Introduction
CLIFF RICHARD, AGE 85, SHINES IN PERTH WITH “SOME PEOPLE” — A TIMELESS PERFORMANCE CAPTURED BY PHIL EDMAN
When Sir Cliff Richard took the stage in Perth, Western Australia, at 85 years old, no one in the audience doubted they were about to witness something special — but few could have imagined just how powerful and uplifting his performance of “Some People” would be. Captured beautifully by Phil Edman in the fan-recorded video “Cliff Richard 85 in Perth (Some People)”, the moment serves as living proof that time has only refined the artistry and grace of one of Britain’s greatest musical legends.
The concert, part of Cliff’s “Can’t Stop Me Now” Tour, brought generations of fans together in a night filled with nostalgia, joy, and admiration. When the opening chords of “Some People” began to echo through the venue, a hush fell over the crowd — followed by a swell of recognition and applause. Released in 1987 as one of the standout singles from his platinum album Always Guaranteed, the song remains one of Cliff’s most emotionally resonant hits, celebrating compassion, decency, and the quiet power of goodness in an often-unforgiving world.
Onstage in Perth, Cliff delivered the song with an ease that comes only from decades of experience — yet with the warmth and sincerity of an artist still fully connected to his craft. Dressed in an elegant dark suit with subtle shimmer under the stage lights, he moved gracefully, his voice steady and rich, carrying that unmistakable tone that has defined his music since the 1950s. The years may have softened his features, but they have not dulled his energy or his charm; if anything, they’ve deepened both.
Phil Edman’s footage captures the performance in its most human light — no overproduction, no filters, just Cliff Richard and his audience, united in the simple beauty of the song. As he sang,
“Some people lead, some people follow,
Some people dance to the beat of their sorrow…”
the crowd sang softly along, creating a tender harmony that filled the theatre.
Between verses, Cliff smiled warmly and waved at the fans in the front rows, clearly moved by their enthusiasm. There’s a moment near the end — preserved in Edman’s video — where Cliff closes his eyes, holds the microphone close, and stretches the final chorus into a soaring, heartfelt finish. The applause that follows is immediate, loud, and affectionate — a standing ovation for a performer who, even at 85, continues to embody grace, gratitude, and pure showmanship.
“Some People” has always carried a universal message about kindness and integrity, and in this performance, it seemed to take on even deeper meaning. Watching Cliff sing those words today feels like hearing them anew — as if the song itself has matured alongside him.
This Perth appearance is more than a concert clip; it’s a testament to longevity, professionalism, and love for the craft. In an industry where trends come and go, Cliff Richard stands as a living bridge between eras — the last of the original British rock ’n’ roll pioneers still thrilling audiences around the world.
For those who have followed him from his early days with The Shadows through his many reinventions across pop, gospel, and adult contemporary music, seeing him perform at 85 is both a gift and a reminder: true artistry doesn’t fade — it evolves.
As the video ends, Cliff flashes that familiar smile and waves goodnight to the cheering crowd. The screen fades, but the feeling lingers — the sense of having witnessed a legend who continues to give everything he has to his audience.
Phil Edman’s simple but heartfelt recording captures the essence of Cliff Richard at this remarkable stage in his life: still singing with clarity, conviction, and class. And as the fans in Perth that night would agree, when Cliff Richard sings “Some People,” he’s not just performing — he’s showing us exactly the kind of person he’s always been.