[68] In September, a single celebrating his 50 years in pop music, titled "Thank You for a Lifetime" was released. Singer Cliff Richard still hurt by accusation of child molestation Singer Cliff Richard said the 2014 allegations against him has made him so paranoid that he now makes sure that he does. In August 1986, Richard was involved in a five-car crash in torrential rain on the M4 motorway in West London. Had I been married, with children, I wouldn't be able to do what I do now. In 1976, the decision was made to repackage Richard as a rock artist. Secondly, to be good and responsible stewards of what was entrusted to us. "[120] Later in 1996, Richard said: "I'm aware of the rumours, but I am not gay. [146][147] The BBC was criticised for its coverage of the search. He's not on the playlist, and you must stop playing him." Cliff Richard and his new house in New York. The official party celebrating Richard's 70th birthday was held on 23 October 2010, with guests including Cilla Black, Elaine Paige and Daniel O'Donnell. Notwithstanding this, Richard continued to release albums with contemporary Christian music content in parallel with his rock and pop albums, for example: Small Corners from 1978 contained the single "Yes He Lives". At the age of 81, the star has been through numerous ups and downs in both. There are various stories about why the A-side was replaced by the intended B-side. Sir Cliff Richard has revealed the devastating impact of his four-year legal battle with the BBC after it finally came to an end today, saying he 'won't go anywhere near children' again. "[92], Richard has criticised the music industry for encouraging artists to court controversy. Cliff Richard Children: Does Cliff Richard Have Kids? - ABTC Richard, and the Shadows in particular, however, never achieved star status in the United States. [13] He has remained a popular music, film, and television personality at home in the UK as well as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Northern Europe and Asia, and retains a following in other countries. He said: "I'm seeing Sue, the only girl I want to see at the moment and if marriage comes on the horizon, I shall relish it. "Mistletoe and Wine" was Richard's 99th UK single and spent four weeks at the top of the chart. However, it was with the Christmas single "Saviour's Day" that Richard scored his 13th UK No. [131] He wrote: "In the end, I believe, people are going to be judged for what they are. Cliff Richard Bio, Affair, Single, Net Worth, Salary, Age, Ethnicity Review", "And They Said It Wouldn't Last (My 50 Years in Music)", "Cliff Richard Soulicious: Review by Jon O'Brien", "Cliff Richard 'thrilled' with Diamond Jubilee gig", "Congratulations to Sir Cliff after Olympic torch relay", "Sir Cliff Richard to release 100th album", "Sir Tom Jones and Sir Cliff Richard to support Morrissey at major US shows", "Morrissey reveals Cliff Richard and Tom Jones as live gig special guests", "Cliff Richard Treating New Yorkers To Free Show After Morrissey Cancellation", "Sir Cliff Richard Cliff Richard To Tour For 75th Birthday", "In pictures: Sir Cliff Richard's memorable moments at the Royal Albert Hall", "Cliff Richard review funny, poignant show from pop's performing genius", "Official Vinyl Singles Chart Top 40, 1925 October 2018", "Sir Cliff Richard leaves Wimbledon fans 'cringing' with surprise performance", "Cliff Richard blames radio ban for ending his recording career", "Cliff Richard's 100th album: a testament to naff appeal", "Sir Cliff Richard hits back over radio airplay snub", "Sir Cliff Richard: 'I'm the real rock rebel', "Cliff Richard: What difference would it make if I was gay? [88], In 2011, digital station Absolute Radio '60s, dedicated to playing popular music from the 1960s, announced they would not be playing any of Richard's records because they said they did not fit "the cool sound we're trying to create". [99] In 1993, Bill Latham said of Richard's bachelor status: "His freedom has meant that he has been able to do much more than if he had a family. Cliff Richard feared dying of heart attack after child sexual assault As with the other existing rock acts in Britain, Richard's career was affected by the advent of the Beatles and the Mersey sound in 1963 and 1964. Does Cliff Richard Have Kids? 7) released as his Christmas single, while 1993 saw Richard's first new music studio album for over three years released. In the letter he goes on to say, "I couldn't give up my career, besides the fact that my mother and sisters, since my father's death, rely on me completely. He is the son of Rodger Oscar Webb and Dorothy Marie Dazely. Published: 19:01 EDT, 13 October 2020 | Updated: 08:39 EDT, 14 October 2020. Cliff Richard: We Have It Made: Cliff Richard and The Shadows: October 7, 1960: Pete Votrian: We Kiss in a Shadow: Cliff Richard