It’s hard to imagine a singer less likely to cause a rift in a crowd than the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens. Yet on the debut date of his first tour in 33 years, Yusuf Islam saw fans storm out and heard two of his best-known songs spoiled by booing. Those he didn’t disappoint showed their support with a standing ovation. “Now I know what Dylan felt like,” laughed a disappointed Islam in an attempt to diffuse the tension. An artist as famous for his spirituality as his songs had tested his fans and found some of them wanting.

90 minutes earlier, Islam had sauntered on stage strumming a guitar and delivered an hour of pretty folk-pop that could hardly have been less controversial. Sounding like a serene preacher and looking like a gentle geography teacher, the grey-haired, grey-bearded singer started solo with "Lilywhite" in front a giant backdrop of an urban alleyway, surrounded by packing crates and a Victorian-style street lamp.

Joined first by his 1970s sidekick Alun Davies on guitar, then gradually a full band, Islam was initially revered by the entire audience. They applauded songs from his current album, "Roadsinger", as loudly as they did tracks from seminal albums "Tea For The Tillerman" and "Teaser And The Firecat". They tutted at his tale of the authorities who, five years ago, refused him entry in to the States and even clapped along to the song the incident inspired,"Boots And Sand", despite its clearly poor quality.

The bad vibes began when Islam paused his performance for a 40 minute preview of his forthcoming musical, "Moonshadow". A cast led by former Hear’say singer Noel Sullivan trouped on to act, dance and deliver a mix of new material and the Cat Stevens classics "Father & Son" and "Wild World". By the latter, streams of people were walking out, dismayed at Islam for handing over his hits.

In truth, the musical segment lasted far too long and was confusingly introduced. In London’s West End, where it is due to open next year, "Moonshadow" could go down a storm. In front of an audience who had come to hear Islam trawl his back catalogue, it was never going to work.

The bulk of the audience, however, remained for a final segment of the show that began on shaky ground – they groaned as Islam introduced more new songs and pulled a plucky Sullivan back on to duet – but ended on a high with a lengthy, rocky rendition of "Peace Train".

As fans began to file out, Islam had to halt them with the promise of a second encore. During a spine-tingling "Father and Son", he was joined by an unshaven Ronan Keating and the crowd roared with delight. Home-time then was happy, though this gig was a bumpy ride.

Tour continues at the NIA, Birmingham (Nov 23), Echo Arena, Liverpool (Dec 5), Royal Albert Hall, London (Dec 8). Details: www.yusufislam.com

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