Peace Train – The Cat Stevens Story

 

Audiences may already know and love Cat Stevens’ music, but it’s unlikely many would be familiar with the “three lives” of the musical genius himself.

Presented by Peace Train Entertainment
QUT Gardens Theatre, Brisbane

Friday, 20 September, 2010

Audiences may already know and love Cat Stevens’ music, but it’s unlikely many would be familiar with the “three lives” of the musical genius himself.

As star Darren Coggan points out, cats usually have nine lives, but in Stevens’ case, he has lived three very distinct and fascinating existences. Coggan has met the man himself and speaks candidly about some of Stevens’ experiences in the show Peace Train.

The night could be best described as a Cat Stevens tribute band with a side of his life story. Coggan’s likeness to Stevens is haunting, yet while he may sound very similar, he brings something of his own to the music. There wasn’t a spare seat in the theatre and I’m not surprised. It’s been impossible to get a ticket to see Cat Stevens in recent years because he disappeared from the scene 30 years ago and I suppose Coggan is the next best thing.

The transition between the songs and the narration was effortlessness for Coggan and his passion for Stevens’ story shone through. Learning about how Stevens initially got involved in music, his family’s support, his artistic technique, his struggle for wanting more and his near-death experiences explained the star’s personality in depth. Stevens’ spiritual awakening and name change to Yusuf Islam was not unknown, but it was mysterious. Peace Train shed some light on the motives behind the transformation.

The show did however have a downfall, and that was its lack of visual appeal. At two and a half hours long with interval, there was minimal movement on stage and I was weary throughout Act 2. But it was clear the die-hard fans didn’t share my problem.

The band supporting Coggan was made up of two guitarists, keyboard player, drummer and back-up vocalists. Clearly they shared the love for Stevens’ music as one hundred percent energy was delivered consistently.

Lighting design by Martin Kinnane was well done but alone was not enough to compensate the show’s lacking visual entertainment.

Fans will adore this show and be blown away by the infectious sound that is Cat Stevens. They will learn things they didn’t know before and be enlightened as to why Stevens has made some of his radical and life-changing decisions.

Peace Train is continuing its tour around Australia.

For dates and venues, please go to http://www.peace-train.com.au/touring/