and The Norrie Paramor Orchestra: April 14, 1961: Doretta Morrow and Larry Douglas: Wenn du lachst, lacht das Glck: Cliff Richard: March 1971: Miki Antony: What a Friend We Have in Jesus: Cliff Richard: October 21 . Like previous British rockers such as Tommy Steele and Marty Wilde, Richard adopted Elvis-like dress and hairstyle. [32] In May 2008, a Reuters news report claimed that voting in the competition had been fixed by the Spanish dictator leader, Francisco Franco, to ensure that the Spanish entry won, allowing them to host the contest the following year (1969). [51] In June, he filled London's Wembley Stadium for two nights with a spectacular titled "The Event" in front of a combined audience of 144,000 people. [79], In October 2015, Richard performed on tour to mark his 75th birthday. [124] In 2008, Richard said: "John now spends most of his time looking after my properties, which means I don't have to. He missed the best parts of my career. He was born Harry Rodger Webb, in India at King George's Hospital, Victoria Street, in Lucknow, which was then part of British India. Does Sir Cliff Richard have children? - Answers "[135], In 1971, Richard was a leading supporter of the Nationwide Festival of Light, a movement formed by British Christians who were concerned about the development of the permissive society. The single went on to top the UK chart for three weeks, becoming his fourteenth and, as of December 2022, most recent No.1 single.[63][64]. The CPS reviewed the evidence following applications by two of his accusers,[166] and concluded that the decision not to charge Richard was correct. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. As time progressed, Richard balanced his faith and work, enabling him to remain one of the most popular singers in Britain as well as one of its best-known Christians. In 1972, he made a short BBC television comedy film called The Case with appearances from comedians and his first ever duets with a womanNewton-John. With the Eyes of a Child - Wikipedia British singer who has sold more than 250 million records internationally and who adopted a singing style reminiscent of Little Richard. In response to his initial suggestions in the late 1970s, Richard said: "It's untrue. The iconic singer, who remains one of the world's bestselling musicians, has savoured around six decades in the music industry and was due to go on tour prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Sir Cliff Richard says not being a father has 'never bothered' him. Sir Cliff Richard has admitted that he never wanted children because starting a family would have got in the way of his career. [158], In May 2016, South Yorkshire Police sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service. But I would like to settle down and have a family one day. At the age of 22, a year after his relationship with Delia Wicks ended, Richard had a brief romance with the actress Una Stubbs. His father, Rodger Oscar Webb, was born in Rangoon, now Yangon, Burma, of English and one eighth Dutch descent. [60][61] Richard then released the single under his own name as the lead single for his album Real as I Wanna Be, with each reaching No. [86][87] In June 2004, British disc jockey Tony Blackburn was suspended from his radio job at Classic Gold Digital for playing records by Richard against station policy. By that time, the group's line-up had changed with the arrival of Jet Harris, Tony Meehan, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch. Sir Cliff Richard says he feared having a 'heart attack' after false sexual assault allegations. I've had girlfriends. Cliff Richard is an English pop singer, musician, performer, actor, and philanthropist. [137] Richard was one of approximately 30,000 people who gathered at London's Trafalgar Square for a demonstration. He said: "I'm officially a non-resident [of the UK], although I will always be British and proud of it. Marriage is a very special thing to me. In reviewing the new album in Melody Maker, Geoff Brown heralded it the renaissance of Richard. Cliff Richard, in full Sir Cliff Richard, original name Harry Roger Webb, (born October 14, 1940, Lucknow, India), British singer whose "Move It" (1958) was the first great British rock-and-roll song. Cliff Richard's Wife and Children. Mirror had reported that Cliff has purchased a new apartment in New York. Also in 1989, Richard received the Brits highest award: "The Outstanding Contribution award". It was another top-10 album, and produced three UK top-20 singles: "Something's Goin' On", "I Cannot Give You My Love", with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, and "What Car". It was the best-selling UK single of 1988, shifting 750,000 copies. It was his fifth record and became his first No. It seems to me that commitment is the issue, and if anyone comes