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by Michael Yakim '18 Apr 9, 2025 Raider Student Media

The 1960s and 1970s featured notable balladeers singing songs of romance and its trials and tribulations. A gentleman with a particularly beguiling name appeared on the scene in the mid-1960s and set hearts afire with his vocal prowess. Engelbert Humperdinck, the stage name of one Arnold Dorsey, is a true veteran of the entertainment industry, with a career spanning over six decades. Even into his late 80s, Humperdinck continues to put on a show that features passion, humor, and the power of a man who is constantly yearning for youth. On Sunday at MGM CenterStage, the audience came along with Humperdinck for one last waltz.

Arnold Dorsey began his career in music under another stage name: Gerry Dorsey. The man who would become Engelbert Humperdinck played saxophone and sang to break into the entertainment world, to little fanfare. After several unsuccessful years as Gerry Dorsey, Arnold's friend Gordon Mills recommended the now-famous name change. The original Engelbert Humperdinck was an Austrian composer who brought Hansel and Gretel into the operatic space. The name would become famous for carrying Arnold Dorsey's unique, arresting voice and persona through the next several decades. Humperdinck placed strong with songs throughout the 1960s and 1970s with hits such as “A Man Without Love,” “Release Me,” “and “After the Lovin.'” Even into the new millennium, Humperdinck has collaborated with an eclectic group of artists. Nowhere is this more apparent than in 2014's Engelbert Calling, with contributions from the likes of Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, and Gene Simmons of Kiss.

As I entered the lobby at MGM CenterStage, the crowd was certainly a little older than the usual rock crowds I usually experience. The folks seemed in high spirits as they passed through security, a few splitting off to get libations and other refreshments. The venue was nearly full, with only a few patches of empty seats. The staff and ushers at the venue approached individuals with mobility aids to inform them that they needed to briefly confiscate them, likely due to fire codes. It then occurred to me that they had a check system for such devices, much like a coat check at a theater or restaurant! The crowd enjoyed the classic songs coming over the house PA, with the likes of Sonny and Cher playing frequently.

Humperdinck strutted onto the stage at 5:05 pm, immediately following a small trailer showing his younger years played on the large screens. The crowd cheered with delight as the man himself was ready to put on a great evening of songs. The songs “Funny How Time Slips Away” (a Willie Nelson cover), “Am I That Easy to Forget,” (a Carl Belew cover), and Humperdinck's own “How I Love You” were great numbers to start the set, with “How I Love You” receiving great applause from the crowd. As re-took my seat, Humperdinck informed the crowd that his song “A Man Without Love” had been a #1 trending song on TikTok for some time. Even all this time later, people can still recognize a hit!

Humor informed a great deal of Humperdinck's stage presence. On several occasions, he remarked he was “nearly 49 years old,” and stated that he had stopped drinking, as upon a recent medical examination, they had found two olives! The folks seated near us made constant eruptions of catcalls and whistles when Humperdinck took off his tuxedo jacket and bowtie. One lady behind me shouted “Yes, Daddy!” to great laughter. The man himself seems to take this all in stride, laughing right along with the crowd.

Humperdinck stated emphatically his belief that thinking young will keep one young. His set was certainly geared in that direction, with fantastic covers of artists as disparate as Simply Red (“If You Don't Know Me By Now”), The Cars (“Drive”), and even Toby Keith (“Don't Let The Old Man In”). He mentioned that he contacted Toby Keith to obtain permission to record his song, which was given wholeheartedly. The song seemed to echo Humperdinck's ethos to its core, singing about not letting the mind grow old, despite the inevitable aging of one's body. Humperdinck stated, in a manner that was both strong and sad, that his place was truly on stage: “No matter how much my body hurts, it's never going to bother me when I'm standing on this stage."

As for his songs, they went over incredibly. The crowd cheered as the opening chords to “After the Lovin'” were played, with people around me singing every single word. His other hits “Release Me” and “How I Love You” were met with even greater audience cheers, chiefly from the ladies in the crowd! Near the end of the show, over one hundred ladies must have rushed the stage to watch the encore of their favorite performer as closely as possible. Humperdinck received a request to sing a lady into her nineties "Happy Birthday," which he did, with the assistance of the entire audience!

