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Cliff Richard, 79, admits thinking he 'wouldn't make it to 50' in surprise admission


Sir Cliff Richard, 79, is arguably one of the most iconic musicians from his time. But despite selling more than 250million records worldwide, even the best-selling artist didn’t believe he would make it past his 50th birthday.

With his 80th celebrations just around the corner, it seems the Summer Holiday hitmaker was very, very wrong.

And to enter the milestone in style, he’s doing so the best way he knows how – with music.

To mark he occasion, the performer is set to release a new album titled Music… The Air That I Breathe, which includes news songs and duets featuring Bonnie Tyler, The Bellamy Brothers, Sheila Walsh, The Piano Guys and Albert Hammond.

Ahead of the big day on 14 October, Sir Cliff reflected on his successful career.

READ MORE: Cliff Richard says he deserves priority time on the radio

“Looking back, I remember thinking that I wouldn’t make it to 50 and here I am at 80,” he said.

In the past, the musician has prided himself in not conforming to the usual rock ‘n’ roll shenanigans, previously telling the TV Times: “I’ve always maintained I’m the most radical rock ‘n’ roll singer Britain has ever seen.

“I was the only one who didn’t spit or swear or sleep around. I didn’t do drugs. I didn’t get drunk. I didn’t indulge in soulless sex.

“I’ve always felt comfortable with the decisions I’ve taken. I like being Cliff Richard.”

He was due to kick off his The Great 80 Tour this month, visiting Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Bournemouth and London’s Royal Albert Hall, but the on-going threat of coronavirus meant it had to be postponed.

Before his tour was cancelled, earlier this year Cliff vented his frustrations about how radio stations “snub” his music while prioritising younger stars, so tours are the only way to keep people interested.

Telling the Greatest Music of All Time podcast, he said: “Why will people download a record of mine if they don’t know it’s out?

“Those of us who have proven ourselves over and over and over again should be given a priority chance [on radio], even if it’s to say ‘We are going to play this record once a day for two weeks.’

“Without radio, there is nothing we can do other than go on tour, which is not only tiring, it gets less efficient as time goes by, the audiences get smaller.”

Cliff then continued: “We are all dying. Long-term fans may not be with us any more.”

But over lockdown, the 79-year-old proved he still has it by taking part in the Royal Albert Hall’s charity initiative to help support the iconic venue throughout the public health crisis.

Fans couldn’t get enough of his online performances and it’s safe to say that his next album will undoubtedly be a hit, too.





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