The Young Ones (and older ones) flock to see Bachelor Boy Cliff (with pics)
SIR Cliff Richard was welcomed to a Derby supermarket by hundreds of screaming fans – and stayed until he had met just about every single one.
The bachelor boy arrived at Asda, in Spondon, just before 5pm yesterday to sign copies of his new book, My Life, My Way.
And he stayed half-an-hour longer than scheduled to ensure he signed every one of the 850 copies sold at the store.
Many of the fans had queued for more than five hours to meet their idol and many others had travelled across the country.
Linda Modler, 35, left her home in London at 6.20am to make it to Derby in plenty of time for the signing.
As she waited to see Sir Cliff, she said: "I was in the queue from around 10am and I have to drive back to London because I am working tomorrow. But it is all worth it. I'm a huge fan and have been for 20 years."
Joan McAdam, 68, of Penzance Road, Alvaston, had queued since lunchtime.
She said: "The atmosphere was brilliant. I was talking to a couple from South Wales who drove up this morning and everyone has got on really well. There has been a bit of singing of Cliff songs as well, which was great.
"Asda did a great job organising this."
Julie Hensley, 51, of Chapel Lane, Clifton, Ashbourne, said: "I think he looks absolutely brilliant for his age and he's such a dish."
And Diane Clarke, 60, of Cedar Close, Ashbourne, said: "I got a Cliff gold disc for my birthday but this is even better. I've been here since 7.30am and it was definitely worth the wait."
When asked if he was surprised at the number of people who had turned up to see him, Sir Cliff said: "I always get a bit of a scare, you are never quite sure if anybody is going to turn up and I always think it will come to an end."
He said he was touched by the dedication of his fans and added: "They know how I feel, there is really no way to explain how it feels when fans remain so loyal for so long."
And he said another musical hit was a possibility.
"It would be nice to be number one with a record in this decade as I've had number ones in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s," he said.
He also talked about his appearance at the Ripley Regal in 1958 with his band The Drifters, which was the first time he appeared as Cliff Richard, having used his real name Harry Webb previously.
Before leaving Derby, he assured fans they hadn't seen the last of him yet and said: "It's not time to call it a day yet."
Martin Tuckwood, the stores house and leisure manager who organised the event said: "It was fantastic to see the turn-out. It's been a great day."
10 Comments
by Pat, Wolverhampton
Saturday, September 06 2008, 9:54AM
“Hi MB if you are still there, I have a photo of you with Cliff behind if you want this photo rather than peoples cleavages. Let me know an e-mail and I can send it to you.”
by NIck, Derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 12:24PM
“I forgot Cliff was there - I nipped down just after 5pm and saw the car park was full - only to be greeted by an more or less empty store, with all the car users clogging up the back where Sir Cliff Richard was signing his bookes. I got the few things I needed and was out within 20 minutes - I didnt even have to queue for a checkout. I think ASDA should have a different washed up 60's icon there every week to keep the grannies away from the tills. Next week, Brian Poole?”
by MB - Wired for Cliff, Derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 12:20PM
“I should have asked him if he'd made his mind up yet...Tall Speakers or Small Speakers?”
by david, derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 11:04AM
“Queueing for 6 hours?? Mind you, if you had bought the book only and tried to use the self-help checkout, you would have been queuing 6 hours.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF THEM IF THEY ONLY OPEN HALF OF THEM??”
by John, ..
Friday, September 05 2008, 10:41AM
“You should send me them photos MB, I am a photographical expert so I could fix them for you.. Free of charge of course!!”
by MB, Derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 10:24AM
“Rats, Ive been rumbled by John!!! Not sure whats more embarassing - following Derby County or queuing for Cliff
Im only kidding, everybody seemed to have fun and its a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet soembody who's music my mum played over and over when I was growing up...its also slightly ironic that shes been following him for years (not literally, shes not a stalker - i dont think) and battles for front row tickets to gigs and I just wander along to my local asda to see him up close. Im not sure who he should be more worried about, the crazy fan who tried to grab him or my wife who said (JOKING I MAY ADD) "could you have shot him easily?". I had some expaling to do when I got home as all my attempted photos seemed to be of his young bust assitant's cleavage who kept leaning into shot everytime I got a clear picture”
by John, Claude for Captain!!
Friday, September 05 2008, 10:01AM
“MB!! Dont use your mother as an excuse for seeing Cliff.. :)”
by Pat, Wolverhampton
Friday, September 05 2008, 9:30AM
“Hi MB, too embarassed to write your full name, eh. Glad you enjoyed it in the end, I did warn you that Cliff fans are mad. I am sure your Mom will love it. I didnt hear about the woman trying to grab him. How funny. Nice to meet you and maybe next signing, who knows.!!!”
by MB, Derby
Friday, September 05 2008, 9:12AM
“Think I was probably stood by you Pat...I was the very embarassed young man stood there queueing for his mums wedding anniversary present. Nobody should have to stand through 6 hours of continuous Cliff CDs and singalongs amongst people in homemade T-shirts...Only kidding, most people seem to have a nice time and my age and gender made me somewhat a celebrity in my own right for a few hours. As for the woman who tried to grab him, what was she thinking...not many peiopel can say theyve been dragged out by security at a Cliff Meet and Greet???? Crazy day, lets just hope my mum appreciates it”
by Pat Lane, Wolverhampton
Friday, September 05 2008, 8:19AM
“We travelled from Wolverhampton to see Cliff and it was a fantastic day. Thanks ASDA for providing the entertainment and for being so well organised. Despite Cliff travelling from Manchester afters signing there, he spared the time to say Hello to everyone and have a bit of a chat whist signing the book . I said I hoped his single which is dedicated to all his fans , called Thank you for a Lifetime, makes No. 1. It is on sale at Woolworths, price £1.99 from Monday 9th September or pre-order in the store or online or download. He looked super and fit and very charming. 50 years in the business and still working hard - thanks Cliff for a Lifetime of your music.”