Introduction:
After more than six decades of serenading global audiences with his timeless rock-and-roll classics, Sir Cliff Richard remains a force of music, charisma, and pure artistic endurance. This year, after a long twelve-year hiatus, Australian audiences will once again have the privilege of witnessing one of music’s greatest legends on his Can’t Stop Me Now tour. Speaking from his elegant manor just outside London, Sir Cliff radiated the same warmth, humor, and energy that have carried him through a remarkable 65-year career.
When greeted with a glowing introduction, Sir Cliff responded with a laugh, admitting even he was eager to meet “this incredible man” described on air. Yet behind the charm is a deeper truth—his longevity is no accident. When asked for his secret to staying relevant for so long, Sir Cliff spoke with heartfelt sincerity. “If we want to survive, we have to be in love with what we’re doing,” he explained. While many talented young artists fade after a few years, he believes that true endurance comes from constant reinvention, continual recording, and a commitment to presenting oneself to the world again and again. It is this dedication that has kept him shining long after his early contemporaries slipped out of the spotlight.
Despite the years, Sir Cliff insists he hasn’t changed much at all. The world may have shifted and evolved, but his passion remains exactly as sharp as it was when he first stepped into the spotlight with The Shadows. Though his original band is long retired, his current musicians are so devoted that they’ve joked about traveling to Australia for free if necessary. That loyalty speaks volumes.
Reflecting on his early career, Sir Cliff revisited the moment when he and The Shadows unknowingly created what many consider the first authentic British rock-and-roll sound. Their breakthrough hit “Move It,” recorded with his then-band The Drifters, carried a distinctly American edge that set them apart from other artists in the UK at the time. Though Sir Cliff modestly credits fellow pioneers like Marty Wilde and Billy Fury, cultural historians continue to recognize him as a driving force behind the musical shift that paved the way for giants like The Beatles.
The conversation grew tender when Sir Cliff spoke about the late Olivia Newton-John, a dear friend and collaborator. He recalled first seeing her perform with Pat Farrar and instantly recognizing something special. What began as an appreciation for their talent soon blossomed into a deep friendship forged on long tours across Europe and Japan. Traveling, living, and performing together created a bond that time—and even tragedy—could never erase. Her passing, he reflected, marks a profound loss not only for him, but for the world.
As the interview concluded, it was clear that Sir Cliff Richard remains more than an icon—he is a testament to passion, resilience, and the enduring power of music. This November, as he brings his Can’t Stop Me Now tour to Australia, fans will experience not just legendary hits, but the unstoppable spirit of a man who simply refuses to slow down.