to me and says: 'This is my partner we are committed to each other,' then I don't care what their sexuality is. [29] The title song of The Young Ones became his biggest-selling single in the United Kingdom, selling over one million copies in the UK. "[95], Richard said that his faith in God was tested in 1999 after the murder of his close friend, the British television presenter Jill Dando. In 1973, he sang the British Eurovision entry "Power to All Our Friends;" the song finished third, close behind Luxembourg's "Tu Te Reconnatras" and Spain's "Eres T". Initially, he believed that he should quit rock 'n' roll, feeling he could no longer be the rocker who had been called a "crude exhibitionist" and "too sexy for TV". The unnamed man in his forties contacted Richard's aides and threatened to spread "false stories" unless he received a sum of money. 17 in the UK, "It's in Every One of Us" and "Born To Rock 'n Roll", were released over 1985 and 1986 from the concept album recorded for Time. Standing up publicly as a Christian affected his career in several ways. [50] The single peaked at No. In May 1989, Richard released his 100th single, "The Best of Me", becoming the first British artist to achieve the feat. 1 singles recording artist in UK), 2005: Rose D'or Music Festival (Paris): Golden Rose, Note: Entries scored out signify where the United Kingdom did not compete, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 23:11. The song was quickly added onto the end of his latest album Rock 'n' Roll Juvenile, which was re-titled We Don't Talk Anymore for its release in the United States. His late 1958 and early 1959 follow-up singles, "High Class Baby" and "Livin' Lovin' Doll", were followed by "Mean Streak", which carried a rocker's sense of speed and passion, and Lionel Bart's "Living Doll". Cliff Richard 2022 (Source: Metro) Personally, Richard intends on living a hundred years. "[114], For over forty years Richard has been a supporter of Tearfund, a Christian charity that aims to tackle poverty in many countries across the world. 2. Richard has three sisters, Joan, Jacqui and Donna (19422016).[19][20]. Singer Cliff Richard still hurt by accusation of child molestation Their romance attracted considerable media attention after Richard flew to Denmark to watch her play in a tennis match and they were later photographed cuddling and holding hands at Wimbledon. [11] He also had four UK Christmas No. In 1979, Richard teamed up once again with producer Bruce Welch for the pop hit single "We Don't Talk Anymore", written and composed by Alan Tarney, which hit No. In the early days, Richard was marketed as the British equivalent of Elvis. I've made sure I've always played a part in their lives. 19) for Christmas. [36] Nevertheless, "Congratulations" was a huge hit throughout Europe and Australia, and yet another No. He continued to be popular, and have hits in the charts throughout the 1960s, though not at the level that he had enjoyed before. After the Shadows split in 1968, Richard continued to record. "[90] In 1997, he said: "People who are single shouldn't have to be second-class citizens we needn't be embarrassed or feel guilty about it, we all have a role to play. 4 in the UK and also became Richard's biggest hit in Australia since the early 1960s. [5], Before their first large-scale appearance, at the Regal Ballroom in Ripley, Derbyshire in 1958, they adopted the name "Cliff Richard and the Drifters". In 2006, Richard received a Portuguese Order in which he was appointed Commander of the Order of Prince Henry (ComIH),[128] this in recognition of his forty years of personal and business involvement in that country which included investments in winemaking and a house in Algarve where he has spent part of the year throughout the decades. [57] In 1996, he led the Wimbledon Centre Court crowd in singing during a rain delay when asked by Wimbledon officials to entertain the crowd. 10. He has made overseas visits to see their work in Uganda, Bangladesh and Brazil. It was "Move It" writer Ian Samwell who suggested the surname "Richard" as a tribute to Webb's musical hero Little Richard. "[136], One of the targets for the Festival of Light's campaign was the growth of sexually explicit films. [138], Since March 1966, Richard has followed the practice of giving away at least one-tenth of his income to charity. (1969) "The Joy of Living". Richard said: "At the time when I and many of us were in love with Olivia she was engaged to someone else. In 1959, the Shadows (then still the Drifters) landed an EMI recording contract of their own, for independent recordings. The band also continued to appear and record with Richard and wrote many of his hits. Richard hurt his back in the accident but was not seriously injured. [99] Sting also defended Richard, stating: "Cliff Richard is in my opinion