IT HAS been billed as the second, and presumably final, farewell tour of Cliff Richard and The Shadows. But it might not be wise to bet on that.

OK, so last night’s packed-out event at the Echo Arena was a nostalgia night par excellence, with a mainly middle-aged audience half-closing their collective eyes and imagining themselves back in the 1960s and even earlier.

After all, the three main performers on stage were all well past their bus-pass dates – Cliff will be 69 next week – and might be excused for a few off-moments just in the cause of keeping the old-timers happy and their own pensions well topped-up.

But the truth is that Cliff and The Shadows can deliver a well-rehearsed and packaged show that not only defies their years but deserves to be heard again.

Of course, by the end of this marathon tour next March, they will have criss-crossed Europe, South Africa and New Zealand and may well be in the mood to call it a day, but who can guarantee that, after a few months’ rest and relaxation, they won’t be tempted by one more appearance?

But let’s take it at face value that last night was their final show in Liverpool. It was certainly quite a send-off to a career both together and separately that has lasted over 50 years.

At the last count, Cliff has had 14 number one hits, starting with Livin’ Doll back in the 1950s. That actually topped a second time in the 1980s, and it was the first of the big hits that Cliff presented to the fans last night.

Unlike many a backing group, The Shadows have had a considerable life of their own, and twice Cliff left the stage to let them get on with their own distinctive instrumental sound.