Cat Stevens, on Watch List, Diverts Plane

gldstwmn · #1 09-21-2004, 09:01 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040921_2176.html

Flight Diverted After Singer Formerly Known As Cat Stevens Found to Be on U.S. Watch List

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON Sept. 21, 2004 — A plane bound for Washington from London was diverted to Maine on Tuesday after passenger Yusuf Islam formerly known as pop singer Cat Stevens showed up on a U.S. watch list, a federal official said.
United Airlines flight 919 had already taken off from London en route to Dulles International Airport when the match was made between the passenger and the watch list, said Nico Melendez, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration.

The plane was met by federal agents at Maine's Bangor International Airport around 3 p.m., Melendez said.

Federal officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, identified the individual as Islam.

gldstwmn · #2 09-21-2004, 09:07 PM

More...

"He was interviewed and denied admission to the United States
on national security grounds,” said Homeland Security spokesman
Dennis Murphy. He said the man would be put on the first available
flight out of the country Wednesday."

Hawkeye · #3 09-21-2004, 09:49 PM

why the hel did Cat Stevens have to go crazy like that. Why couldn't he stay a perfectly normal gy who wrote some great songs.

celestenadia · #4 09-21-2004, 09:58 PM

It's a wild world...
I wonder what the darn justification is?

cliffdweller · #5 09-22-2004, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackaghost

Is he on the watch list because he's Muslim? Or because of the Rushdie controversy years ago?

I think a combination of both. Remember all the hooplah surrounding his support of the Ayatolah Khomeni's Fatwah (sp?) on Rushdie? I think since he openly supported the Ayatolah (who was not a favorite of the U.S. government) record stores in the U.S. wouldn't sell his albums for years after that.

gldstwmn · #6 09-22-2004, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackaghost

As for this story, I think it's odd. Is he on the watch list because he's Muslim? Or because of the Rushdie controversy years ago?

That's the only thing I can think of.

Lisa1769 · #7 09-22-2004, 10:40 AM

OT: trackaghost, Is your sig the clip on SNL, Blue Oyster Cult's, Don't Fear the Reaper??

If so, I just heard that song yesterday and thought of this clip. It's hilarious.

I just thought, whats the odds of me thinking about that clip and seeing it on The Ledge today?

strandinthewind · #8 09-22-2004, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa1769

OT: trackaghost, Is your sig the clip on SNL, Blue Oyster Cult's, Don't Fear the Reaper??

If so, I just heard that song yesterday and thought of this clip. It's hilarious.

I just thought, whats the odds of me thinking about that clip and seeing it on The Ledge today?

Romeo and Juuuuliettttt
(Romeo and Juliet)

One of my fav. songs in the world!!!!!!!!!!!

greatdarkwing · #9 09-22-2004, 11:15 AM

It is based on his ties to possible terror related groups.....at least thats what cnn told me

~Alex

***ThePenguin*** · #10 09-22-2004, 11:30 AM

Gosh he was great in his day. Teaser and the Firecat was on my turntable all the time. 'How Can I Tell You', oh boy I used to sob to that one. 'Rubylove' and 'Bitterblue', how great are those songs...gotta go play him now.

-Lis

cliffdweller · #11 09-22-2004, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThePenguin

Teaser and the Firecat was on my turntable all the time.

That's a great album.

gldstwmn · #12 09-22-2004, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackaghost

Yes it is! I love that clip. "Gotta have more cowbell!"

That skit is hilarious.

Livia · #13 09-22-2004, 12:21 PM

Nakomis, on Big Brother, was wearing a SNL cowbell skit t-shirt last week. I want one!!!

amber · #14 09-22-2004, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackaghost

I'm not sure he went crazy. He discovered the Muslim faith and decided that he had to make a choice between "the material and the spirtual". From the sounds of it he hasn't regreted the decision. I'm not sure of the Muslim religion personally, as it seems to look down on women, but I think Cat Stevens really had a 'Road to Damascus' experience. It was a positive decision for him, just not for us mere pop fans.

As for this story, I think it's odd. Is he on the watch list because he's Muslim? Or because of the Rushdie controversy years ago?

If so it's weird that he hasn't been denied access before. He was over in the States earlier this year promoting his DVD. Flew all over the States for interviews and stuff, if I recall correctly.

I NEED MORE COWBELL!!!!!

amber · #15 09-22-2004, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa1769

OT: trackaghost, Is your sig the clip on SNL, Blue Oyster Cult's, Don't Fear the Reaper??

If so, I just heard that song yesterday and thought of this clip. It's hilarious.

I just thought, whats the odds of me thinking about that clip and seeing it on The Ledge today?

It was a highlight for me, but I always think about the clip - and i love that song. And the radio station i listen to has one ad that says "we give you more cowbell classics...."

then they play the clip of Walken from SNL, then they play a couple snippets of songs with cowbell (including Gold Dust Woman)...I'm just so happy to see it come full circle for me on the ledge...

AMber