Cat Stevens, also known as Yusuf, has postponed the North American leg of his book tour due to unresolved visa issues, the singer confirmed on social media Monday.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee was scheduled to appear across the U.S. and Canada in support of his upcoming memoir, Cat on the Road to Findout. The book launches in the United States on October 7 after an earlier release in the U.K.
Stevens reassured fans that the book release will remain unaffected, adding with humor:
“Books don’t need visas!”
Months of Delays and Rising Visa Costs
Stevens explained that his team had been waiting months for visa approvals, but delays and increased fees made it impossible to finalize production logistics for the tour.
“I am really upset! Not least for my fans who have bought tickets and made travel plans to see me perform,” Stevens wrote.
He is the latest in a growing list of international musicians and athletes who have been affected by slowed visa processing and rising application costs over the past year.
Planned Tour Stops Affected
The tour was slated to begin on October 2 in Philadelphia and included multiple U.S. dates throughout the month. His October 8 Toronto stop was also postponed.
The program was described as a “portal” into the singer’s world, combining in-depth conversations about his memoir with acoustic performances of selected songs. Stevens had already launched the book tour in the U.K. in September, visiting several cities.
Possibility of Rescheduling
While disappointed fans will need to wait, Stevens hinted the shows may be rescheduled if visas are approved in the future. However, new dates could be “some time away because of other travel plans.”
He ended his message with an optimistic nod to one of his most famous songs, telling fans he hopes they can still “hop on the Peace Train route at some time in the future.”