one of Britain's finest singers technically and emotionally. "I couldn't stand up and I found myself absolutely weeping like a child," he says. [160][161] Richard said he was "obviously thrilled that the vile accusations and the resulting investigation have finally been brought to a close". Sadly, his sister, Donna died in 2016. The record made Richard the first act to reach the Hot 100's top 40 in the 1980s who had also been there in each of the three previous decades. [74] In November 2013, Richard released the 100th album of his career, The Fabulous Rock 'n' Roll Songbook. In the early years, particularly on album and EP releases, Richard also recorded ballads backed by the Norrie Paramor Orchestra with Tony Meehan (and later Brian Bennett) as a session drummer. [90] In 2009, Richard said he was the "most radical rock-and-roll singer Britain has ever seen" as he did not indulge in drugs or sexual promiscuity. Following the success of the recent Christmas singles, Richard released his first Christmas album Together with Cliff Richard in 1991, but his bid for the UK Christmas No. Meanwhile, the Shadows later re-formed (and again split). [164], On 21 June 2016, the BBC apologised publicly to Richard for causing distress after the controversial broadcast. Richard announced that he would stage a free show for fans in New York on the same night the cancelled concert was due to take place. Although baptised as an Anglican, Richard did not practise the faith in his early years. Cliff Richard - Wikipedia 4 and "Dreamin'" peaked at No. 1 singles,[10] and is the only singer to have had a No. [84], Richard has openly complained about the lack of commercial support he receives from radio stations and record labels. The Webbs moved from comparative wealth in India, where they lived in a company-supplied flat at Howrah near Calcutta, to a semi-detached house in Carshalton, north Surrey. Two's Company, an album of duets released in 2006, was another top-10 success for Richard and included newly recorded material with Brian May, Dionne Warwick, Anne Murray, Barry Gibb and Daniel O'Donnell, plus some previously recorded duets with artists such as Phil Everly, Elton John and Olivia Newton-John. Richard confirmed in 2010 that he is no longer a resident of the United Kingdom and has been granted Barbados citizenship. 1 single in 1988 with "Mistletoe and Wine", while simultaneously holding the No. [14] In 2019, he relocated to New York. The 72-year-old star said that, while he believes he would. When Hunniford's daughter Caron Keating was diagnosed with breast cancer and chose to keep her illness private from the public, Richard was among a small close circle of friends who knew of Keating's condition. "[93] Richard expressed concern about the sexually explicit public image of singer Miley Cyrus, following controversy surrounding a semi-naked video for her song "Wrecking Ball". His parents also spent some years in Howrah, West Bengal. 3 over the Christmas period and was certified double platinum by the BPI.[48]. "[133] Richard performed the song "Faithful One" in tribute to Black at her funeral in Liverpool. 4. Today Cliff Richard celebrates his 80th birthday with an album, an autobiography and a tour in 2021. 13).[67]. [46] 1987 saw the release of his Always Guaranteed album, which became his best-selling album of all-new material, and included the two top-10 hit singles "My Pretty One" and "Some People". [53][54], Later in 1990, a live album titled From a Distance: The Event was released. Sir Cliff Richard has said he thought he was "going to die of a heart attack" after he faced child sexual assault allegations. [90][142][143], In August 2014, Richard was one of 200 public figures who were signatories to a letter to The Guardian expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in September's referendum on that issue. Richard intended at first to "reform his ways" and become a teacher, but Christian friends advised him not to abandon his career just because he had become an active Christian. [150] He subsequently returned to the UK and voluntarily met with and was interviewed by members of South Yorkshire Police. "[141], Richard has donated to the dementia research charity, Alzheimer's Research UK. [176] The Guardian estimated that the BBC's costs for legal fees and damages had reached 1.9million after losing the case. In the BBC Radio 2 documentary Cliff Take Another Look, he pointed out that many documentaries charting the history of British music (e.g. 1 single and his 100th top 40 hit. Classic Gold managing director John Baish later confirmed Blackburn's suspension from the show. The group was obliged to change its name to "The Shadows" after legal complications with the American group the Drifters as "Living Doll" entered the American top 40, licensed by ABC-Paramount. [105], In the 