ISLAM 'SHOCKED' BY CONCERT BACKLASH

The musician, formerly known as Cat Stevens, kicked off his first trek in 33 years in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday (15Nov09).

Islam halted the gig to make a 40-minute presentation of his new London West End show, Moonshadow - but the audience wasn't impressed, with some revellers reportedly chanting, "We're bored" and filtering out of the O2 venue.

The Wild World hitmaker was left baffled by the public reaction, because he can't understand why his fans would expect him only to perform his old tracks.

Taking to his website blog, he writes, "(The Dublin show) was an unnerving one, especially for the cast and creative team who had put their entire bodies and souls into the Moonshadow section, so I can only feel sorry for them.

"They did a great job, and 90 per cent of the audience that night and some major reviews recognised that. Philosophically and educationally I have gained something from the experience, so has the public generally, and we can now move on to the next gig a bit more prepared.

"My voice doesn't seem to have altered, which for many fans is already a Godsend. But to not expect me to sing my favourite new songs, from two carefully and thoughtfully created albums, and demand a 'Beam me up Scotty' return to the Cat Stevens persona of yesterday, is more than any amount of imagination can hope for."

Islam is next due to perform on 23 November (09) in Birmingham.