He’s known for his army of grey-haired followers.
But Sir Cliff Richard proved he could still wow the young ones when one teenage fan queued all night to meet him.
Student Cal Pugh waited outside HMV, in Birmingham city centre, from 5pm on Wednesday to be the first to meet the ageless star last night.
The 17-year-old did not even bring a sleeping bag for his vigil.
“I was on my own all night,” said Cal, from Solihull. “My parents thought I was mad.
“I just had the clothes on my back, no blanket. I was very cold. But it was worth it. I’d happily do it again. I just love him. He’s an icon. I love his music, the way he still sounds great after all these years. No-one can top him.”
The 71-year-old singer met hundreds of devoted fans at the signing event, held to plug his new DVD Soulicious.
“Birmingham’s always been a special place for me,” said Sir Cliff. “I have great fans here.”
The singer’s visit came just days after new rock radio station Absolute Radio 60s announced it was banning his music because it was not considered cool enough.
But Sir Cliff said he “couldn’t care less” about the station’s decision.
“I’m not hurt,” he said. “They can’t end my career. I’ve just had a number ten album at 71. How can I possibly grumble?
“But it’s unfair to the public, it’s telling a lie. By omitting someone’s music, it’s telling a lie about the past.
“They can’t change the history books.”
After 53 years in showbusiness and a hit record in every decade, Sir Cliff said he had no regrets – even in his personal life.
“I originally wanted to be married and have children but I got out of that quickly after two or three false alarms,” he admitted.
“I’m really happy being a bachelor. I like the freedom I have to travel,” he said.
“I can drop everything and go shopping in New York, which I’m doing the day after tomorrow.
“Still, never say never,” he added, with a twinkle in his eye.
