Interview: Cliff Richard

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Cliff Richard has been in the pop charts over five decades, starred in films, been hailed as Britain’s answer to Elvis, and is still touring and releasing albums. He talks to Latest 7 about drugs, having children and Ridley Scott

If you hadn’t gone into a career in singing what could you see yourself doing?
“Music has always been a huge part of my life. I can’t really see myself doing anything else. Had I not been as successful as I was, I think I would have still found a way to be involved in the industry, whether that was writing or producing.
It just doesn’t seem possible to smother a passion and a desire to do what you love for a career.”

Do you regret not having children?
“Being completely honest, it’s never bothered me. My three sisters have children, and it’s been wonderful to watch them grow up, get married and start families of their own. I’ve made sure I’ve always played a part in their lives. So while I think I would have been a good father, I’ve given myself to my family and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My ‘freedom’ allows me to continue my career. Had I been married and with children I wouldn’t be able to do what I do now – I wouldn’t want to do what I do now.”

Are there any words of advice that you were given early on that have stayed relevant throughout your career?
“Yes, it was wise and sensible advice from my dad that I remember to this day. ‘If you don’t make it,’ he said when we were in danger of being carried away by all the initial madness, ‘there’s still a life to be lived.’ That was such timely, sound, “feet on the ground” advice. Just a little later came his other timeless wisdom: ‘If you really want this,’ he said soon after our success with ‘Move It’, ‘then give it your all’. I’ve been doing that ever since!”

How big a role does faith play in your life?
“It’s very much shaped who I am today. My faith has kept me sensible and shielded me from a lot of problems that someone with my ‘fame’ could have encountered. Not only that, it’s having that something extra in my life that drives me to keep physically and mentally fit.”

“…when I think back, I realise that the smell backstage wasn’t ‘herbal’ cigarettes!”

Do you think your faith has helped you avoid drugs and drink, which other stars can fall victim to?
“Growing up in the ‘50s, the world was a very different place. Drugs weren’t as commonplace as they are now, but they were still around. I just didn’t know what they were, and now when I think back, I realise that the smell backstage wasn’t ‘herbal’ cigarettes! After ten years in that environment, I started to think ‘is this how I’m going to end up?’ and I certainly didn’t want anything to cut my life short. I was having a fantastic time performing, I’d have been devastated if anything had stopped me living my dream.”

Do you have any vices?
“Well, none that I’d tell you about! Seriously, if enjoying a glass of champagne or red wine most nights is a vice, then I must hold my hands up. Of course, Vida Nova, which is produced at my vineyard in Portugal, is my favourite, and they do say that red wine is good for your heart. I rest my case!”

Can you see yourself ever retiring or stopping performing?
“I think I’d only ever consider it if my voice was to give up on me.  Performing puts a lot of pressure on the vocal chords, so if I ever thought I couldn’t give my fans the show they deserved, I’d stop singing.  But there have been many greats who sang until the end, and I would consider myself very lucky if I get to do what they did.”

What is your fondest memory from your career so far?
“Without a doubt, receiving a knighthood for services to music and charity. At first when I got the letter I couldn’t believe what it was saying. I think I ended up laughing for a good while out of sheer shock! But then, when I read it again, I realised it was actually happening. And what an honour. It gives me that added incentive to keep going for my fans (as I’m sure it was they who lobbied for me) which is why this summer will be a great time to get the dancing shoes back on!”

In a house fire, what item would you save first?
“My knighthood medal comes to mind, and a black and white photo of my mum and dad.”

You also had a very successful film career. If you were to appear in films again are there any directors or actors you would love to work with?
“The director I would love to work with is Ridley Scott, and just about any actor.”

You have some of the most loyal fans in the world, who have been with you for more than 50 years. Do you have a message for them?
“I never dreamed that I’d be around this long, and I have a very loyal fan base to thank for that. They have been, and still are, amazingly supportive and always so generous towards the various charitable projects I’m involved with. Many of the core fans seem to have merged into a giant international family, and this will be a great reunion!”

Cliff Richard – Midsummer Nights, Probiz County Cricket Ground, Saturday 15 June, £99/66/49.50, 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com