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Cliff Richard on That Was Then, This Is Now: A Legend Reflects on Music, Time, and Connection
LONDON, UK – After more than six decades in the spotlight, Sir Cliff Richard is once again opening his heart to fans with his project That Was Then, This Is Now. Known for timeless hits like “Living Doll,” “We Don’t Talk Anymore,” and “Miss You Nights,” Cliff uses this collection not only to revisit his remarkable career but also to share rare reflections on aging, faith, and the unbreakable bond between performer and audience.
For Cliff, the title says it all. “That Was Then, This Is Now,” he explains, is about honoring the past without being trapped by it. “I’ve been blessed with songs that people still love after so many years. But I don’t live in the past—I still want to sing, to create, and to connect. Music doesn’t stop because time moves on.”
In the album and its accompanying performances, Cliff revisits some of his most iconic songs, but with the wisdom and vulnerability of age. His delivery is no longer just about youthful energy; it is about experience, resilience, and gratitude. Fans describe the performances as deeply moving, often bringing tears as Cliff sings with the honesty of someone who has lived every lyric.
At 80-plus years old, Cliff acknowledges the challenges of growing older in a music industry often obsessed with youth. “It’s not easy to keep going when the world wants the next new thing,” he admits. “But I’ve always believed if a song is good, it’s good forever. That’s what I hold on to.” His optimism and determination have made him a rare figure—an artist who bridges generations while staying true to himself.
Cliff also addresses the harsh realities facing musicians today, especially the rise of streaming services. While grateful that his songs continue to reach younger listeners, he laments the way streaming undervalues songwriters. “When you pour your life into music and see it reduced to pennies, it hurts. We must protect the next generation of artists, or we risk losing their voices before they’re even heard.”
Yet, despite industry struggles and personal battles, Cliff’s spirit remains unshaken. He credits his faith and his fans for keeping him grounded. “Every time I go on stage and hear people sing along, I realize music has given me a family larger than I ever dreamed of. That connection is what keeps me alive.”
For audiences, That Was Then, This Is Now is more than nostalgia. It is a reminder that Cliff Richard is not just a pop icon frozen in time, but a man who continues to grow, reflect, and share his heart through song. His journey proves that music, when rooted in truth and love, transcends age, trends, and technology.
As Cliff himself puts it, “The past gave me the songs, but the present gives me the voice to sing them in a new way. And as long as I have breath, I’ll keep singing.”
