REVIEW: Cliff Richard 60th Anniversary Tour
REVIEW: Cliff Richard 60th Anniversary Tour
SSE Arena, Belfast
Sun 30 September, 2018
On the third performance of his 60th Anniversary Tour, this was a nostalgic night of music and memories in what was a timely and significant celebration of Cliff Richard’s amazingly successful career.
Having released 103 albums plus 123 singles and having spent the equivalent of 20 continuous years in the UK charts, the show’s set list was never going to do justice to his many musical achievements or to be a choice that would be approved by everyone … simply too many hits to be squeezed into a single evening.
Instead, he opted for a chronological musical journey through the decades with over two dozen hit songs both for himself or – to put everything in perspective – by others who had either influenced him in his early career or for whom he has had great respect.
These included an opening section featuring Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis Presley), Peggy Sue (Buddy Holly), Wake Up Little Susie (Everly Brothers), before later giving a nod to The Beatles, Art Garfunkel and Michael Jackson with versions of Love Me Do, Bright Eyes and Beat It respectively.
Backed on stage for over two hours by a musically tight 7-piece band of musicians, the 77 year old star (soon to be 78!) first appeared wearing tight leather trousers and sported numerous jacket changes throughout the evening to suit the featured era.
His early single release, Move It, and his first ever chart-topper, Living Doll, were included in the 1950s section of the show, closely followed by five of his No 1 singles in the 1960s segment, including his film hits, Summer Holiday and The Young Ones, plus The Next Time, The Minute You’re Gone and Congratulations.
Just to show that he is not perfect, Cliff’s small ‘senior moment’ when he (not once, but twice!) forgot the words of The Minute You’re Gone was well received by the large crowd and in a case of ‘third time lucky’ was aptly followed by Congratulations.
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His 1970s hits were represented by Miss You Nights and Devil Woman in this tightly choreographed and partly scripted show, which was peppered with anecdotes, good humour and tongue-in-cheek dance moves throughout.
After the interval, Daddy’s Home and the evening’s biggest sing-a-long, Mistletoe & Wine, were amongst the hits from the 1980s, while the 1990s was highlighted by such songs as From A Distance, The Millennium Prayer and All I Have To Do Is Dream.
Three songs from his new album, Rise Up, followed – the title track, Reborn and Miracle Of Love (could be this year’s Christmas hit!) – before a finale mash-up of Reelin’ And Rockin’ and My Kinda Life and the encore choice of his biggest-selling hit, We Don’t Talk Anymore.
It must have been a bitter-sweet experience for Britain’s ‘ultimate pop star’ as he took to the stage again so soon after an unimaginable and horrendous few years in his personal (and, sadly, public) life.
For this, I, like many, have even greater respect for the man – both as an artist and as a fellow human being who has always suffered humiliation and discrimination because of his religious beliefs from the media.
After 60 successful years in the business, we say ‘thank you’ for the memories, Sir Cliff, and a BIG Congratulations!
Damien Murray
Full photo gallery here
Photography by Tremaine Gregg
Just tell him hello, from Kathryn x Thank you. He has my number!
Great article Cliff is super finally Somebody that Sees that. 60 Year guess he did something right .
I was also at the concert. What a wonderful evenings entertainment. I have listened to cliff for most of my 45 years. He’s still as good today as he ever was. Those jeans were well just amazeing. But we have to remember just because someone is famous and in the public eye. We don’t own them. They have a life too and deserve respect and privacy when it’s required. Cliff is a very brave man and fought his corner not just for himself but for everyone. I take my hat off to him. Sundaynights concert has left me excited for What a coming next.
He is wonderful i have followed his concerts for last 30years even got my man coming along last few years He gives such a great concert is a very warm loving man he deserves credit to do what he does best cant wait to see him in a few weeks at Brighton bring it on hope he keeps doing concerts for a while longer
What a marvellous performance Cliff gave his fans on Sunday night. He’s a real pro and marvellous performer giving his all to his fans . At almost 78 he is totally amazing . If only more in the industry were like him – a man of faith and integrity . Long may you reign Sir Cliff and rhank You for an unforgettable night. Till the next time !
Thank you for such a great review, just what Cliff needs x
He is just a wonderful performer his show was magic in Killarney where he started his show he was very kind to me after one of the rehearsals he stopped and talked with me it was a very very cold day thank you Cliff great memory
Wonderful review ,having not seen the show as yet but looking forward to seeing him this week and at the RAH on his bis 78th birthday ,I have followed and admired Cliff on this wonderful journey for 60 years I am a very proud fan an love this man for not only his talent as an artist but as a human being he is humble very sincere and stays true to himself and his beliefs ..I salute you Sir Cliff and long may you reign .
I’ve followed this Man from the start as a young teenager myself…..I’ve loved him from the beginning….I live in Australia 🇦🇺 but I’ve been to the Uk 🇬🇧 a few times to see him in Concert, this year I went to Portugal just so I could have a photo with him…… Cliff is a great caring, generous and loving human being and a Wonderful entertainer …..I pray he’ll be entertaining us for many years to come …..God Bless him for all the pleasure he’s given his fans……He has my Love and Support Always
Thank you for a great .,honest review . He will never be equalled . How many “stars “will have his longevity ? None I think .
Cliff is an inspiration to us all, 77 almost 78 & moves about like someone 20 years younger. His concerts are amazing, he looks amazing too. Know one ever doubted him for a second.
Cliff you are a legend & I love you now & always.
Gill
xxxx
Cliff is an inspiration to us all, 77 almost 78 & moves about like someone 20 years younger. His concerts are amazing, he looks amazing too. Know one ever doubted him for a second.
Cliff you are a legend & I love you now & always.
Gill
xxxx
Loved the Concert on Sunday evening – Cliff was amazing, you’ve captured the essence of the evening in your review. Thank you to Cliff and to you too.
Thank you Damien for your considered review. Cliff has always been the most incredible entertainer, inspiring his fans every step of the way. I have followed Cliff for 46 years and get to as many concerts as I possibly can (without breaking the bank!) Everything he does is just amazing, but what always fills me with such warmth is the amount of love transmitted around the arenas, not just from every single one of his fans, but also from him back to the fans. So excited about seeing Cliff in Brighton in a couple of weeks; my whole world will go on hold for a couple of hours!
Enjoyed the show in Belfast but thought it was not as good as his 50th anniversary show. The 50th had so much more variation with dancers etc. Cliff just did not seem himself.
Thanks Damien Murray, and thanks to Cliff for his music – all these years – one of very few things that’s so right when everything elses go wrong!
Thank you for this great and true review.