Sir Cliff Richard Brings Christchurch Town Hall to Its Feet with Electric Encore of “My Kinda Life” — A Celebration of Joy, Legacy, and Pure Showmanship
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND — If the main set of Sir Cliff Richard’s 2025 New Zealand performance at Christchurch Town Hall was a masterclass in longevity, grace, and vocal brilliance, the encore was something else entirely — a burst of pure joy that reminded everyone why Cliff remains one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved entertainers.
As the final notes of his scheduled set faded, the crowd of thousands erupted in cheers, stamping their feet and chanting his name — a sound so loud it seemed to shake the walls of the iconic venue. Cliff, now 85 but performing with infectious youthfulness, soon reappeared under the bright lights, flashing that familiar smile. Without a word, he stepped up to the microphone, the band kicked into a bright pop groove, and the audience instantly recognized what was coming.
“My Kinda Life.”
The moment the song began, the mood transformed. Fans — some of whom have followed Cliff’s career for more than six decades — leapt to their feet. Others clapped in rhythm, danced in the aisles, or sang along with the kind of enthusiasm usually heard at his concerts in the 1970s and 80s.
The energy in the hall was electric.
“My Kinda Life,” released in 1977, is one of Cliff’s most upbeat, feel-good hits — a song that captures the optimism and vibrancy that have always defined his career. But hearing it live in 2025, delivered with the same spark he brought to the stage nearly half a century ago, made the moment extraordinary.
Cliff moved with remarkable ease across the stage, pointing to fans, laughing, and even giving a playful hip-swing that drew cheers from every corner of the packed hall. His voice, still warm and strong, carried the melody effortlessly. The band behind him matched his energy, building the song into a celebration rather than just a performance.
If earlier in the night he had captivated audiences with emotional classics like “Miss You Nights” and soul-stirring moments like “Millennium Prayer,” this encore reminded everyone of another side of Cliff — the joyful hitmaker whose music inspired people to dance, smile, and live fully for more than six decades.
The Christchurch crowd gave as much as they received. During the chorus — “This is my kind of life…” — the hall echoed with thousands of voices singing along in unison. Cliff, clearly moved, paused between lines to take it in. At one point, he pressed his hand to his chest as if savoring the moment — a small gesture that spoke volumes.
What made the performance so powerful wasn’t just nostalgia. It was Cliff’s undeniable passion. At 85, he stands as one of the few artists whose concerts still radiate the thrill of live performance — not out of obligation, but out of genuine love for his craft and his audience. His encore proved that age has not diminished his spark; if anything, it has made it shine brighter.
The applause at the end of “My Kinda Life” became a roar. Fans waved, cheered, and applauded long after the final note. Cliff bowed deeply, thanked the audience with heartfelt sincerity, and took a moment to scan the room — as though imprinting the memory.
For those lucky enough to witness it, the encore was more than a concert moment.
It was a celebration of a life lived onstage, a reminder of the joy music brings, and a testament to the timeless connection between Sir Cliff Richard and audiences around the world.
Christchurch will remember it for years —
because on that night, in that hall, Cliff didn’t just perform.
He showed everyone exactly what his kind of life truly is.