Cliff Richard Admits ‘I Might Be Dead Next Year’ in Heartfelt Tour Update
Cliff Richard, the beloved “Peter Pan of Pop,” has given his fans a heartfelt and emotional update ahead of his upcoming tour. In a candid reflection on his career and his age, Richard confessed that he might soon have to quit touring, admitting that at 85, his body and voice are starting to feel the toll of a long and illustrious career.
The iconic “Summer Holiday” singer, who has entertained millions with his music and signature dance moves, acknowledged the difficulties of touring as he prepares for his Australia and New Zealand tour, followed by a return to the UK in November 2025, just one month after his 85th birthday.
“I don’t want to be an 85-year-old guy trying to be 18,” Richard confessed, referencing the hip thrusts and energetic performances that made him famous in his youth. Known for his ability to defy the passage of time with his youthful spirit, Richard, however, admitted that the energy and stamina required for touring are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. He revealed that touring had begun to take a toll on him, especially as he gets older.
Reflecting on his future in music, Richard said, “The thing I would have to give up probably at some time is touring. It’s very wearing, and you never know when you wake up in the morning whether your voice is still there.” When asked if his Can’t Stop Me Now tour could be his farewell tour, Richard responded with uncertainty, admitting that it’s something he hasn’t fully decided.
“I don’t know. I might be dead the next year! So I don’t even think about it anymore. It’s one of those things. As I get older, maybe I’ll become less able to perform, so I can’t say…” he added, speaking candidly about the unpredictable nature of life as he ages.
Despite the challenges of aging, Richard remains hopeful that he can still perform some of his trademark dance moves that first won over fans in the 1950s. The entertainer, known for his energetic performances, has plans to incorporate some choreography into his upcoming shows, including a routine to his 1962 hit “Do You Want to Dance”, which he recorded with his former band Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
“I used to move around a heck of a lot,” Richard recalled. “There was a period when I would get four girl dancers, four guy dancers, and I used to dance with them.” Though he acknowledged he might not be able to move as freely as he once did, Richard is still eager to incorporate dance into his show, saying, “What I don’t want to be is an 85-year-old trying to be 18. So, I can still move on stage, and that’s what I do. I’ve got two backing singers, two guys, and they can dance, they can act, they can sing, they can play instruments.”
Richard plans to discuss with his team during rehearsals whether it will be possible to incorporate a few dance steps into his performance of “Do You Want to Dance.” He remarked that while he may not be able to keep up with his younger self, he is still incredibly excited to perform for his fans. “I like singing now. I’m as excited now as I was when I came [to New Zealand] last time,” he said.
Despite the physical challenges, Richard remains passionate about connecting with his fans, calling them “family” as he reflected on the bond he shares with the members of his band. “We’re friends and almost a family when we’re on tour,” Richard shared. “So we’ll try and do something that will make it look as though I’m 18! But I’m not.”
With more than 260 million records sold globally, Richard is undoubtedly one of the most successful and beloved artists in the world. He holds the record for performing 32 dates at the Royal Albert Hall and is the only artist to have a top 5 album in eight different decades.
Even as he contemplates the end of his touring career, Richard has previously expressed his desire to continue performing into his 90s. “I have no plans to retire,” he said in the past, emphasizing that his love for performing and connecting with his fans keeps him going.
As Richard continues his Can’t Stop Me Now tour, his fans are eager to see him perform live once again, even if it may be one of his final tours. For now, the Peter Pan of Pop is still very much alive in both spirit and song, leaving fans with a sense of appreciation for his incredible contribution to music and entertainment.