Cliff Richard
Cliff Richard is one of the UK's biggest and most enduring music artists having a enjoyed a career that has spanned over fifty years.
He was back on the road this year with The Soulicious Tour and a performance from the O2 is the focus of a new DVD.
We caught up with Sir Cliff to talk about being back on tour, working with other artists and what lies ahead.
- The Soulicious Tour DVD came out today. Going back to that show at the 02, how was it?
It was a magical experience, even though it was a short tour. We did 8 dates altogether and I really wish we could have done more. If I’d had my way we would have, but we only conceived the idea of the tour in March this year and usually you have to book much longer ahead to get the venues you need.
Having said that I was thrilled with how it went. Sharing the stage with astonishing singers like Freda Payne, James Ingram and all the others has been a privilege and I know my fans have loved hearing us perform the soul classics, along with brand new songs and of course their favourites of mine.
In a way I can’t believe it’s over as we became like a family. In fact Freda emailed me last week to say she misses the tour and everyone on it!
- You had a number of collaborations, including Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr and Percy Sledge - did any stand out?
I can’t single any of them out - all of them were amazing and brought their individual magic to every single song on that tour.
I feel so lucky and honoured that these incredible, legendary singers agreed to join me. Well there is one thing that stands out, in a funny way.
Freda Payne did leave her mark by leaving her lipstick on my face every night because she’d kiss me on stage after we sang our duet 'Saving A Life'. So there I was, having to wipe her bright pink lipstick off my face in front of the whole O2 audience!
- How was the tour itself? What do you try to bring with your live shows?
The tour was sensational. And it looked sensational too. It’s funny because although I knew we had an amazing opening sequence with the stars and planets in a kind of projection, it’s only recently I’ve actually seen it properly when I watched the DVD myself!
It’s always great to do something new and fresh on every tour. On the Soulicious tour I had some amazing duets, as you know, but also I had the most fantastic backing singers and dancers.
- The duets made an appearance on your Soulicious album. Were you pleased with how the record ended up?
I was completely thrilled with the album. Soul music is something I always wanted to record and perform. The fact that some of the most famous soul singers in the world wanted to join me was a dream come true.
Most of it was recorded in Memphis and you definitely feel that a special musical energy there. It’s incredible to think that it’s my 41st top ten UK hit album. I can’t wait to record my 42nd!
- What was it like working with Lamont Dozier and David Gest?
It was all David Gest’s idea! He was executive producer. I’m so lucky he has these amazing ideas and the energy to put them together.
He was terrific. As for Lamont as producer - it was a total thrill for me to work AND share a stage with someone so integral to the original Motown sound.
That man is responsible for some of the most memorable songs in the world, ever! I was so pleased when he agreed to join us on the Soulicious tour.
- You've duetted on a lot of songs over the years actually, from Hank Marvin and Janet Jackson, through to Lulu and Barry Gibb in more recent years - is that collaboration something you enjoy and can see yourself doing more of?
Of course. I’d love to collaborate with more artists. Whether it be new artists like Rihanna or Adele, or with old friends.
But you know, they would have to want to do it too! I’m always open to new ideas, new songs and would love to duet again some day soon.
- The Soulicious Tour saw you combining tracks from that album with the hits, naturally - do you still enjoy those just as much?
Completely. I never tire of singing my old hits. They are part of me and part of the lives of my audience, and it always excites me to perform them live.
You can always add a little something new and fresh to them when you perform them on stage which makes it special for me and for the fans.
- You've had diverse sounds across your career - how do you see yourself as an artist?
Very lucky, mainly - in that I have enjoyed such longevity. I’ve never stood still and I have always enjoyed exploring music and its different sounds.
And I have always pushed myself in my career with new challenges like film acting, dancing and performing in musicals. I am always looking forward to the next project.
- How do you see the changing face of the music industry?
It’s changed so much from when I first started out. When I was young I was lucky in that I had managers and record company people work with me to achieve success and, in time, a long career.
It’s so different now in that artists are expected to get that number one straight away instead of working their way up, and it’s not their fault. I’d like to see young artists be nurtured more and given good advice. It’s so hard for young artists to start out now.
- How did your conversion to Christianity affect your outlook on your career?
