberculosis. This health crisis became a pivotal moment, leading him to seek peace and understanding.
After this experience, he became a prolific singer/songwriter in the 1970s. He captivated audiences with songs such as "Wild World," "Father and Son," "Peace Train," and "Morning Has Broken." His classic albums, including Mona Bone Jakon, Tea for the Tillerman, and Teaser and the Firecat, secured his place in music history. He is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Spiritual Transformation and Return to Music
A near-drowning incident in 1975 prompted another significant change in Stevens' life. He converted to Islam and adopted the name Yusuf Islam. He then stepped away from the music industry. For years, he dedicated his life to God, family, and humanitarian efforts. His humanitarian work earned him several international honors, including the World Award and the Man of Peace Award.
The current chapter of his life marks his return to music. He now performs as Yusuf/Cat Stevens, a name representing the blend of his past and present identities. His story is one of quest, survival, and redemption. With over 100 million records sold, his voice and lyrics continue to inspire. He also actively campaigns for faith education, ecological consciousness, and humanitarian causes.
The memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout, includes dozens of his own drawings and archival images. It offers a raw and poetic look into his multifaceted life. The book aims to provide a rare glimpse into the soul of a man who has lived many lives.
Stevens shared his perspective on the book tour: "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. 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."
Upcoming Tour Dates and Ticketing Information
The UK/Ireland leg of the "An Evening of Tales, Tunes, and Other Mysteries" tour is scheduled to conclude on September 22 in Glasgow. The North American dates, currently facing delays, are:
- October 02 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
- October 06 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Theatre
- October 08 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
- October 11 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
- October 12 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
- October 14 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
- October 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
- October 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theatre
- October 22 – Los Angeles, CA – Dolby Theatre
Fans holding tickets or planning to purchase them should monitor official announcements closely. Updates regarding the visa situation and tour schedule will be provided as soon as they become available. The artist's team emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding during this period.