Introduction:
At precisely 00:00:00, the cameras rolled and the familiar warmth of Today filled the screen—this time welcoming a man whose name has long been woven into the fabric of British music history. Sir Cliff Richard, a titan of the English music scene and one of its most enduring icons, has sold more than 250 million records since his astonishing debut back in 1958. Now, at 85 years old and still radiating the same spark that first captivated audiences nearly seven decades ago, Sir Cliff is back on tour in Australia. The atmosphere inside Sydney’s State Theatre last night was charged with nostalgia, admiration, and an unmistakable sense of privilege as he prepared to take the stage.
When greeted backstage, Sir Cliff appeared energized and at ease, a testament to the discipline and joy that keep him performing at this extraordinary stage of life. “I feel well, actually,” he said with a gentle smile. “And that’s one of the things that brought me here, because I thought if ever I don’t feel like it, it’s not going to look good.” But feeling well seems to be an understatement. He and his band rehearsed for a full month before embarking on this tour—a commitment grounded not in necessity, but in respect for audiences he has cherished for decades. “Australian audiences really are terrific,” he shared. “Everywhere we’ve been, it’s been so welcoming.”
Though he has sung his timeless hits countless times, Sir Cliff emphasized the importance of keeping them fresh. And fans will be delighted to know he begins right at the beginning—with Move It, the very first record he ever made at the age of 17. Released in 1958, it soared to number two on the charts on his 18th birthday. His memory for dates, milestones, and musical achievements remains immaculate, delivered with a mixture of pride and good humor.
Over the years, Sir Cliff has shared friendly territory with fellow British giants like Elton John and Robbie Williams. One particularly charming anecdote involved his now-famous singles Devil Woman and We Don’t Talk Anymore. His American label rejected them, but Elton John stepped in, insisting that if they didn’t want the songs, he would take them—and both became major hits in the United States.
In a world now dominated by streaming and Spotify metrics, Sir Cliff reflects thoughtfully on how the industry has evolved. Younger audiences may not realize the immense effort once required to release and sustain a successful single, but he speaks with admiration for the artists of today—especially Harry Styles, whose song “Sign of the Times” he praises as “fantastic.”
Still, for all his achievements, Sir Cliff remains grounded. He acknowledges his age but refuses to let it overshadow his passion. “What hasn’t changed in me is my desire to do the things I did earlier in my career, without trying to be 18 again,” he said. And through it all, he carries with him the memory of his beloved friend Olivia Newton-John, whom he described as “unforgettable” and deeply cherished.
At 85, Sir Cliff Richard continues not just to perform, but to inspire. Timeless, gracious, and unshakably dedicated, he remains a beacon in the world of music—proof that true artistry never ages.