Cliff Richard - Not Fade Away

  by Bob Nicholson

published: 12 / 4 / 2022

Nick Dent-Robinson’s article, ‘As Years Go By’ about ageing rock stars, gave me pause to think. All those legends either no longer here or admitting to the realities and opting for retirement. Marianne Faithful in a retirement home, the shock magnified because I saw her in 1965 at our local Lancashire ballroom, the Nelson Imp, and was mesmerised (it wasn’t just by her singing!). What does that mean for my favourite artist? It is very likely that I will not see Cliff Richard perform live in concert again. That realisation came slowly, almost reluctantly, to me last September after enjoying the Manchester date on the Great 80s Tour. It had been a pleasure to be in the company of the Cliff family of fans, of course. Even so, I had the impression that night that this tour could, perhaps should, be his last. With no new album to promote (the tour was delayed by the pandemic), the set list was a mix of favourites and lesser known tracks from his albums. It was a feel-good concert for the fans, with many songs to sing along to. Aren’t they all, you might say? Yet previous tours had included innovative presentation and unexpected, challenging material in a longer set. He’s pushed the boundaries of his concerts relentlessly throughout his career. This one didn’t feel like that. It felt contained, controlled. The final song, ‘Golden’, was poignant in that the sentiment is a thank you to the fans for their loyalty, love and support. The show was very enjoyable but it was a 7/10 for me when I have seen so many 10/10 concerts. As Nick Dent-Robinson notes, most of the hit makers of the Fifties and Sixties are retired or have passed on. Billy Fury, The Everly Brothers, Elvis, Eddie Cochrane and many more rockers still have fans who remain devoted, enjoying the music through Facebook groups, YouTube videos, their vinyl and CDs and even tribute artists to echo the originals. The few who remain pace themselves sensibly. Not many tour every year and provide a full concert themselves. The Hollies come to mind as an exception having toured every year since formation. Albert Lee loves it too much to give it up. Elton is on a three year final tour but he’s younger than most. The Rolling Stones roll but not every year, similarly Paul McCartney. Cliff’s longevity in contrast has allowed him to become the only artist to have top 5 albums in eight – eight –consecutive decades. I was eleven when ‘Move It’ moved me. Tommy Steele was dust for me after that. We Brits now had someone to challenge the Americans. And so he has. I’ve had the original British rocker for sixty four years. What an inspired choice I made as school friends followed Elvis or Buddy or The Everlys. I have been lucky to follow an artist who has always been available, always competed, outlasted so many contemporaries (see my 'Cliff v Elvis' article on www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk) and has always been accessible. Not for Cliff the remunerative comeback tours relying on back catalogue (nothing wrong with that) because he’s never been away. But now he will be. Time rushes past. Cliff’s at the wrong end of life and so am I. That’s an uncomfortable feeling shared, I daresay, by any music fan watching their favourite fading. Not everyone sees it like that. Some contributors to a Cliff fan Forum on FB claimed it was the best tour ever. No, honestly, it wasn’t. Devotion shouldn’t blind us to reality. If the G80s Tour is the last, I have so many wonderful performances to remember. Cliff with The Shadows, first seen by me in 1962, were unique and ground-breaking. My favourite period, though, was from 1976 to 1986 with the band that called themselves Thunder, a collection of session musicians who stayed together for Cliff work, in the studio and on tour. They included three backing singers arranged by and including Tony Rivers. The whole ensemble was different class. The Silver Tour, celebrating twenty five years remains my stand out favourite of that period. So much else though: the From a Distance concerts at Wembley Stadium, reunions with The Shadows including The Final Tour, Heathcliff, The Young Ones, Summer Holiday, so many memories remain strong (I’m glad to say!). How do I feel? I suppose I am experiencing a sense of loss, something that has been part of my life for most of my life. For many of us, interest in the artist extends beyond the music. Their outlook, morals, ethical positions, opinions inform us about who they are, for good or ill. Cliff has been like a silent fourth brother to add to my family three. He has often exasperated me over the years but rewarded my loyalty with his work and his outlook on life. The absence of news about future plans is already frustrating. Now I have to recognise there is no looking forward, only looking back. How much worse, then, for fans of the retired and departed. Is my sadness due to losing a key touchstone of my life as Cliff retreats, better to look after himself? Or is it me recognising I’m on the same path? Elvis fans deified him and turned him into a myth. There’s no danger of me doing the same as regards Cliff. He’s still here. If we are to lose seeing Cliff on tour, I hope nevertheless that he keeps recording, that Warner will keep the faith and release another album. His voice is in good shape. We are out here eager to consume. - Rock on, Cliff!

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