By CHERIE DONNELLAN
Surprising punters with his ability to mimic Cat Stevens singing Father and Son is part of the gig for Darren Coggan.
The singer/songwriter said his audiences usually loved Stevens’ music although few, including Coggan himself, knew what happened to the ‘70s folk star after he disappeared from the charts.
Curiosity sent Coggan delving into music history books to discover Stevens’ story of “personal discovery”.
His transition from musical sensation to converted Islamist and peace seeker piqued Coggan’s interest as a story-teller.
The result was his show, Peace Train: The Cat Stevens’ Story.
“Audiences come along expecting to hear great songs – 24 hits – but what they go away with is real understanding of a quite complex human being,” Coggan said.
“The show explores the motivation behind his songs.”
Coggan said he played acoustic versions of Stevens’ music because their “rawness” had “incredible power”.
Going acoustic also allowed him to mix his backgrounds in musical theatre and country music.
Coggan confided his show had brought patrons to tears.
“I was in Sydney just recently and we had a guy come up after the show. He was so emotional, he had been crying and crying.
“We got chatting and the guy was a Vietnam vet who had [Stevens record] Tea for the Tillerman with him in Vietnam.
“Every time he had the chance to put this record on and escape the horrors he did.”
“He gave me a big hug and it was a beautiful moment.”
Coggan was looking forward to bringing his show to Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) on 12 October.
“I’ve never performed at GPAC but it sounds like an amazing theatre.”
Coggan thinks the audience would appreciate his song selection, with Father and Son remaining his favourite.
“I think any parent can relate to it – I can and I have two beautiful children.
“The relationship between you and your children, those themes resonate forever.”
