‘THE Cat Stevens Story’, starring Darren Coggan, played out to a packed house at the Riverfront, finishing with a standing ovation and an audience eager for more.

Darren Coggan, the award-winning Australian singer and songwriter, together with his talented backing band, tells the fascinating life story of Cat Stevens, who turned his back on fame and his musical career after selling more than 60 million albums and became a Muslim, changing his name to Yusuf Islam, in his pursuit of enlightenment.

Expertly weaving narrative into the 23 classic songs, including ‘Father and Son’, ‘Wild World’, ‘Moonshadow’ and, of course, ‘Peace Train’, Coggan’s charisma, energy and sheer exuberance shone through, connecting with the ever-appreciative audience, who were singing and clapping along by the second song and on their feet by the end of the show.

This was a show for the fans, and the love for the man himself, Cat Stevens, was almost tangible, resembling at times a religious experience.

This was more than a tribute show; a creative yet simple approach to portraying the life story and the music of a 1970s legend whose music has touched the lives of so many. 

Julie Benson