The Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury 2023 had seen it all: pulsing electronic beats, roaring rock anthems, and the screams of adoring fans. But on a sunny Sunday afternoon, a different kind of magic settled over the massive field. A 74-year-old man with a gentle smile, a white beard, and an acoustic guitar walked onto the stage. This was Yusuf Islam, the artist many still know and love as Cat Stevens.
His set was a journey through time, a collection of songs that have been the soundtrack to millions of lives. But when the first, unmistakable chords of “Wild World” began to ring out, the crowd erupted in a wave of recognition and joy. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a moment of shared history.
The atmosphere was perfect. The harsh sun of the weekend had softened. People were tired but happy, lying on the grass or leaning on loved ones. This created a warm, intimate feeling, as if Yusuf was playing just for them, not for the tens of thousands present.
He stood centre stage, dressed simply in a navy blue salwar kameez (a traditional tunic and trousers) and a waistcoat, his trusted acoustic guitar in hand. Behind him, his excellent band provided a soft, steady rhythm, but they knew this moment belonged to the man and his song.
The magic of this performance was in its simplicity. There were no flashy guitar solos or dramatic changes to the classic arrangement. Yusuf’s voice, deeper and wiser now than in the 1970s, carried the weight of the years without losing the song’s gentle tenderness. When he sang the famous opening lines, “Now that I’ve lost everything to you / You say you wanna start something new,” it felt less like a young man’s heartbreak and more like the wise advice of a grandfather—earnest and filled with care.
But the most powerful instrument wasn’t on the stage; it was the audience. From the very first line, the crowd became a giant choir. Every single person, from the front row to the very back of the field, sang along. They knew every word, every pause, every inflection. It was a powerful, unifying hum of human connection.
Watch closely and you’ll see Yusuf’s reaction: He couldn’t stop smiling. As the waves of sound from the crowd washed over him, he would often pull back from the microphone, listening. He let them sing entire lines on their own, his face a picture of genuine gratitude and wonder. He wasn’t just performing for them; he was performing with them. It was a beautiful conversation between an artist and his audience, separated by decades but united by music.
For the keen ears, there was one tiny but significant change. In the final verse, instead of singing the original line, “I’ll always remember you like a child, girl,” Yusuf sang, “I’ll always remember you like a child, child.”
This small change was deeply meaningful. It removed the specific gender (“girl”) and made the sentiment universal. It was a blessing and a message of care for everyone listening, reflecting his own lifelong journey and inclusive philosophy. It was a 21st-century update to a 20th-century classic, delivered with subtle grace.
This performance was more than a nostalgia trip. It was a full-circle moment.
A Journey: This was the man who left the music industry at the height of his fame in the late 70s for a life of faith and charity. For years, his music was silent. His return to performing as Yusuf in the 2000s was a gift to his fans, and headlining the Pyramid Stage was the ultimate welcome back.
A Timeless Message: “Wild World” is about saying goodbye but wanting to protect someone from life’s hardships. The song’s message feels more relevant than ever in our complicated modern world. Hearing it sung by its creator, with a lifetime of experience behind him, gave the words a new, profound weight.
Pure Joy: In a festival known for its wild parties, this was a moment of pure, peaceful joy. It was a collective deep breath. Strangers had their arms around each other, swaying and singing to a song that has comforted generations.
As the final chord faded, the cheer was immense—not just applause for a great song, but thanks for a shared experience. Yusuf / Cat Stevens had taken a classic and, without changing its soul, made it feel brand new again. He didn’t just play “Wild World” for Glastonbury; together, they turned it into a beautiful, unforgettable moment of peace and connection. It was proof that a simple song, sung from the heart, can still unite a world.