Cliff, Shadows still movin' it
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Christchurch Music
Christchurch has been spoiled with two legendary knights in one week.
A larger audience has come to see Sir Cliff than Sir Tom could rustle up. The first of Cliff's concerts sold out in half an hour.
This is a nostalgia kick for the first teenagers - those now in their sixties. The crowd is of a certain age, but then the original Peter Pan of pop that they've come to see turned 70 this year. It's definitely a more feminine crowd but a surprising number of men are along for the trip down memory lane.
The bachelor boy himself is still alive and kicking, looking surprisingly youthful and energetic.
Cliff and the Shads took the stage with the lead singer wearing a hot pink and black ensemble.
The Indian-born Harry Webb still bounces around the stage like a teenager. A big screen ensures the capacity crowd can see the whole performance.
The Shadows still have that classic, big-guitar rock 'n' roll sound that never gets old, busting some old- school grapevine dance moves.
The Shadows first came to Christchurch in 1961 and some of the audience were there for that concert too. This time, some dressed up, some danced, some waved pom- poms and flags. Cliff himself had four costume changes and no-one else could wear a white suit with a zebra- print T-shirt quite like him.
They went through a stream of hits from the golden age including Lucky Lips, an acoustic version of Travelling Light, Summer Holiday, and Elvis's All Shook Up.
If you were looking for Cliff hits from the 1970s, 80s or 90s, you were in the wrong place.
The encore included Move It, which he recorded when he was 17 3/4, and finally, The Young Ones.
My mother had been waiting to see him live since she was 14 - 50 long years - and he made her century. The verdict: beyond wonderful.
REVIEW Cliff and The Shadows 50th anniversary tour. Westpac Arena, March 1 and 2. Vocals Cliff Richard, lead guitar Hank B. Marvin, rhythm guitar Bruce Welch, drums and percussion Brian Bennett. Reviewed by Margaret Agnew.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Comment on this review below.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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FINALLY AFTER MISSING CLIFF EVERY TIME HE CAME TO CHRISTCHURCH AND WITH THE BONUS OF THE SHADOWS AS WELL I WAS ABLE TO WITNESS THE SHOW OF A LIFETIME THE PLASTIC CHAIRS AND CONCRETE FLOOF FADING INTO INSIGNIFICANCE AS I WAS TAKEN ON A MAGICAL MUSICAL JOURNEY OF POLISHED PROFESSIONAL ENTERTAINMENT CLIFF AND THE SHADOWS REALLY KNOW HOW TO HOLD THE AUDIENCE CAPTIVE AND REAL VALUE FOR MONEY
Great show Cliff and the Shadows still have what it takes after all these years money well spent pity thats the last time we will see them together made me feel young again
Wow Great show and good old song just like Back to the future 60s but now good to back again ,cliff and the shadows were wonderful,big screen and good bright clothe and good luck to london in october on your great birthday 70th but your body look like 40 year old.I wish go to see your show in london
Bit of a ho hum review. I agree, not all the seats could see very well we had a pillar in front of us and asked to be moved to better seats and there weren't enough programmes available, they sold out very quickly.
Unfortunately, not ALL seats could see the big screen. We were right on the edge, upstairs and a group of lights blocked all of the screen. A shame we were charged the same price for our seats as those further along who could see everything, not even a mention on our ticket that our view might be obstructed. Not good marketing. However Cliff and the Shadows were wonderful.
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WOW. what can i say !!! ASTOUNDING SHOW . 2.5 HRS top class entertainment,CLIFF & SHADOWS HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED ENTERTAINERS & STILL UP THERE WITH THE BEST. Big $$ for seats well spent, Fab seats very central few rows back from front.. LOVED the big screen . EVEN BETTER THAN 61.. no programmes left even an hour before show opened. people next to us had bought a 'heap' ! perhaps one book per ticket would be good idea.!! have sent away for one. VG marshalling to seats. Sad it is the last time we shall enjoy such a specticle.