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John Aizlewood's rating
, Rock ’n’ roll he ain’t, but Cliff Richard charms the not-so Young Ones
By
John Aizlewood
29 Sep 2009
For all Sir Cliff Richard’s aversion to musical edge, his 250-million sales over 50 years and the remarkably unprobing ride he’s been given — witness Piers Morgan’s simpering recent effort — the man who will be 69 in a fortnight remains as insecure as an acne-ridden schoolgirl on prom night. As such, he attempted to ban reviewers from two of his three 02 dates.
Quite what he had to fear remains a mystery. Last night’s 160-minute 41-song, apparently final reunion with his second major backing group The Shadows ignored the last 33 years, bar three covers from their current (and current Number 6) album.
“People forget we’re a rock ’n’ roll band,” explained Richard before Nine Times Out Of Ten, oblivious to being unable to rock nor roll, despite seeing himself as the Cheshunt Elvis.
Naturally, Cliff’s insistence on being Cliff meant he didn’t make things easy for himself. A well-observed, thoughtful speech berating pop’s X Factorisation was ruined by being delivered in a manner that would have been patronising were it not so prissy.
And, although he engendered unrelenting, tea-party-esque affection, as befits an act whose fans throw teddy bears rather than knickers on stage, he is an excitement-free zone.
Thrills were the preserve of The Shadows, who for 20 minutes each half, pumped up the volume, unfurled their trademark snail’s-pace choreography and hurtled through some of their hits. Teeth whiter than white and blessed with nifty comic timing, Hank Marvin is unquestionably the most influential British guitarist.
Even at 67, the Jehovah’s Witness showed he can still tingle spines on Wonderful Land and Atlantis. Yet Richard, the perennial outsider if not quite the maverick he thinks he is, has not survived and prospered through good fortune alone.
His voice was never soulless, indeed there was almost gravitas on Visions, but give him a friendly, conversational song which nobody could possibly dislike — such as In The Country, Summer Holiday, Living Doll or The Young Ones — and he delivered it perfectly, while evoking a more innocent, post-rationing, pre-three-day-week, coffee bar Britain.
Even the surely peculiar-even-in-1962 Bachelor Boy (a rare Richard co-write) had a spring in its step and they rather brilliantly re-invented and de-rocked Elvis Presley’s All Shook Up by slowing it down, playing it acoustically and drenching it in harmonies.
As history will probably say of Richard’s entire career: not that bad.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (25)
Spot on post by Jargonaut, South London. Just seen them last night at Rod Laver Arena. Absolutely AWESOME! Quote, John Aizlewood: "Last night’s 160-minute 41-song, apparently final reunion with his second major backing group The Shadows ignored the last 33 years, bar three covers from their current (and current Number 6) album." End Quote. Thats right dummy...they played all the HITS that everyone wanted to hear, just like the Eagles, Stones and every other credible (you do know the meaning that) band would do to please their fans.
- Col, Australia, 14/02/2010 03:40
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Dawn,,says it all..i rarely go to concerts..this event...i saw the Wembley Arena show...was more than just the music...great though it was...it was a homage to a major part of the early sixties...it can be argued Cliiff and the Shads..kickstarted the sixties into what we now remember...their influence on many acts that followed cannot be overestimated...its not a suprise that the worlds most valuable Guitar is "owned " by Bruce welch...and that each member of the shads has such a significant CV...check them out..
I would like to see any critic perform a similar gig pushing 70...i was entertained and moved...maybe i am to sentimental ...
- Ed Abbott, Manningtree Essex, 26/10/2009 23:06
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First saw Cliff and Shads in 1962 at the Capital Cardiff. They were amazing ..pure rock 'n roll. Saw them next same year I saw the Stones in mid sixties, they were still amazing, seen them off and on together or as individual acts over the years. Will see them this year, same year as I have hust seen U" and Sterophonics, and I bet they will be amzing.