Engelbert Humperdinck is eighty-eight years old, yet the man I saw on stage seems far younger than that. His voice and persona are as strong as ever, even with his wizened years. One can be hopeful that if Engelbert Humperdinck may not have given his “last waltz” after all. The show was a true delight and one that will stay with its audience for some time to come!

https://www.raiderstudentmedia.com/arts_and_entertainment/article_9af5956e-29c2-4e7d-b6fb-26746d4af648.html

Posted by Andy Argyrakis Chicago Concert Reviews April 1, 2025

At 88-years-young with show business beginnings dating back to the 1950s, Engelbert Humperdinck may very well hold a record when it comes to longevity and unceasing love from fans who now span multiple generations. 

He’s of course the globally renowned balladeer behind “Release Me,” “A Man Without Love,” “After The Lovin’” and “The Last Waltz,” the latter of which is also the name of an extensive tour that visiting the Des Plaines Theatre on Tuesday, April 8 and the Arcada Theatre on Wednesday, April 9.

But as the living legend tells Chicago Concert Reviews during a revealing phone call, he won’t be retiring anytime soon, but rather, turning to a rock and roll record to continue a legacy that includes headlining Las Vegas throughout the Elvis Presley-era, dethroning The Beatles and still racing up to the top of the Spotify charts today. 

What do you have planned for these shows at the Des Plaines and Arcada Theatres?

Engelbert Humperdinck: This is the show that I take around the world with me. The songs that I sing in the show are the songs that have established my career, that have been my lifeblood, my hit songs. I sing some of those and I sing some brand new songs. I’ve got a brand new album that’s coming out in a couple of months. It’s with Cleopatra Records and it’s a very unusual album for my style of singing. 

What can everyone expect from it?

Humperdinck: I really don’t know because it’s something I’ve never done before. I’ve taken songs from the big bands of the ‘80s, the hit songs from Aerosmith, and KISS, and [others], and done it my way (laughs) with the kind of backing that they used. 

So this is going to be like a rock and roll record?

Humperdinck: (Laughs) More or less, yeah.

What inspired you to give this a try?

Humperdinck: I was talking to the record company, and we said we’d like to do something unusual and they came up with this idea that said, “oh, wow.” That suites me and I went with it. It took a whole year to finish, mind you, because of the interruptions of touring and those sort of things that came in the way of completing the album.

It’s in the mixing room right now. We don’t have a title. We don’t know what photographs to use yet on the front cause it will be a vinyl. Everybody’s doing the vinyls now. It’s much more exciting and it looks so much better than insignificant little discs. It makes you think you’ve done something, you know? 

You of course began in the vinyl era and had many famous album covers beyond the songs themselves. What type of look were you hoping to establish? 

Humperdinck: When I first started, I decided to give myself an image because when I saw The Beatles, they all had their hair the same way…so I decided to do something about my head. I grew these sideburns, and dyed my hair black and it grew long at the back. I gave myself that image, starting from the head, because the first thing people look at is your face and your head, not your feet. It was the beginning and it stamped my style. Everybody started to grow sideburns out. People like Kenny Rogers, and Glen Campbell, and even The Beatles [had] sideburns after that (laughs), so I was like a trendsetter in that respect.

It’s been six decades from then until now and this tour is called “The Last Waltz”. Is this going to be your farewell to the road? 

Humperdinck: It was to be this, but I’ll tell you something, I’ve spent three months at home here before I start my tour in April and I’ve been climbing the walls. I said to myself, “There’s no way I can give up this business.” It’s my lifeblood. It’s what I love to do and I want to keep doing it until I can’t do it anymore. But I can do it right now…I’m not gonna quit, no. 

Can you recall any specific performances or visits to the Chicago area? 

