Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) Interview with George Stroumboulopoulos on The Hour

Another video from deep in the Strombo Archives: a special uncut 2007 interview with Yusuf Islam, the singer also known as Cat Stevens. At the time, Yusuf had just released An Other Cup, his first album in nearly 30 years.
Subscribe: www.youtube.com...
Follow George
On Twitter: / strombo
On Facebook: / strombo
www.cbc.ca/stro...

[@oceanflyer7078]

Thank you Yusuf, it is quite refreshing to know that you pick up your guitar and sing again, your songs are bringing peace back on earth.

[@Ponchiegomezsaso]

I am thankful that he saved himself from the cycle of drug abuse and the crazy life of rock and roll. He is alive !! And Once more sharing his God given talent with us. We lost so many wonderful and gifted artist due to drugs.

[@teddouglas6876]

***** after...not much of man left in there...

[@ryumegami]

***** He said Islam was not what it is now if you listen... And anyone has a right to what religion they choose.. The government and the news only tell you what they want remember that! And he is still a person and has a rigt to his own opinions and views just like you!

[@XtreemMetalManRedToTheBone]

@@ryumegami no. He doesn't have the right to call for someone else's murder.

[@ryumegami]

@@XtreemMetalManRedToTheBone can you stop a man from the words he says? The right to speech says he can, but its illegal to act on it!

[@XtreemMetalManRedToTheBone]

@@ryumegami I don't know if that applies to murdering someone else.

[@justsaying9483]

This guy was born in London..he is English..sounds English too..strange. But also he was quite willing to call for the death of Salman Rushdie not that long ago for writing a book if my memory is correct

[@WillScarlet1991]

It was over 30+ years ago 🙄

[@Elektrochoke]

Did he? I can’t find the actual interview where he’s supposed to do that

[@Elektrochoke]

I’m saying this genuinely btw, not disagreeing with you. Just something I’ve seen people mention a lot but I can’t find direct reference to if

[@JamalAkhzam-e3b]

Haters know they have failed in their search for contentment. Usually, they are bitter about their experiences in relationships, not able to learn from adversity, so they they feel rage ,hate, and envious others are more content and successful. Cat stevens /yusuf islam have evolved while they, the haters, are still brooding about the past. He is happy, has found what he has been looking for. The haters are getting small. God bless him. His a genious of the last 50 years of music. Sour grapes for the hating, jealous little souls. I love Cat/Yusuf artistry. He has learnt to change himself and his outlook in life. Success! The haters remain baffled, rigid, and stagnant!

[@michaelcarano862]

There is a video of him saying that he would rather see Rushdie burned in real life rather than in effigy. Still, I don't know if he has changed his position on that matter, but if he had and sees the error of such a desire, then whom am I to judge who he is today. If he hasn't then he represents what I find disgusting in all religions that condone such actions as the desire and will of a god, which is a poor starting point to begin with--first, that if there is a god, you know what she wants by reading ancient texts of dubious origins.

[@fmlAllthetime]

Good comment friend.

[@DJ-lk7ig]

He said it was quite the wrong cut of what he said and meant, and the very next day or so he approached the press to print that he has diconnected himself from it, but, he said, no one wanted to print that because they wanted the world to see him in a certain way. He also said he was a new convert so the jounalist managed to trick him. That is probably why in this interview he said that he wrote to the media telling them to stop publishing his records because of how they treated him. (Airing lies about him and not priniting what he actually wnat to say) but again they did not listen. He established a charity, founded School and donated much of his money to the UNICEF. He even went to ereas of war and conflict to preach peace, and he was awarded a peace medal for his work speading peace.

[@lorralwhaley4640]

ad he stopped when he did. As a musician, he was smart. Not many musicans admit that they have done everything they have wanted in the music industry. Many go on and do another album because they say that maybe they have one more in them. Ususally when that happens, they bomb and end their career on a bad note. What a smart man. He got out when he was at his peak. So kudos to him to focusing on himself to find who he really is. Quite remarkable. Great interview!!! Thanks for posting.

[@Whybother123]

Roberto Turco Yeah, I got that from listening to Peace Train too.

[@Whybother123]

Well, I'd call the use of 4 question marks mentally ill, but then we all have our opinions. If you see the full bbc clip in question, not the minute and a half edited video, he is literally describing islamic law, and his responsibility if he were in an islamic state and ordered by the government. The fact that he believes in a religion that would require him to comply is another topic of debate, but based on his expression and tone through the whole conversation, I doubt he'd do it if compelled. At worst: Save your energy for someone who does more than talk.

