Stop Press
Cliff Richard and his management respectfully wish to advise members of the audience that audio or audio-visual recording of any part of a concert is strictly prohibited. Any person found to have made, or attempting to make, any such recording will have their recording equipment confiscated by security staff until the end of the concert. Any data storage devices, audio or video media will also be confiscated and unauthorised content removed. No refunds or payments will be made in respect of damaged items or erased images.
Non professional still photography with small compact cameras is permitted but without flash enhancement as this can be distracting for the performers and other members of the audience.
Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
A Note from the Desk of the MD of the CRO
We see part of the CRO's responsibility as ensuring that you, the longstanding and faithful fans, receive what we consider to be value for money, so I should like to make clear a few principles (as we see them).
Cameras
We have never had a problem with genuine fans taking still photographs for their private use. However, recording equipment is now so sophisticated that what might appear to be a small, personal "stills" camera is now often capable of recording high-quality sound and video. The problems then come from the very small minority who abuse this freedom by making unauthorised audio and audio-visual recordings of performances (which they know very well they should not do). These few people know it is illegal but they persist in stealing (I use the word deliberately) the rights belonging to Cliff, his band, the dancers, the music publishers and the record companies.
As has been said before, it is through the controlled exploitation of their rights that performers, publishers and record companies earn their livings. Illicit recordings are damaging, and the quality is often an insult to everyone's professionalism.
If you become aware of someone making an unauthorised recording, could you draw it to the attention of an attendant, or cough or sneeze - just to spoil their recording. Better yet, please do not be tempted to purchase their horrible products!
Merchandise
There seems to be a huge industry out there. On the whole we turn a blind eye to it because it is mostly harmless and often just a well-intentioned exchange between fans - although to be honest, the quality of some of it is a little undesirable.
There are however commercially minded people who exploit Cliff's name and/or image. Some come to us for our help and approval, which we give when we feel it is appropriate. Others seem to regard Cliff as fair game, to be exploited for their own benefit, and with total disregard for the views of his representatives (us). You can see some examples of this on offer right now - unattractive and over-priced products that we declined to approve.
You will have noticed that we now occasionally point to products that we feel are not of an acceptable quality or value or both.
We hope that this clarifies certain issues, and send best wishes to you all.
Thank you all.
Malcolm Smith - MD