Cat Stevens Newcastle Odeon 21st March 1974
I only saw Cat Stevens once in concert, although Laura and I have seen him more recently, since he has become Yusuf Islam. The concert was in 1974 at the massive Newcastle Odeon. Stevens was promoting his latest album at the time, Buddha and the Chocolate Box. Interestingly, the title of Buddha and the Chocolate Box “came to Stevens when he was travelling to a gig on a plane with a Buddha in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other. He pondered that if he were to die in the plane these would be the last objects with him, and he would be caught between the spiritual and the material. The album leans towards the spiritual path, and is an indication of the direction his life would follow” (Wikipedia).
Cat Steven’s band at the time consisted of Jean Roussell on keyboards, Alun Davies on acoustic guitar, Gerry Conway on drums, Bruce Lynch bass and Larry Steele on congas and electric guitar, with Suzanne Lynch and Anna Peacock on backing vocals. Support came from Linda Lewis whose band was Max Middleton on piano, Robert Ahwai on bass and Linda’s husband Jim Cregan on lead guitar.
It was a great concert, with Cat Stevens singing all those sweet songs so beautifully. The set consists of his early 70s classic songs, and new tracks from Buddha and the Chocolate Box. Based on concert recordings from the time the set is likely to have been something like: Wild World; Longer Boats; Oh Very Young; Sitting; Sunny Side; Where Do The Children Play; Moonshadow; How Can I Tell You; Bad Penny; Later; Lady D’Arbanville; Peace Train; Father And Son; Music; 18th Avenue; Bitterblue; Hard Headed Woman; King Of Trees; Sun / C79; Sad Lisa.
I also like Cat Stevens’ 60s songs and would love to see him perform Matthew And Son or Here Comes My Baby. The guy is a genius songwriter.
13 May
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by Craig Nielsen on April 27, 2016 at 4:27 pm
I was at that gig, he played The Foreigner suite as well.
Posted by Julia on November 19, 2016 at 9:51 am
We were there, middle of front row, boyfriend,now husband of 40 years queued overnight for tickets. Loved this concert, seen him again last night at Newcastle City Hall, loved seeing him, great voice, very talented, the years have been very kind to him, we also loved his message of love and peace in the world.
Posted by Meg Stevens on July 7, 2021 at 6:01 pm
I was there, and then 42 years later Newcastle welcomed him back at the City Hall , next day travelling to London to see him again he was on my train 😀😀
Posted by vintagerock on July 8, 2021 at 11:33 am
Great memories Meg happy days Peter