[@mickdeleon5072]

Actually, Cat Stevens' last two albums weren't very well received -- they were far from "on top". He was already on his spiritual conversion but probably had a contract to fulfill. I suppose if he'd had it his way, he'd've quit music a couple of years earlier.

[@maggieg5560]

I wish the world could have his outlook.

[@MrMikkyn]

What a great interview, this is exactly the topic that I was interested in listening to. What the experience for Yusuf Islam was to leave music after concerting to Islam, why he decided to return to music, the Islamic perceptions on music, and his cross of spirituality and music and if he fears backlash for making music again.

[@leoretrossi6359]

cat Stevens wrote and sang some beautiful and spiritual music in the 70's good to see he's back, my favorite album is tea for the tillerman thank you cat Stevens for the great music peace.

[@brianfinnegan3465]

Masha Allah 🙌🙌🙌

[@storetai]

Where can I find you? Pleace take me home again? ❤ Mr. Stai

[@NasirAhmedApu]

Nice interview. I saw in New York TV sometimes in the early 80’s that his bunch of LP’ we’re smashed by something like bulldozer. Media never stops. Nice to see him back with his music . I didn’t find any where any question about music in The Qur’an , but the poet . I found a verse there about string instruments and organ in the Paradise. “ understanding “ the word he mentioned is very informative. I believe it is the key to our lives here and hereafter. Hope Yusuf Islam makes some songs further that will bring joy to the people , not limited to his fans . Musicians music and that which built it - inspire in trueness.

[@fisterklister]

Yussuf called out for the death of Salman Rushdie. Why don't you ask him about that.

[@duckandginger5236]

exactly, a disservice to rushdie who he also interviewed. coward

[@goodgirlkay]

I love Cat Stevens...I have absolutely no use for Yusuf Islam.

[@momustang6960]

kay jay the muslimes how created the guitar for 100 years in the time when europ age of darkness the west you dont know the history why you so egnorant you have to give credit for that

[@AychEn313]

Only a fool would see them as two separate persons. Real fans see Yusuf as the ultimate completion of CS.

[@storetai]

We never stop learning. That’ what I too fins so exitng! Change being the core aspect of the nature of the universe It’s indeed crucial to understand this, otherwise it creates even more suffering. Lots of people seems to understand life as a form of staus qou which they put all thei energy into. What one should do is to engage themselves in the uncalculated life in the present Nice that there are people who posesses insight and true wisdom. Love is all Mr.Stai

[@amanyahmed8410]

💕💕💕

[@BrodiBarringer]

are you people sick?..this is no longer Cat Stevens..this is a radical who calls for the death of a writer who had a negative view of the Quran..burned alive i think is his preference..so much for understanding, tolerance and love..i assume Islam needs more money so hes making it for them..open your eyes people

[@scoldedcat]

If God really wanted Salman Rushdie dead, obviously he's quite capable of arranging for it to happen by whatever means he chooses. The fact that Rushdie is still alive suggests that God is quite happy for him to be so. So it follows that Yusuf Islam, Ayatollah Khomeini and their ilk were simply wrong.

[@hamidachan7392]

An honest answered interview.❤️❤️💜❤️❤️

[@Chikalita2]

Why would strombo upload something with such horrible quality

[@krishnarajballie6294]

Great songs, way back when. And then he became another hatemonger by calling for the death of Salman Rushdie. If that's the "inner peace" or whatever it is he is referring to, I'll pass.

[@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin]

The 'religion is peace' is the pax islamica. The way they see it is 'peace' is when islam conquers the world. Otherwise, the world is 'chaos' and cannot become the utopia they all pretend will happen (just trust them). Sorta reminds me of what the communists were saying, how if the world welcomed communism, there'd be world peace. Utter collectivist BS, far as I'm concerned.

[@mirrortime]

GREAT interview with this musical master. I wish Yusuf's mic was up louder though.

[@TahaNasser]

This is an amazing interview

[@geofbarker6694]

If you want to throw up.

[@dixgun]

Is that his artwork on the wall ?

[@boarhog1979]

He will not tell you anything about how Islam really is. He has uttered death threats for starters

[@chrissammels5444]

The ordinary person has nothing to learn from this man. He is lost in the confusion of religion. His message has no value whilst he attaches it to untenable fantasy. He needs to move on to phase three of his life.

[@Davotheledge]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@DewsburyCelticRLFC]

He will drop the Islam and be back to Cat when no one buys his songs.

