Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) set to release memoir
Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time."
A press release continues: "More than a memoir, the Yusuf/Cat Stevens' story is a backstage pass to the mind of a man who has lived a thousand lives. From his folk-troubadour beginnings, to the glamorous chaos of 60s pop stardom, to his 70s reign as a generational voice, his songs formed a musical odyssey that intricately recorded the journey to self-discovery. Then came his unexpected departure from superstardom, embracing Islam and leaving fans heartbroken."
For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation".
Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe."
The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding".
Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work.
The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight".
Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
'Gobsmacked': community shows up for man seriously injured in house fire
Music was pumping, sausages were sizzling, and the Brights were overwhelmed with the show of support for their brother. Matthew Bright was rushed to hospital after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body in an accidental kitchen fire in Waratah just before 5pm on July 7. Out the back of a local coffee spot on Sunday, July 27, the Waratah community wanted him to know he was not alone. "It's amazing, it's just an incredible show of support, you can see how many people love and support Matthew," Hugh-Angus Bright, Matthew's brother, said. Dan Brown, better known as the Mullet Lord online, held a fundraiser for Mr Bright's recovery at Lords Coffee and Associates in Waratah. Beginning at midday, Mr Brown said there was a "crazy" line out the front of the shop, and by 1.30pm he reckoned roughly 150 people had stopped by. "It's been quite a turnout, even the firies rocked up, which was really cool to see," he said. Like any fundraiser, people lined up to buy raffle tickets, but there weren't your typical prizes. Along with headgear and boots signed by the Knights' Kalyn Ponga, and a painting from Otis Carey, Mr Brown was parting with pieces of himself. Known for his long mane, the Mullet Lord snipped off strands to go to four lucky bidders. "They say haircuts don't hurt, but that one did," he said. "It stung every part of my body, but I've always been a team player and anything to raise money for Matt." Mr Bright's sister Ellie Bright said he was "gobsmacked" at the amount of community support pouring in through their GoFundMe page. "It's a terrible situation, but it has brought the best out in everyone around us," she said. "It makes me sad that there are so many people who might not have the network or the ability to do this type of thing." Mr Bright was receiving care at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, where his condition, while serious, had stabilised. His brother, Nicholas, said they were taking it one day at a time. "We're just staying in the moment, and every day he is getting better," he said. The siblings said yesterday was a good day as Matthew had his favourite beverage, a diet coke, and listened to Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Ms Bright said her brother's recovery was heading in the right direction. "I kept saying he's having small wins every day and that will compound to big wins over time," she said. "That's all we can ask for." Music was pumping, sausages were sizzling, and the Brights were overwhelmed with the show of support for their brother. Matthew Bright was rushed to hospital after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body in an accidental kitchen fire in Waratah just before 5pm on July 7. Out the back of a local coffee spot on Sunday, July 27, the Waratah community wanted him to know he was not alone. "It's amazing, it's just an incredible show of support, you can see how many people love and support Matthew," Hugh-Angus Bright, Matthew's brother, said. Dan Brown, better known as the Mullet Lord online, held a fundraiser for Mr Bright's recovery at Lords Coffee and Associates in Waratah. Beginning at midday, Mr Brown said there was a "crazy" line out the front of the shop, and by 1.30pm he reckoned roughly 150 people had stopped by. "It's been quite a turnout, even the firies rocked up, which was really cool to see," he said. Like any fundraiser, people lined up to buy raffle tickets, but there weren't your typical prizes. Along with headgear and boots signed by the Knights' Kalyn Ponga, and a painting from Otis Carey, Mr Brown was parting with pieces of himself. Known for his long mane, the Mullet Lord snipped off strands to go to four lucky bidders. "They say haircuts don't hurt, but that one did," he said. "It stung every part of my body, but I've always been a team player and anything to raise money for Matt." Mr Bright's sister Ellie Bright said he was "gobsmacked" at the amount of community support pouring in through their GoFundMe page. "It's a terrible situation, but it has brought the best out in everyone around us," she said. "It makes me sad that there are so many people who might not have the network or the ability to do this type of thing." Mr Bright was receiving care at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, where his condition, while serious, had stabilised. His brother, Nicholas, said they were taking it one day at a time. "We're just staying in the moment, and every day he is getting better," he said. The siblings said yesterday was a good day as Matthew had his favourite beverage, a diet coke, and listened to Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Ms Bright said her brother's recovery was heading in the right direction. "I kept saying he's having small wins every day and that will compound to big wins over time," she said. "That's all we can ask for." Music was pumping, sausages were sizzling, and the Brights were overwhelmed with the show of support for their brother. Matthew Bright was rushed to hospital after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body in an accidental kitchen fire in Waratah just before 5pm on July 7. Out the back of a local coffee spot on Sunday, July 27, the Waratah community wanted him to know he was not alone. "It's amazing, it's just an incredible show of support, you can see how many people love and support Matthew," Hugh-Angus Bright, Matthew's brother, said. Dan Brown, better known as the Mullet Lord online, held a fundraiser for Mr Bright's recovery at Lords Coffee and Associates in Waratah. Beginning at midday, Mr Brown said there was a "crazy" line out the front of the shop, and by 1.30pm he reckoned roughly 150 people had stopped by. "It's been quite a turnout, even