Humperdinck: I’ve been coming to the Chicago area since my first hit, “Release Me,” and I can’t tell you [how many times] I’ve played all over Chicago. I really have. I’ve even played, there used to be a theater in the round [Mill Run Playhouse]. I used to play a week at a time in those days and two shows a night, which was better than just coming in for one night at a time. 

When you first rose to fame, how did you stand out from everything else?

Humperdinck: I was a kind of unusual find. The way it happened to me, for instance, I’m a ballad singer, and all of a sudden, I’m on the charts with The Beatles. And fortunately for me, the song I recorded stopped The Beatles from having their 13th number one, and of course, that was a big thing and it [was] made public. I was a big fan of The Beatles. I never thought I’d ever outshine The Beatles on the charts, but fortunately for me, it did happen and I don’t think it bothered them very much. They had so many hits, you know? But I had a very unusual beginning and that was it. I was there with all the rock bands and things like that, but this balladeer from Leicester, England came along and stayed up there. 

What do you remember about recording “Release Me” and having it become one of your signature songs?

Humperdinck: When I heard it for the very first time, I knew it was a hit, but I didn’t realize that it had been a hit about five times before I recorded it. It was a big hit with Esther Phillips, an R&B version. It was a [country] hit with Ray Price. As a matter of fact, when Ray Price used to sing his song after I recorded it, he used to say, “You know, this song belonged to me until Engelbert Humperdinck came along” (laughs). Yeah, but I made it a world hit and it’s fantastic because it just spun around the world at number one.

Speaking of rock bands, is it true that Jimmy Page played guitar on that track before he went on to be in Led Zeppelin? If so, what do you remember about him?

Humperdinck: Yes he did. Not too much because it’s a long time ago, but I’m just glad a man like that happened to be on my album. It’s fantastic. 

You’ve also been a staple of Las Vegas ever since that record came out. What was it like being a top headliner during such a particularly golden era?

Humperdinck: Oh, it was unbelievable. When we did Vegas in the early days, we were there for a whole month. I did 56 shows in a row, one after the other. There were no days off, and then you finish that, and I went to Tahoe and did two weeks. We had 28 shows in a row. I used to do 300 shows a year and it was just amazing. It’s something that doesn’t happen in today’s world and it was a very exciting career. 

How would you describe your relationship with Elvis Presley? 

Humperdinck: That was a great meeting. As a matter of fact, he saw me first before I went to see him. He came to my show, and when he stood up and took a bow, it took ten minutes to quiet the audience down. In the end, I shouted, “Elvis, this is my show!” (Laughs) He spread his cape out and the audience went absolutely berserk. Of course, I went backstage and I thanked him for coming to the show. Then when he came to Vegas, I’d go see him and that’s how we made a bond. 

Who are some of your other peers you’re particularly close to?

Humperdinck: I was close to Dean Martin. I liked him very much and we used to dine together a lot in Los Angeles. He was a wonderful man. I enjoy people. We meet people like Gene Simmons and Elton John, who are wonderful, wonderful people. They are real superstars because they don’t act it. They’re just very down to earth people, but so, so talented. 

Tell us a bit about hosting “The Engelbert Humperdinck Show” and any guests that really stood out to you.

Humperdinck: I had some massive guests on there. I was really green at the time because I’d only, just a couple of years, been successful with hit songs. But I did happen to have one, two and three in the charts at the same time and not many people have had that kind of success recording-wise. The show brought a lot of massive artists from the States. I had the pleasure of even singing with Tony Bennett. Jerry Lewis came over and there were some massive comedians that came over, names like Jack Benny, and Phil Silvers and all these people who did spots on the show. I got to meet like The Four Tops and that sort of thing. 

What are some of the other musical styles you’ve recorded besides the ballads? 

Humperdinck: Yeah, I did disco. I more or less kept in the ballad side because they sold the most and people enjoyed hearing me sing ballads more than anything, so I stayed in that lane. But now (laughs), I’ve got an album [coming] out, which is totally different to whatever I have done before. I even sound different. As a matter of fact, I’m going to tell you a little secret. I prepared myself as I got older because, for the simple reason that the older you get, the slower your vibrato gets. So about 20 years ago, I started singing without vibrato and it stood me in good shape because I don’t have a slow vibrato now. I have a very contemporary sound, which is what I want and I needed to keep going in this industry. 

