Cliff Richard talks about parting with The Shadows and why he will always choose music over acting.
At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the singer and actor Cliff Richard speaks about a long career that began in the 1950s. His debut single 'Move It' released in 1958 with The Drifters (later known as The Shadows), became his first hit record. The instrumental rock group The Shadows, Hank Marvin, Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett, served as his backing band from 1958 to 1968.
No I don't miss them, but I do miss them personally.
Cliff Richard still performs reunion tours with The Shadows and enjoys the camaraderie instantly reignited when he joins them on stage.
That I miss a great deal.
Since parting ways with The Shadows, Cliff Richard has forged a contemporary career in which he finds different styles and works with many different musicians. The need for Cliff Richard to reinvent himself is accepted by his fanbase, whereas The Shadows public does not allow them to change their musical style.
The Shadows still have to go out and do what they’ve always done.
Moving into films seemed like a natural progression for Cliff Richard and his screen acting debut came in the 1959 B movie 'Serious Charge'. In this film, Cliff Richard performs three songs including 'Living Doll'. As 'Living Doll' went to number one in the charts, the film became a major movie because,
The public were just interested in coming to see this young idiot who sang 'Living Doll'.
While Cliff Richard is happy to act, music is his first love. He does not get the same thrill from acting on stage or screen, preferring the unique connection he makes with a concert audience.
I like my career.
This episode of ‘Video File’ was broadcast on 18 August 1989. The presenter is Marty Whelan.
‘Video File’ was a 30-minute programme featuring a different musical artist each week. The presenter was Marty Whelan. Marty was replaced as presenter by Gareth O’Callaghan in 1990. The programme ran until 1991. The first episode of ‘Video File’ was broadcast on 16 November 1984 and featured Nik Kershaw.