the firies rocked up, which was really cool to see," he said. Like any fundraiser, people lined up to buy raffle tickets, but there weren't your typical prizes. Along with headgear and boots signed by the Knights' Kalyn Ponga, and a painting from Otis Carey, Mr Brown was parting with pieces of himself. Known for his long mane, the Mullet Lord snipped off strands to go to four lucky bidders. "They say haircuts don't hurt, but that one did," he said. "It stung every part of my body, but I've always been a team player and anything to raise money for Matt." Mr Bright's sister Ellie Bright said he was "gobsmacked" at the amount of community support pouring in through their GoFundMe page. "It's a terrible situation, but it has brought the best out in everyone around us," she said. "It makes me sad that there are so many people who might not have the network or the ability to do this type of thing." Mr Bright was receiving care at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, where his condition, while serious, had stabilised. His brother, Nicholas, said they were taking it one day at a time. "We're just staying in the moment, and every day he is getting better," he said. The siblings said yesterday was a good day as Matthew had his favourite beverage, a diet coke, and listened to Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Ms Bright said her brother's recovery was heading in the right direction. "I kept saying he's having small wins every day and that will compound to big wins over time," she said. "That's all we can ask for." Music was pumping, sausages were sizzling, and the Brights were overwhelmed with the show of support for their brother. Matthew Bright was rushed to hospital after suffering burns to 40 per cent of his body in an accidental kitchen fire in Waratah just before 5pm on July 7. Out the back of a local coffee spot on Sunday, July 27, the Waratah community wanted him to know he was not alone. "It's amazing, it's just an incredible show of support, you can see how many people love and support Matthew," Hugh-Angus Bright, Matthew's brother, said. Dan Brown, better known as the Mullet Lord online, held a fundraiser for Mr Bright's recovery at Lords Coffee and Associates in Waratah. Beginning at midday, Mr Brown said there was a "crazy" line out the front of the shop, and by 1.30pm he reckoned roughly 150 people had stopped by. "It's been quite a turnout, even the firies rocked up, which was really cool to see," he said. Like any fundraiser, people lined up to buy raffle tickets, but there weren't your typical prizes. Along with headgear and boots signed by the Knights' Kalyn Ponga, and a painting from Otis Carey, Mr Brown was parting with pieces of himself. Known for his long mane, the Mullet Lord snipped off strands to go to four lucky bidders. "They say haircuts don't hurt, but that one did," he said. "It stung every part of my body, but I've always been a team player and anything to raise money for Matt." Mr Bright's sister Ellie Bright said he was "gobsmacked" at the amount of community support pouring in through their GoFundMe page. "It's a terrible situation, but it has brought the best out in everyone around us," she said. "It makes me sad that there are so many people who might not have the network or the ability to do this type of thing." Mr Bright was receiving care at Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital, where his condition, while serious, had stabilised. His brother, Nicholas, said they were taking it one day at a time. "We're just staying in the moment, and every day he is getting better," he said. The siblings said yesterday was a good day as Matthew had his favourite beverage, a diet coke, and listened to Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. Ms Bright said her brother's recovery was heading in the right direction. "I kept saying he's having small wins every day and that will compound to big wins over time," she said. "That's all we can ask for."
7NEWS
4 days ago
- 7NEWS
Celebrate National Tequila Day with recipe books, cocktail shakers and celebrity-approved spirits
It's not just any Thursday — it's National Tequila Day. What better excuse to dust off your favorite cocktail glasses and host an impromptu aperitivo hour, complete with classic margs? If your bar cart could use a little glow-up, we've rounded up the best finds to help you refresh it in style. From celebrity-crafted tequilas to chic glassware from a homegrown brand, treat yourself (and your shelves) to a sweet — and sometimes spicy addition. 1. Tequila Made Me Do It, was $22.99 now $17.70 at Amazon Australia Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or trying your hand at mixology, getting your hands on a recipe book is always a good idea. Tequila Made Me Do It is home to 60 delicious cocktail recipes — specifically for tequila and mezcal based drinks. Complete with bright and beautiful illustrations and in-depth instructions, expect to find recipes for all kinds of tequila drinks, including the classic margarita. 2. FAZEEK Stripe Coupes, $99 at FAZEEK Gorgeous glassware instantly takes your hosting up a notch, and if you're in the market for a new set of coupes, we've found just the style for you. Leading glassware brand FAZEEK is home to endless hand-blown pieces, and this pink and amber set has gone straight to the top of our wishlist. Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, you'll have them forever. 3. Pantalones Tequila Reposado Organico 750mL, $119.99 at Dan Murphy's Listen up tequila lovers, Matthew and Camila McConaughey's very own brand Pantalones Organic, has just landed at Dan Murphy's. Crafted from 100 per cent blue Weber agave in Jalisco Mexico, it's certified organic and quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing tequild brands. Expect to taste notes of cooked agave, vanilla and earthy oak. Enjoy responsibly. For individuals aged 18 and over. 4. Jonnie Traditional Decanter, $59.95 at Linen House Looking to level up your tablescape? Try decanting your favourite spirit (preferably tequila) into a luxe-looking glass decanter. Perfect as the centrepiece on your dining table or a elevated addition to a bar cart, the Jonnie Traditional Decanter is made from soda glass with a traditional embossed design. It also comes packaged in a stylish box, making it a great gift for a fellow tequila drinker. 5. Maxwell & Williams Camilla Cocktail Shaker, $29.95 now $14.98 at Myer Everyone needs a high-quality cocktail shaker for an improptu aperitif hour. Down from $59.95 to just $29.98 is Maxwell & William's Camilla Cocktail Shaker Set, a sleek-looking stainless steel set that will have you mixing like a pro in no time at all. Get in quick — this low price is set to expire July 27.