- Gwen, wales, 16/10/2009 08:48
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I'm 18 and i love cliff, i went to the glasgow show on the 10th and it was brilliant as expected, out of this world. Cliff is my favourite male singer and yes i love his late 50s and 60s recordings the most but that's because i'm an oldie, not his fault. Cliff learnt to move with the times and over 50 yrs later he is still here entertaining his fans, idiots from today can't even last 5 years. I am so sick of people putting cliff down. You that insult him do not know anything about him, too busy reading the trash about him in papers and believing everything they write. Cliff/shads outshines them all. Cliff is a fantastic singer who has many styles to his voice so dreamy or so rock 'n' roll, no other male could sing for instance the classic 60s ballads like the next time or whatever like he can. He is an honest, genuine, kind, funny,handsome, down to earth person who is versatile and unique and gives to charity, the list is endless. Please don't think it's just people in their 50s and 60s in the audience because there isn't just because im 1 of the young ones. Take note - his shows are all sell outs. He is britains best and most successful singer and my favourite male singer and there's nothing that anyone can say that's going to change that wheather you like him or not. The shadows are the best instrumentalists in the world. Anyone that doesn't like Cliff, keep it to yourself because i'm so sick of hearing the same old same old and cliff you look great. Cliff, you're the best.
- Samantha, Glasgow, UK, 16/10/2009 01:25
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All I can say about the unfair negative criticisms about Cliff and the Shadows, is don't knock them until you have seen the show!! Cliff is an outstanding performer and adored by fans all over the world. This tour with the Shadows is amazing, who else could sell out all these venues at the age of nearly 70!! Their energy, enthusiasm and professionalism is outstanding. I don't know anyone of any age who could not enjoy this performance, it has the "feel good factor". So to all you critics out there, give Cliff and his Shadows a chance and at least attend his almost three hour brilliant concert before posting all your negative comments - you might even enjoy yourself!!!
- Devil Woman, North East England, 01/10/2009 20:20
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What you've got to remember is, Cliff would sing to a herd of cows given the chance. Look at what happened at Wimbledon, everyone sitting there minding their own business and up pops this squawking old has been cliffy and bores them to death with his mundane ditties. Lots of the tennis stars said afterwards, we were praying he would give it a rest, shut up and go home.
- James, Manchester England, 01/10/2009 17:08
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Absolutely brilliant - loved Cliff and the Shadows - always have. Have seen Cliff many times - but never with the shadows and his early music, loved it.
My daughter took me there, loved it - very special - years ago in Wimbledon on her way to school at a recording studio where we live, she saw him and got me his autograph - well done Cliff and the Shadows on your re-union. xx
- Hazel Smith, Tadworth Surrey, 30/09/2009 21:34
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What a fantastic gig that must have been, sixty thousand pensioners tripping over their walking stick and frames. I wish old has beens like Batchelor boy who has had his day, would leave the stage to up and coming young performers. I wonder if its all to do with greed? after all it is well known that cliffy has short hands and long pockets, in others words he is a tight wad.
Get off the stage old man and give a few quid to charity.
- James, Manchester England, 30/09/2009 16:30
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Cliff was the original British rock and roll and he is a pioneer of it. He is a good singer. And he is not a Jehovah's Witness now but was once and is now a born-again Christian and a member of the Church of England.
- Kim, USA, 30/09/2009 15:25
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I've never been a particular fan of Cliff, preferring instead to unmistakable sound of The Shadows. Clearly Marvin is and will always be one of the UK's most talented guitarists.
At the O2 however they paired together like strawberries and cream. To be able to perfom at this level when approaching the age of seventy earns the right to give the odd opinion or two.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
- Paul, Belfast, 30/09/2009 14:37
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The fact that people would pay good money to hear this fluffy old age pensioner croaking through his forty year old hits, says it all. The old boy has no shame.
- James, Manchester England, 30/09/2009 12:07
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Definately never been A Sir Cliff fan, always admired the Shadows. However saw them all at 02 on Saturday, The Shadows were great as expected but I will never criticise Cliff again he was excellent, The whole Show was oustanding. As for the mention of the The X Factor, Cliff was spot on.
Ask the 60,000 who attended the 02 over 3 nights ?
- Graham Wilkinson, Little Wakering, Essex, UK, 30/09/2009 07:41
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I was at two of the 02 concerts and Cliff was the star for me. You don't last for fifty years unless you have talent and he has it in bucketloads. While this concert had us all wallowing in nostalgia, it kept Cliff trapped in the material of the first ten years of his recording career when I'm sure he was desperate to escape into his more recent recordings such as the material in the Something's Goin On album. The old stuff is great fun for one or two concerts but remember that Cliff managed quite nicely for forty years after splitting from The Shadows. This concert was just for old time's sake. I personally prefer to see Cliff perfom on his own and not have to leave the stage for two great swathes of the concert time. Found my mind wandering during The Shadows' sets and couldn't wait for Cliff to come back out front where he belongs.