Are there any types of projects you’ve never done before but always wanted to?

Humperdinck: When I first started in the industry, my manager was Gordon Mills. He had a stable of Gilbert O’Sullivan, Tom Jones and myself, so I was the balladeer, and Gilbert was like the folk singer, and Tom Jones was the rock and roll singer, so we kept in that vein…During my early career when everything was happening, boiling with hits all over the place and traveling the world all over again, a lot of Hollywood scripts came to Gordon Mills for me. He didn’t want me to be in the movies, so he used to bury them. I didn’t know that until later on in life. I could’ve been doing some movies just the way Elvis did his.

Nonetheless, you’ve had many other milestones. What do you consider to be the most important? 

Humperdinck: I think the fact that I’m still around, still doing things, making new projects. I think that’s an amazing thing when you talk about a career that’s lasted 58 years. Not many can voice that accolade, you know? 

I feel like you might be very close to a record in terms of longevity. Can you think of anyone else along those lines?

Humperdinck: I think Tony Bennett was one of them. I think he was a longtime, major artist and his career got better as he got older. I think that’s happened in my life. 

How have you been able to last this long? 

Humperdinck: I’ve been very fortunate I had a great following. I had a very strong following…They just stay very, very, very true to me and they’ve been like that ever since I first started…It’s a cult following that I have. They just love coming to see my show and being part of it. I make them a general part of it by receiving them in a nice way, by shaking their hands at the end of the show and thanking them for being such adoring fans. 

What do you think of the music industry and show business now? It has changed a lot from when you started.

Humperdinck: Oh yes, it has changed quite a lot. It really has. I’m a lover of melody, and good lyrics, and good storylines, and things like that, but you have to move with the times. You’ve gotta go with what’s happening, otherwise you just fall behind and lose the race. This is one big race and you’ve gotta keep up with people, so you have to do what’s happening. 

Who have you been listening to these days?

Humperdinck: I put the TV on and I watch what’s going on music-wise with “The Voice,” “American Idol” and all those places. The songs they sing are the songs of now. Everything is now and I listen to that. I guess that’s what tempted me to do this new album with the rock style.

If you were to pick a handful of your previous songs you’d want people to remember you by, what would they be?

Humperdinck: I would have to say “Release Me,” “The Last Waltz” because [it] was played around the world in every dance hall from the get go and it’s still around today, and of course, “After The Lovin’” was an amazing song of mine that I dearly love. But there’s some wonderful songs on the early albums that I know after I’m dead and gone, those songs will come back and start being played. 

I recorded this song about 50-something years ago, a song called “A Man Without Love,” and then along came that “Moonlight” series on television. Young people watch that show, and all of a sudden, “A Man Without Love” went to number one on the Spotify charts, back into the charts, and young people came to the show to see what Engelbert Humperdinck was all about. I saw new faces in the crowd, young faces. 

What do you ultimately hope your legacy will be?

Humperdinck: It can only be one thing: my music. When I listen to people on the radio who have been my friends and they pass, every time they play one of those songs, like for instance, if they play a song by Dean or Kenny Rogers, memories come back to my friendship with them. It’s just a wonderful feeling to know that they are still around because of their music. 

Engelbert Humperdinck performs at the Des Plaines Theatre on Tuesday, April 8 and the Arcada Theatre on Wednesday, April 9. For additional details, visit Engelbert.com, DesPlainesTheatre.com and ArcadaLive.com.

https://chicagoconcertreviews.com/2025/04/01/engelbert-humperdinck/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJatiJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHf4cbojTM4PKBmJAwnIFnIZwIDofqcURJqDvmWdfrfJGc4GGSf5rmz32Lw_aem_AU08-t9hssz6FXAdMMFk4Q

Arnold George Dorsey, known professionally as Engelbert Humperdinck, is still going strong at the age of 88.. He will be bringing his velvet voice and personality to the CPAC on Dec 6th for a night of holiday enjoyment that you do not want to miss. Our very own Rich Desisto had a chance to sit down with Mr Humperdinck to talk about his life and career most recently.