News.com.au
7 days ago
- News.com.au
Billy Brownless goes viral with X-rated ‘skinny dipping' photo
Billy Brownless has left his family horrified after sharing a photo of himself skinny dipping on social media. The Geelong Cats icon is living his best life and looking very loved up with his partner Crystle Fleur, with the couple enjoying a mid-year getaway last week to Western Australia. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Brownless shared some happy snaps of the holiday around WA, and the footy larrikin saved some of his best, or worst work for a swimming pool at Broome. 'Welcome to Bill's fitness regime,' he said in a tongue-in-cheek clip uploaded to social media. 'Today I'm going to swim 50 laps of this pool. Righto, here we go.' Cue the camera panning to show a pool that could not have been more than three metres long, as Brownless pushed off for a 'lap'. He wrote on Instagram: 'While in Broome I thought I would get back into the pool and cut some laps!!!' In a separate post, Brownless shared a photo of him relaxing in the pool with his obvious lack of swimwear leaving little to the imagination — thankfully he was facing away from the camera. 'Some call it 'Skinny Dipping' I like to call it 'Fat Dipping' #fatstraveldiary,' he wrote. Safe to say the X-rated post was a bit of a surprise to Brownless' friends and family. Former AFL star Dale Thomas joked: 'Reverse angle is a Nirvana album cover.' Bec Judd commented: 'Ahahaha. Nice seeing you yesterday. Glad you had some clothes on.' Brownless' horrified daughter Ruby commented: 'Wow it gets worse', after responding to his swimming pool post with 'Honestly no words'. His partner Crystal captioned one of her posts: 'Relaxing by the pool @cablebeachclub the most perfect place to relax until I looked in the pool @billybrownless.' Brownless, known as the king of Geelong during his playing days, told the Herald Sun his partner had uploaded the viral skinny dip photo to his Instagram account without his knowledge. 'She thought it was fun. I was just paddling around in the pool, splashing around,' he said. 'She said I've got a shot here for you. Darl, we'll get rid of those shorts and we'll just have a bit of fun with it. And she thought it would be funny to go nude. She knows how to post off my account. 120,000 views, the punters loved it.' The 58-year-old said his kids let him know they were less than impressed. 'They're the ones who aren't so happy,'' Brownless said. 'Ruby is the most outspoken, she rang me. She said 'dad, you're a dickhead'.' Earlier this month, Brownless and Fleur celebrated their one-year anniversary, with Fleur posting: 'Happy 1st anniversary to this amazing man!' Brownless and Fleur went public with their relationship in October last year at Geelong's best and fairest night. The Cats Hall of Famer was seen arm in arm with the 52-year-old mum of three with the two being sighted at a plethora of events since. The pair had reportedly been going strong for two months before their first public outing. The happy couple were spotted after the AFL Grand Final speaking with his ex-wife Nicky Brownless and former best mate and Melbourne great Garry Lyon. Brownless and Nicky were together for 18 years before splitting in 2014. In 2016 Lyon's friendship with Brownless fell apart after he went public with Nicky. A month after their relationship made headlines, Billy revealed how the relationship had impacted his family, saying 'a good mate wouldn't do that'. 'I couldn't believe it. I found out three or four months ago. I asked Garry and Nicky earlier on what is going on and they said they were just good friends,' he said on the Footy Show at the time. 'That's what hurts the most.' The former best mates have since reunited with the duo spending several Christmases together as an extended family. Lyon surprised Nicky in December, 2023 when he proposed and she said yes. Nicky clearly wasn't expecting the move, announcing the news of the engagement on her Instagram account, posting a black and white photo of the pair embracing with the caption 'the best surprise'. The duo, who have been together for eight years, took off to New York shortly after the proposal.
