Yusuf/Cat Stevens has officially cancelled his highly anticipated North American tour, which aimed to promote his new memoir, 'Cat on the Road to Find Out'. The decision comes after previous postponements in late September due to unforeseen delays in securing U.S. immigration visas for the artist and his band.
Initially, the singer-songwriter had planned to traverse the country in early October for a series of events billed as evenings of 'tales, tunes, and other mysteries'. However, mere weeks before the scheduled commencement, Yusuf had expressed concerns about the tour's viability owing to significant holdups in the immigration process. Despite these challenges, there was an initial hope that the necessary travel documents would be processed in time for some of the performances to proceed.
Ultimately, the hope was unfulfilled. In a statement released on Thursday, December 4, Yusuf disclosed that the visas were only issued after the final scheduled date of the tour had already passed, rendering the original tour itinerary impossible. He acknowledged the disappointment this would cause fans who were eager to attend the book tour, confirming that all tickets would be refunded at the point of purchase. He also expressed gratitude for his fans' patience and support, holding open the possibility of future engagements under more favorable conditions.
The cancellation underscores the logistical complexities international artists sometimes face. Despite the setback, Yusuf's recently published memoir, 'Cat on the Road to Find Out,' offers fans an intimate look into his life and career. The book delves into various significant aspects of his journey, including his relationship with Carly Simon, his perspective on the fatwah associated with Salman Rushdie, and the humorous anecdote behind his nearly adopted nickname, 'Splat Stevens.'