Yusuf Islam, known professionally as Cat Stevens, has announced a delay to his North American book tour due to visa complications. The singer shared this news on social media, emphasizing the impact of these issues on his schedule and fans.
Visa Challenges Affect Cat Stevens’ Tour
Stevens was initially set to embark on his tour on October 2 in Philadelphia. This series of performances was meant to promote his upcoming book, Cat on the Road to Findout, scheduled for release in the United States on October 7, following its earlier release in the UK in September. Despite the tour’s postponement, Stevens assured fans that the book’s release would not be affected, humorously noting that “books don’t need visas.”
Background of the Postponement
The decision to postpone comes after the singer’s team faced significant delays in obtaining necessary visas. Stevens expressed his disappointment, especially for fans who have already purchased tickets and made travel arrangements to attend his shows. He stated, “I am really upset!” and indicated that the logistics for his performances could not be organized in the required timeframe.
Tour Details and Future Plans
The tour was originally scheduled to include multiple cities across North America throughout October, including a performance in Toronto on October 8. This postponement has added to a growing list of international artists experiencing similar visa-related issues, attributed to increased fees and slower processing times over the past year.
- Tour start date: October 2, 2023
- Book release date (US): October 7, 2023
- Key cities: Philadelphia, Toronto
Stevens hinted at the possibility of rescheduling the tour if visa approvals are granted. However, he acknowledged that any new dates would be pushed far into the future due to existing travel commitments. He remained hopeful for his fans, stating, “Hopefully, fans will be able to hop on the Peace Train route at some time in the future.”
Highlighted Achievements
Cat Stevens initially rose to prominence in the 1960s and took a hiatus from music for two decades after embracing Islam in the late 1970s. He made a notable return to the music scene in the 2000s, with a successful concert tour across six North American cities in 2014. His current tour promises to provide fans with a unique glimpse into his experiences and offers intimate acoustic performances.