It made me realise how lucky I have been when so many people - and artists- have fallen in life. I believe in God and that gives me a strength to hold on to. In fact it doesn’t make sense to me not to believe in God .
It doesn’t make sense to me that everything is an accident. I thank God everyday for what I have and I am grateful.
- Looking towards the end of the year, I'd assume you'll be taking a bit of a break now - how will you be spending Christmas?
Yes I’ll be flying back to my house in Portugal soon for a long break. I’ll be spending Christmas with some friends there relaxing.
- What are your plans for 2012?
Judging by the reaction to the Soulicious tour- I’m seriously thinking I would love to do a Soulicious tour 2 - with all the songs from the album I couldn’t fit on this tour and more besides!
I am always ready for the next challenge. All I can say is 'watch this space'. I’m always looking forward.
The Soulicious Tour DVD is out now
FemaleFirst Alistair McGeorge
Cliff Richard is one of the UK's biggest and most enduring music artists having a enjoyed a career that has spanned over fifty years.
He was back on the road this year with The Soulicious Tour and a performance from the O2 is the focus of a new DVD.
We caught up with Sir Cliff to talk about being back on tour, working with other artists and what lies ahead.
- The Soulicious Tour DVD came out today. Going back to that show at the 02, how was it?
It was a magical experience, even though it was a short tour. We did 8 dates altogether and I really wish we could have done more. If I’d had my way we would have, but we only conceived the idea of the tour in March this year and usually you have to book much longer ahead to get the venues you need.
Having said that I was thrilled with how it went. Sharing the stage with astonishing singers like Freda Payne, James Ingram and all the others has been a privilege and I know my fans have loved hearing us perform the soul classics, along with brand new songs and of course their favourites of mine.
In a way I can’t believe it’s over as we became like a family. In fact Freda emailed me last week to say she misses the tour and everyone on it!
- You had a number of collaborations, including Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr and Percy Sledge - did any stand out?
I can’t single any of them out - all of them were amazing and brought their individual magic to every single song on that tour.
I feel so lucky and honoured that these incredible, legendary singers agreed to join me. Well there is one thing that stands out, in a funny way.
Freda Payne did leave her mark by leaving her lipstick on my face every night because she’d kiss me on stage after we sang our duet 'Saving A Life'. So there I was, having to wipe her bright pink lipstick off my face in front of the whole O2 audience!
- How was the tour itself? What do you try to bring with your live shows?
The tour was sensational. And it looked sensational too. It’s funny because although I knew we had an amazing opening sequence with the stars and planets in a kind of projection, it’s only recently I’ve actually seen it properly when I watched the DVD myself!
It’s always great to do something new and fresh on every tour. On the Soulicious tour I had some amazing duets, as you know, but also I had the most fantastic backing singers and dancers.
- The duets made an appearance on your Soulicious album. Were you pleased with how the record ended up?
I was completely thrilled with the album. Soul music is something I always wanted to record and perform. The fact that some of the most famous soul singers in the world wanted to join me was a dream come true.
Most of it was recorded in Memphis and you definitely feel that a special musical energy there. It’s incredible to think that it’s my 41st top ten UK hit album. I can’t wait to record my 42nd!
- What was it like working with Lamont Dozier and David Gest?
It was all David Gest’s idea! He was executive producer. I’m so lucky he has these amazing ideas and the energy to put them together.
He was terrific. As for Lamont as producer - it was a total thrill for me to work AND share a stage with someone so integral to the original Motown sound.
That man is responsible for some of the most memorable songs in the world, ever! I was so pleased when he agreed to join us on the Soulicious tour.
- You've duetted on a lot of songs over the years actually, from Hank Marvin and Janet Jackson, through to Lulu and Barry Gibb in more recent years - is that collaboration something you enjoy and can see yourself doing more of?
Of course. I’d love to collaborate with more artists. Whether it be new artists like Rihanna or Adele, or with old friends.
But you know, they would have to want to do it too! I’m always open to new ideas, new songs and would love to duet again some day soon.
- The Soulicious Tour saw you combining tracks from that album with the hits, naturally - do you still enjoy those just as much?
Completely. I never tire of singing my old hits. They are part of me and part of the lives of my audience, and it always excites me to perform them live.
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