[@Fowley1953]

How dare he mention John Lennon, John Lennon would turn in his grave if he new this creep had tried to compare his own sentiments with Lennon. Lennon never called for any person to be put to death for writing a book. Despite all the bluster this man is rotten to the core. Nothing worst than a hypocrite. Mr Islam you should be crawling on your hands and knees to Salmon Rushdie and beg for his forgiveness.

[@seaglider844]

+John Wesley Hardin Exactly.....calling for the execution of Rushdie for the creation of a work of fiction. As far as I know he has yet to recant......and here he lives in a western democracy enjoying all the hard won rights and privileges that he'd take away without a thought. Not a shred of human decency in this asshole.

[@Fowley1953]

+seaglider844 couldent agree more, poor deluded fool

[@gusibrahim6961]

be the better person, forgive and forget. Rushdi is a creep too.

[@seaglider844]

Gus Ibrahim He was a full grown adult when called for the murder of a fellow human being for writing a work of fiction. He has yet to suffer any real consequence as far as I can see. So no I will not forget or forgive...by the way are you saying it's OK to kill someone if its your opinion that he's a creep!? Yusuf will forever be a despicable moron for what he did. His only option to change this is a humble apology and a request for forgiveness from Rushdi. Until he does he's the poster boy of the dehumanizing effect of Islamist beliefs.

[@hastobe303]

+seaglider844 He was a young muslim who wanted to look his best in the eyes of other muslims, as he described it himself one time. His own recollection of that period is quite sketchy though, probably deliberately. And yes, it was a moronic statement and a grave mistake to make, but don't act all high and mighty because we all make mistakes of certain magnitudes at some point in our life. He just happened to do it in public. As for consequences, take a look at his life and image pre-1989 and post-1989 and compare the two. He'll probably be seen as a terrorist sympathizer, extremist and wife beater until he dies by some people. I'd say he's suffered the consequences well enough.

[@muntoonxt]

14:31 He does the "imam finger"!

[@WillScarlet1991]

What do you mean?

[@Aurarisma]

Leave it to the Greeks to have one Most Amazing Authentic and Transforming Interview . Very NIce .. I'm Greek too !!! Efharista para poli!!! xoxox

[@andreetrudeau8751]

I agreee! george strombolopoulos is a great interviewer, very well recognized here in Canada. peace

[@Aurarisma]

greek blood and swedish blood my friend ..and still speaks greek often .. :)

[@Aurarisma]

Oh Im sorry ooxoxoo God bless ! xoxxo

[@pasha6a]

+Aurarisma Are you refereing to Jusuf Islam who is half Greek or George Stramboulopolis who is half Greek?

[@pasha6a]

+Aurarisma he speaks more Arabic now since he has converted.

[@helzet7292]

please stop judging other people. it could happen to anyone of you. He went through a typical beautiful search and that search includes experiencing contrasts of different groups within the same religion. While some in islam embrace music, some dont. You have to go through the search and experiment to come close to your truth, what feels best for you. Through this search when you are caught by haters it can happen they drag you into their hate. He got out of this and we can again enjoy more of his musical talent.

[@valkyriesardo278]

Music is prohibited to true Muslims, depending on which Muslim is interpreting the faith. How strange that this man is identified by the person he was in younger days. Imagine going through the rest of your life as a "used to be". He blabblers here about tolerance and humanity but was on camera in support of murdering Salmon Rushdie.

[@MrBebaslepas]

+Valkyrie Sardo Do you still want to talk about tolerance, humanity or kindness and everything if i insulted your mother maybe? or your father, your relatives or even your belief?.

[@c.a.t.732]

@@MrBebaslepas I wouldn't support the idea of killing you for doing so, or even say I'd be happy to kill you myself. He did with Salman Rushdie. He whines about having been a "target", but takes no responsibility for why.

[@MrBebaslepas]

@@c.a.t.732 Good to hear that, now please shut up.

[@c.a.t.732]

@@MrBebaslepas Ah, if only you could make anyone who sees things differently than you be silenced, your life would be complete.

[@MrBebaslepas]

@@c.a.t.732 Where did you get the idea if i see things differently than you? didn't i say GOOD TO HEAR THAT to what you wrote for me?

[@mariacristinaarezzi]

Hello

[@britturk123]

Two very warm intellectual Greeks simply being themselves.

[@c.a.t.732]

Yusuf Islam may be many things, but an intellectual isn't one of them.