His recordings of the ballads “Release Me” and “The Last Waltz” topped the UK Singles Chart , selling more than a million copies each. Humperdinck scored further major hits in rapid succession, including “There Goes My Everything, “Am I That Easy to Forget”  and “A Man Without Love“

Then he came and topped the American chart with such hits as “After the Lovin’” and “This Moment in Time“

https://wmtram.com/2024/11/06/rich-desisto-talks-with-engelbert-humperdinck-about-his-life-career-upcoming-show/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR28CRPWhh-OFK5qSJWY1z0CB8lH2C4NXajS2f-QUt9Cg99I7_cZtr1gEwE_aem_6fUWMd-cCinjWUp4GVe2BA

Calling All Engelbert Humperdinck Fans! This year’s Engelbert Humperdinck 2024 Christmas Box Set is now available to purchase from the OK!Good Records Shop!

Rule the holidays this year with the Limited Edition Engelbert Humperdinck Pillow Cover, Engelbert Humperdinck Tree Ornament, the Brand New Engelbert Vinyl EP “A Christmas for the Family”, and an Autographed Engelbert Humperdinck Holiday Greeting Card.

Also included is the EXCLUSIVE Engelbert Humperdinck “All About Love” Deluxe Tour Edition CD! This tour exclusive is now available as an added bonus with any Box Set!

The 2024 Christmas Box Set includes:

• Limited Edition Engelbert Humperdinck Pillow Cover

• The Engelbert Humperdinck Tree Ornament

• “A Christmas for the Family” Engelbert Humperdinck Vinyl EP

• An Autographed Engelbert Humperdinck Holiday Greeting Card

• (Bonus) Engelbert Humperdinck “All About Love” Deluxe Tour Edition CD

Don’t own a record player? No problem! Gift Sets are available for all item combinations.

Pillow Cover & Card Bundles are also available on the OK!Good Records Shop.

The Engelbert Humperdinck 2024 Christmas Box Set is available for $79.95 (plus shipping and handling), Only available for purchase until December 18th for US domestic orders and December 13th for international orders, or while supplies last. Be sure to order in time for the holidays this year!

http://www.okgoodrecords.com/blog/2024/12/02/engelbert-humperdinck-2024-christmas-box-set/

• By LuAnn Thibodeau Special to The Suburban 

•  Nov 18, 2024

Engelbert Humperdinck delighted fans at all of the seven recent shows in Canada. He was quintessentially captivating in Quebec City, magnificent in Montréal, great in Gatineau, and terrific in Toronto. Billed as The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, Enge — as he is known to his fans — took the audience members down memory lane as he sang many of the hits that brought him fame through the years. And what wonderful years they were, with the songs still as popular as when he first introduced them.

The show opened in a very apropos manner, with a slide show on a jumbo screen of Enge through the years, and as he came onto the stage, clad in black pants and a black tux, with one of his trademark red shirts, he sang Ain’t It Funny How Time Slips Away…and yes, it does seem that it was only yesterday that many of his songs came out. One of his best was up next, Am I That Easy To Forget? Well, I can say with the utmost certainty that no one will ever forget this amazing man — not now or anytime in the future. His music and legacy will live on forever. Next came a song that was number one for a year in parts of the world that were torn apart by conflict and war, How I Love You. And I must say that the emotion that Enge put into this song was felt by everyone in the audience. The tears flowed down many a cheek as he sang the very moving words.

Then it was on to a tune that was very popular when it was released over 50 years ago but became even more well known the second time around. Due to it being featured in the Marvel series Moon Knight, A Man Without Love shot up the charts to number one and introduced a whole new generation to the music of Engelbert. Many of the folks at the shows were of that younger age group, and those that I spoke to after the shows were amazed and delighted that they could see him live in concert. And adding to the allure that is Engelbert Humperdinck, as the second verse starts, Enge lifts his leg and puts his left foot on one of the speakers at the front of the stage, again drawing loud applause from the audience. Rounding out the beginning of the show was the song that was nominated for a Grammy Award but surprisingly didn’t win — After The Lovin’. It did, however, go triple platinum, and has been a favorite of many, many people since it came out in 1976.

