Cliff Richard Reflects on the Warmth of New Zealand Ahead of Long-Awaited Return for Shows
Cliff Richard, the British music icon with a career spanning more than six decades, is gearing up for a special return to New Zealand after nearly 12 years. Known for timeless hits such as Living Doll, We Don’t Talk Anymore, and his appearances in films like Summer Holiday and Wonderful Life, Sir Cliff has earned a place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide, selling over 250 million records.
Ahead of his upcoming New Zealand shows, Sir Cliff shared his excitement with Mike Puru on The Breeze, noting how long he’s been hoping to perform in the country again. “I’ve been trying to come back to New Zealand for a long time,” he said. Despite the challenges of touring, he fondly recalled past visits to the South Island, highlighting a memorable experience when he and his crew explored a mountain covered in ice except for one small pocket of blue water.
“We drank that water instead of the champagne we brought with us,” he joked, adding that his trips to New Zealand were always marked by the hospitality and warmth he received from fans. “The most important memory is the kind of reception you get when you open up on stage and you are made to feel at home.”
Sir Cliff was especially eager to reconnect with his dedicated New Zealand fanbase, mentioning his local fan club, run by a “fabulous lady called Katrina.” He humorously added, “I don’t know what she does to the fans, but she somehow makes them stay very, very much on my side.”
As for the highlights of his illustrious career, Sir Cliff reflected on the monumental achievement of receiving a knighthood. “Knighthoods were given to people who were in business or things like that, and who’d brought in masses of money to the country,” he explained. “Pop singers were not really on the list, so when I got that… oh my goodness, I could never have imagined being a knight.”
Cliff Richard’s return to New Zealand is highly anticipated, and his tour will kick off in Auckland on November 14 before heading to Wellington and Christchurch. His ability to captivate audiences, coupled with his endearing humility and gratitude for his fans, has made Sir Cliff Richard a beloved figure in the music world, ensuring that his performances in New Zealand will be nothing short of unforgettable.