[@WillScarlet1991]

@@c.a.t.732 He's more intelligent than you ☺️

[@c.a.t.732]

@@WillScarlet1991 I stated Yusuf wasn't an intellectual, not that he wasn't intelligent. I guess one would have to have a modicum of intelligence to understand the difference.

[@WillScarlet1991]

@@c.a.t.732 Doesn't change the fact that you're on a much lower level (intellectually) than Yusuf 😊

[@c.a.t.732]

@@WillScarlet1991 1. You would know this how, since you don't know anything about me? 2. Doesn't change the fact that someone who doesn't understand the terms he's using shouldn't cast aspersions regarding relative intelligence.

[@catraoinekelly2879]

Didn't he say Rushdie deserved to die? Nice religion you have there, Cat..erm..I mean, Yusuf! 😒😒😒

[@c.a.t.732]

Not only that, but he said he'd be happy to carry out the death sentence himself. It's all on video on KZbin.

[@justgivemethetruth]

Loved his music, but what a weirdo. So strange to like his songs so much and think this guy is just crazy.

[@Melbelle-mb1jl]

I really liked this guy until Islam ruined him.

[@Hello_there_obi]

We all know he stopped playing because islam forbids it

[@Hello_there_obi]

+Andrew Power advised by who? What other thing would stop him playing? He became so devout after surviving from drowning. He even supported the fatwah calling for the murder of Salman Rushdie. Islam prohibits music. The only instrument they allow if the daff which is a drum.

[@pergottfridsson9392]

Islamic spain? He means andalusia ?

[@justgivemethetruth]

I think he is just making stuff up because going from rock star to relgious teacher in the worst religion of the world, at the worst time, and then not having the guts to go against a fatwa that eventually got Salman Rusdie a near fatal attack. He is a far, far better person, poet, musician that he could ever be as a teach in the religion of Islam.

[@canadacanada3174]

We have a lot of player to music he is not first person who are song so why people always thinking or taken Isilm is bad

[@DrakusRecords]

A lot of people hate him now, and it's understandable after the whole fatwa thing. But you have to understand the position Islam puts its followers in. It's very easy to become a muslim, but very hard to un-become one, unless you willing to become an apostate.

[@Blackmanrwg]

M

[@2Uahoj]

Admire that he searched for God and found him. However, the big question remains, why could he not find God within his own tradition of Christianity, which is infinitely spiritually richer that Islam in so many ways. Also, how does he explain the violence associated with his chosen religion today? Does this not indicate a core problem with it? Of course the interviewer avoids such tough, pointed questions, throwing only softballs here.

[@PrecisionWrittens]

Was this before or after the Salman Rushdie shit?

[@MusicByJordanSmith]

Are you serious?

[@rutslav]

This is not a good person.

[@alanhobden8847]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@AliM-he8lh]

Most of famous singers died of drugs depression and suicide. He is wise he choose Islam

[@geofbarker6694]

….which (as far as I'm concerned) is when he died

[@lxlii7134]

I thumped it up just for yusuf, not the interviewer

[@Usammityduzntafraidofanythin]

There's so many people that escape drugs through faith. Honestly, he could have picked any religion. Christianity's icky, and judaism is hard, so makei it islam.

[@canadacanada3174]

Isilm is hope and peaceful, we don't understand to hate or to believable hate an all. Isilm known what they need in the world love and peaceful is important to us 😶

[@sammycircle]

Cat Stevens, I will never call him by the name of Yusuf Islam, is to Islam what Cassius Clay was to also to The Nation of Islam in the 60s/70/s, or for the most recent example, what Bill Cosby has become to Feminism. A great promoter for their beliefs,causes, or Agenda. You know, like that Baby White Coat Seal that still graces the Logos, posters & Books of Peta and Greenpeace, that picture BTW was taken in 1972 and still used today. ,All of these men are used not for one single second for what their beliefs are, it is their Celebrity being prostituted by organizations who either for political, religious or even self-righteous gain, otherwise may go un noticed. The last, yet most horrible and embarrassing example that I will leave you with is Sir Paul McCartney and his ties with the foresaid animal rights organizations. Sir Paul and his former silver spoon brat of a wife ,Heather Mills, when they went on CNN to argue for animal rights and did not even, when asked questions, know what part of the world that they were even in at that time, IE. Paul "We are in NFLD Danny".......Danny Wiliams..."Ummmmmmm Paul you are right now in P E I, it,s a totally different province that NFLD. My rambling,grammatically horrible sometimes incohierent point?......All these so called stars lending face and voice to such things have to realize that their views do not matter, not to us or their religion or organization....Their picture is more important than their thoughts ever can or will be.