- Christine Griffiths, GLASGOW UNITED KINGDON, 29/09/2009 23:37
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He must still be doing something right because people are still buying tickets for his concerts and they sell out immediately. Can you see the likes of Lilly Allen still performing in 50 years time because I can't. She'll probably be on the checkout at Asda or the like!
- Sue Van Der Veen, Hextable. Kent. UK, 29/09/2009 21:38
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saw Cliff at 02 Arena on Friday. Well say I saw him but as a 2 cm figure on stage with all freaking out around due to the death defying slope and drop of seats! Was very cross that only one screen at the back of him on stage was used and from the shoulders up. Would have thought an investment would have been put in to allow his fans to see him in full such as screens all round the arena . Was not a show that left me thrilled and not a patch on his 1999 Brirmingham NEC gig
- Patricia Mould, bromley england, 29/09/2009 21:13
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Grrrrrr. The awful little god botherer gives me the creeps.
- Kerry, Purley, 29/09/2009 19:55
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I took my parents to the concert as a anniversary present and also my 6 year old son. Both generations had a fantastic time - Cliff and the Shadows are timeliess. Their talent amazing to see and experience.
A wionderful evening for three generations of my family.
- Anna, London UK, 29/09/2009 19:47
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I have never been a fan of this bloke but, the group he is associated with, the Shadows are one of my favorites but only THEIR music and no singing by Richards.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK, 29/09/2009 18:34
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Cliff Richard and the Shadows were the first British Rock band we ever heard on our radio stations in Canada. Their influence was huge. Ever generation since has had its own take on what constitutes Rock. This sound was ours and it was the original. The fact the group are still entertaining to sold out venues should be celebrated. Congratulations to Cliff and the guys on 50 years!
- Marilyn, Morden, Canada, 29/09/2009 18:08
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Saw this amazing concert at the 02 last night and witnessed plenty of 'young ones' there too! A good mixed audience, ALL thoroughly enjoying the concert. I personally think it was Cliff's best concert in many a year, it was a real treat to hear all the early hits and of course The Shadows up there on stage with him. These guys have stood the test of time, 51 years and still as brilliant as they were at the start. Breathtaking! Thank you Cliff and The Shadows for proving that real talent does still exist. You're the best !
- Dawn, Kent, 29/09/2009 18:08
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The guy is nearly 70 for heavens sake - and still puts on a great, entertaining show featuring hit after hit, which, I promise you, hardly any of todays pop stars will be capable of doing in 50 years time because they won't have a half-century's worth of hits to call upon.
Yes he can be a little preachy at times, but he's a showbiz phenomenon who has lasted longer than Elvis and the Beatles. Some of todays pop singers don't even realise they are in showbusiness.
If it's visceral, ear-bleeding excitement you want, go and see a thrash metal band, but don't criticise the guy for delivering a three hour show in which he did exactly what his fans, who actually paid for their tickets, expected and enjoyed.
- Jargonaut, South London, 29/09/2009 18:02
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Yes Jon. And I remember stumping up half a crown (12.5p) to go and get a gallon of petrol to reclaim Hank's Vauxhall when it ran out of juice while he was playing the Albert Hall
We all enjoyed it
Hank still charms the pants of a Fender!
- Rod, Berwick UK, 29/09/2009 16:50
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Cliff = Eden Cane, say no more. Anyone remember an evening standard headline saying'' Dusty Springfield and Eden Cane to marry'' The strange thing is, they never went throught with it, I wonder why? they were such a beautiful couple.
- James, Manchester England, 29/09/2009 16:21
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I remember as if it was yesterday when Cliff walked into the Two I's with his mother looking for that first real exposure to the music world and then that first night of fame at the Trocadero, Elephant and castle. Before they became the Shadows, Hank Bruce and Myself went and pawned my watch so that we could eat a cheese and pickle sandwich. They were the days of change and it was a much better world then. Exciting but innocent. All music, love,and dreams. At least we have our memories. Thanks guys. You were (and still are) the greatest.
- Jon Vickers, S.C.USA, 29/09/2009 14:05
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Never been a fan of Cliff, don't particularly like his type of music, but he's always going to be more "Rock n Roll" than novelty acts like Lilly Allen, Robbie Williams ever will be.
- Al Stuart, ealing, 29/09/2009 11:40
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