1980s, Richard considered asking Sue Barker,[105] a former French Open tennis champion and Wimbledon semi-finalist,[106] if she would agree to marry him. These films created their own genre, known as the "Cliff Richard musical", and led to Richard's being named the No. He has achieved 14 UK No. What is the birth name of Cliff Richard? People are very unfair with their criticism and their judgements. "[120] Richard said: "Even if I got married tomorrow there would be a group of people who would believe what they wanted to believe. About 1,000 copies are known to exist on vinyl. "Peace in Our Time" (No. He said: "We have a mutual respect for each other and that means a lot to me. Richard has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time. 7 in the US. I'm certainly not going to do it just to make other people feel satisfied. John Lennon credited "Move It" as being the first British rock record.[28]. 2008, Richard's 51st year in the music business saw the release of the eight-CD box set And They Said It Wouldn't Last (My 50 Years in Music). They thereafter had several major hits, including five UK No. In 1960 they toured the United States and were well-received, but lacklustre support and distribution from a revolving door of American record labels proved an obstacle to long-term success there despite several chart records by Richard including the aforementioned "It's All in the Game" on Epic, via a renewed linking of the worldwide Columbia labels after Philips ended its distribution deal with CBS. "[101][self-published source] Richard's mother, Dorothy, died in October 2007, aged 87, after a decade with Alzheimer's disease. [35] However, the allegations turned out to be untrue as it was a widely repeated rumour instigated by TVE. Sir Cliff Richard has said he feels "tarnished" by allegations of historical sexual abuse, after being told he will not face charges. "As time has gone on, the desire for reform has got larger and more radical. "[95], In an article for The Guardian in 2011, the journalist Sam Leith wrote of Richard's lack of commercial support among radio stations: "His uncompromising Christianity, his clean-living ways, and his connoisseurship of the fruits of his Portuguese winery have made him an object of incomprehension, even ridicule, for the uncultured, alcopop-drinking younger generation. But people seem to think that if a bloke doesn't sleep around he must be gay. Cliff Richard was born on October 14, 1940. Throughout the early 1960s, his hits were consistently in the top five. [55] The album itself reached No. He celebrated his 81st birthday in 2021. Cliff Richard performing "With The Eyes Of A Child" at "The New London Palladium Show" in January 1974.To stay up to date with all new releases on the channe. Richard described Irving as "utterly beautiful" and says for a time they were "inseparable". To finish the year, "Daddy's Home" hit No. Richard says it's not surprising that so many have weighed in. In Canada, he had a successful period in the early 1960s, the late 1970s and early 1980s, with some releases certified gold and platinum. When Keating died in April 2004, Richard attended her funeral in Kent and performed his song "Miss You Nights" in tribute to her.[126][127]. [123], Richard has spoken of his friendship with John McElynn, an American former missionary whom he met in 2001 on a visit to New York City. It was reported that Richard was seeking "very substantial" damages. [2] He has total sales of over 21.5million singles in the United Kingdom and is the third-top-selling artist in UK Singles Chart history, behind the Beatles and Elvis Presley.[4]. CLIFF RICHARD is the beloved singer and songwriter who has been able to dominate the music industry since late 1950. But he said his naming by the media, despite not being charged, meant he had been "hung out like live bait". When the suggestions were first put to him in the late 1970s, Richard responded by saying: "It's untrue. Cliff Richard was born in Lucknow, United Provinces, British India on October 14, 1940. [139] Richard has stated that two biblical principles have guided him in how to use his money. [16] Richard is primarily of English heritage, but he had one great-grandmother who was of half Welsh and half Spanish descent, born of a Spanish great-great-grandmother named Emiline Joseph Rebeiro. [93] In the 1970s, Richard said that he was disturbed by the visual imagery and mock horror of singer Alice Cooper. The name Cliff was adopted as it sounded like "cliff face", which suggested "Rock". 