Miley Cyrus 'Damaged' By Music, Says Sir Cliff

Sir Cliff Richard says he hopes Miley Cyrus does not "get haunted" by her headline-grabbing antics.

As he celebrates his 100th album release, Sir Cliff blames the industry for artists who court controversy.

"The industry has changed drastically and that damages young artists," he said.

"They don't have the same support system that we had, they wanted us to be happy.

"Today I would have been dropped after the first flop.

The 73-year-old added: "She's been a child star. I've got a sister who's got children and getting kids through the teenage years is really tough.

"I just hope she grows out of it."

After 54 years in the music business, Sir Cliff accepts artists are exploited.

He said: "This industry can be very destructive, I'm not sure why that happens, or why I was lucky enough to not have that happen to me.

"I feel families keep your feet pinned to the ground. I still think of my dad now."

Sir Cliff, who released his debut record in 1959, said: "I don't know whether she's done the right thing.

"Will it see her through to becoming a mature star, or will it be thrown at her?"

"Years ago a woman might be told 'I won't take your picture unless you take your top off'. I took my top off for a picture once. And after that I kept my vest on," joked the singer.

Sir Cliff has an extremely loyal fan base, hundreds of whom turned out for his album and DVD launch event at The May Fair Hotel in London.

The Fabulous Rock 'N' Roll Songbook recorded in Nashville is a new release of classic tracks made famous by the likes of Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Buddy Holly.