Sir Cliff Richard, who is back on the road again with a handful of major pre-Christmas tour dates, reflects on decades of success, and what might be left still to come.
Turning 85 in October, Sir Cliff Richard could be forgiven for putting his feet up. Instead, he’s lacing up for another national tour this winter, with dates across Cardiff, Birmingham, Brighton, Bournemouth and two nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
“Touring is tougher now,” he admits, candidly. “You never quite know how your voice is going to behave from one day to the next. However, as long as I can walk out smiling and carry a tune, I’ll keep going.” He pauses, then adds, “That said, I know I won’t do this forever – so every performance means more.”
Cliff’s career began in 1958 with Move It, and he’s barely slowed down since. From Living Doll to Wired for Sound, We Don’t Talk Anymore to Mistletoe and Wine, the India-born star – real name Harry Webb – has had chart success in every decade since the ’50s. He has 14 UK number one hits to his name, over 250 million global record sales, and remains a permanent fixture of British pop culture. Yet he insists it’s been discipline, not luck, that has kept him not just active, but current.
“I had to give up all sorts – fried food, late nights, things I really enjoyed. I realised staying fit was the only way I could keep going. That, and vegetables,” he laughs. “It’s not glamorous, but it works.”
He’s philosophical about modern fame, too. “I see artists retiring and returning again and again. It’s usually not because they missed the stage – it’s because they ran out of money!
“I’d hate for anyone to say that about me. I want to bow out with dignity.”
Still, Cliff doesn’t view this tour – cheekily titled Can’t Stop Me Now – as a farewell. “No, no final bows just yet. I might slip away after one last Christmas show. That would feel right.”
The upcoming dates include two shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall – a venue Cliff calls “magical and humbling.” He adds, “You walk into places like that and feel the weight of history. They keep you honest.”
Creativity still burns bright. “I’m always thinking about new arrangements, new ways to interpret songs. Music has never been a job to me – it’s been a passion, a companion, and sometimes even therapy.” Reflecting on his career, he smiles. “I dreamed I was Elvis once,” he says. “I woke up slightly disappointed, but I still went out and gave it everything!”