17) and "Daddy's Home" (No. Soulicious became Richard's 41st top-10 UK hit album. : Cliff Richard: The Biography by Steve Turner", "Mum and pine trees keep Cliff Richard young", "Sir Cliff's faith tested over Dando's murder", "Sir Cliff Richard reveals the secrets of his eternal youth", "I still think of Caron hundreds of times a day", "Sir Cliff Richard honoured with Portuguese award of merit", "Sir Cliff speaks frankly about his 'companion' the ex-priest", "Cliff Richard and Cilla Black, the 'Saga holiday couple,' spotted in Marbella", "Sir Cliff Richard pays tribute to the 'incredibly gifted' Cilla Black", "Cilla Black funeral: Fans and stars say farewell in Liverpool", "Modern day philanthropists: Cliff Richard", "Sir Cliff Richard Why I'll always love Surrey", "Celebrities' open letter to Scotland full text and list of signatories", "Sir Cliff Richard insists I am not a paedophile", "Singer Cliff Richard denies underage sex allegation", "Cliff Richard denies allegations of sexual assault as police raid UK home", "MPs to quiz BBC and police bosses over Cliff Richard raid", "Police deal with BBC may mean Sir Cliff search was illegal", "Sir Cliff Richard quizzed by detectives over sex crime claim", "Sir Cliff Richard interviewed by police over alleged sexual assault", "Sir Cliff Richard will not be charged after accusers' appeal is rejected", "Cliff Richard raid: police chief apologises for BBC deal on coverage", "Cliff Richard inquiry increases 'significantly' in size", "Sir Cliff Richard sex abuse investigation involves more than one allegation", "Cliff Richard's lawyers accuse MPs of damaging singer", "Police deal with BBC over Cliff Richard raid 'caused unnecessary distress', "Cliff Richard BBC leak 'came from Operation Yewtree', "Sir Cliff Richard file sent to Crown Prosecution Service", "Cliff Richard will not face charges over sexual abuse claims", "Sir Cliff Richard sex abuse inquiry: No charges for singer", "No sex charges to be brought against Cliff Richard", "Cliff Richard sex abuse accuser 'previously arrested over blackmail plot', "BBC 'very sorry' Sir Cliff 'suffered distress', "Sir Cliff Richard sues the BBC and police after raid of his house was broadcast live on TV", "Decision to drop Cliff Richard case upheld by CPS", "Sir Cliff Richard lodges papers suing BBC and police", "South Yorks Police paid Sir Cliff Richard 400,000 damages over raid", "Sir Cliff Richard begins High Court battle against the BBC", "BBC report shocking, says Cliff Richard", "Sir Cliff Richard, OBE (Claimant) and {1) The British Broadcasting Corporation (2) The Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police (Defendants)", "SIR CLIFF RICHARD, OBE v (1) BBC (2) SYP WITNESS STATEMENTS Simkins", "Cliff Richard wins 210,000 in damages over BBC privacy case", "Sir Cliff Richard wins case against BBC", "BBC will not appeal against Cliff Richard privacy victory", "The Beatles: don't they owe much to Sir Cliff? [145] Richard was not arrested, and strongly denied the allegations. Cliff Richard has never been married and hence does not have any children. Richard joined public figures such as Malcolm Muggeridge, Mary Whitehouse and Bishop Trevor Huddleston to demonstrate in London "for love and family life, against pornography and moral pollution". He was among the performers at the Diamond Jubilee concert held outside Buckingham Palace in June 2012. 1 single. [8] Richard has had 67 UK top ten singles, the second highest total for an artist (behind Presley). It cost him 800,000. DJ Pete Mitchell said: "Timeless acts of the decade that remain relevant today are the Beatles, the Stones, the Doors and the Who, not Sir Cliff." [157] The BBC's tip-off regarding the search reportedly came from within Operation Yewtree, although Crompton said he could not be certain that the leak originated from there. On 31 December 1976, he performed his latest single, "Hey, Mr. Dream Maker", on BBC1's A Jubilee of Music, celebrating British pop music for Queen Elizabeth II's impending Silver Jubilee. The man claimed he had been sexually assaulted by Sir Cliff when he was a child in 1985. He has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He said: "She was a very special person, and I have lost a very wonderful friend. In a career spanning nearly 65 years,[7] Richard has amassed several gold and platinum discs and awards, including two Ivor Novello Awards and three Brit Awards. Is Cliff Richard Gay Or Does He Have A Wife? - geniuscelebs.com The four members were Harry Webb (by then going under the stage name "Cliff Richard"), Ian Samwell on guitar, Terry Smart on drums and Norman Mitham on guitar. [129] Richard finished No. [33][34] The story was widely covered and featured on UK's Channel 4 News as a main story on 7 May 2008, with Jon Snow interviewing author and historian John Kennedy O'Connor about the matter. He spoke about this on The Alan Titchmarsh Show on ITV in December 2007, pointing out that while new bands needed airplay for promotion and sales, long-established artists such as himself also relied upon airplay for the same reasons. Sir Cliff Richard 'tarnished' by sex abuse allegations - BBC News