Yusuf (Cat Stevens) Tours Australian, NZ Tour 2010

I Just got back from the Yusuf (Cat Stevens) tour of Australia and New Zealand. I was his guitar tech for the period, looking after around 20 guitars for 7 different musicians. It was so great to work with the exceptional musicians Yusuf, Alan Davies, Eric, Kwame, Trevor on bass, Ian and Alison. Alan Davies was Yusuf's guitar player right from the start. He is very cool, and still a great guitar player. Yusuf was ably supported by Noxshi, including sensational guitarist Hallam Kite and singer Yoriyos.

Yusuf favours black Gibsons, especially J200s, but they are difficult to source in Australia. So he used my tobacco Gibson J185 as his no. 2 guitar, opening up the concert with Lillywhite and The Wind. I don't believe there is anyone on the planet who hasn't heard The Wind before. This is a little difficult to convey, but it was a surreal experience to watch a real legend performing songs I remember from my childhood, and his new material, on my guitar. During the tour, Paul Dainty and Paul Drennan from the Dainty Corporation presented Yusuf with a customshop Maton which was used mostly for the last set , including the seminal Peace Train. I stole Sandy Sea's mandolin for the tour so that Eric could play Ruby Love. Would also like to thank Gibson (Clayton Doughty), Electric Factory (Chris Carty), Yamaha (Brendan Allen) and Maton (Anthony Knowles). I requested instruments from these suppliers and they graciously helped out. Thankyou.

Yusuf is an amazing performer and had the sell out crowds mesmerised from start to finish. In fact a very moving experience. Most of the shows were sold out minutes after ticket release. Some nights I was so moved by the experience of standing side stage while Yusuf played all his amazing songs that I really had to concentrate hard on what I was there for.

Thanks to all my clients who have been patiently waiting for me to get back.

- Kevin Nitrovane