Now it was time, as Enge says, for him “to get lose”. As the band played a section of the jazz instrumental that was composed by David Rose in 1958 and released in 1962 (when it also became a number one hit on the Billboard charts), The Stripper, Enge removed his tux and then seductively danced a bit and then bowed to the crowd. And they loved it. The applause and whoops and hollers were deafening. And that he can still get that reaction at his young age of 88 is (to use the title of one of his newer songs that he cowrote with his daughter Louise) Totally Amazing. Men much younger would love to be able to pull that off. It was also time to “pop back here and get a drink. I swear if I didn’t have a little drink at the end of the night, I’d die”.  And continuing with his classic humor, Enge said “there is absolutely no alcohol in here whatsoever. It’s been years since any alcohol has passed these lips.” Again, the audience applauded. And when he said, “But I also lie,” the roar of the crowd erupted, and laughter filled the air.

Ever the gracious host and a true gentleman, Enge offered up a toast to the audience and thanked them for being a part of his journey. And he also thanked them for the many letters that they write to him, saying that they lift his spirits and he truly appreciates them. That led the way into nostalgia time, with Love Letters being the next song.

The nostalgia mood continued with a song that everyone loves, Quando, Quando, Quando. For that song, Enge asked his keyboard player, Olivia, to join him in a dance. She told him that she couldn’t really dance, to which he replied “You just have to follow me.” So, Olivia came down and was ready to join Enge. He then offered up some more of his comic side and asked her if she knew how he learned to dance.  He said, “I learned to dance waiting in line for the bathroom,” as he was one of 10 children. He added visual effects, and the crowd once again roared with laughter.

On to what Enge refers to as the romantic section of the show, the first of a trio of songs, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, which was on his latest album, All About Love. It’s a song that Enge calls “an audience participation song”, because he asks the audience to sing the chorus when he points to them. And they love doing that for him. The second of the three was “probably the most romantic song ever written,” in the 1940s, “well before I was born,” that got another round of raucous applause from the audience, Bésame Mucho, which Enge sang beautifully in two languages, English and Spanish.

Rounding out the trio was a song by the band Journey, entitled Faithfully. Enge said that the song is going to be on his next album, which he is recording now. He said that the album is going to include songs done by several of the big names in bands from the ‘80s, also including Aerosmith and others, but wouldn’t tip his hand to say any more. We’re all anxiously awaiting its release, in 2025.

He then picked up the pace with another song from his All About Love album with a lively rendition of the Barry White classic, You’re The First, The Last, My Everything. Enge gave it a country feel, and he dons a cowboy hat and dances a great Texas Two Step as he sings the song. He invites the audience to dance along, and many folks did so, while others clapped and tapped their feet to this energetic song.

He slowed it down a bit with the next number, which he says depicts his life story and is his motto — Don’t Let The Old Man In. And I have to say, I don’t think he will ever open the door to that guy. Again, picking up the tempo, it was time to introduce the band, with the song Old Time Rock and Roll. Each of the members were individually featured, with Olivia, Steve, Adam, Keven, and Ann “showing off their talents.” And they definitely are all very talented musicians, who are greatly appreciated by the audience.

On to what has become a fan favorite, a song that Enge wrote about 30 years ago, for his darling wife, Patricia, who is now in Heaven. Everywhere I Go certainly brought tears to the eyes of most, if not all, of the members of the audience. The depth of the love that he had for Patricia comes through every word as he sings them, and at the end of the song, as he blows a kiss to her in Heaven, the tears flowed even more down the cheeks of many of the folks present.

Then came the song that is the title of the tour, The Last Waltz. Will it truly be the last, or will the last waltz last forever? Time will tell. On to the medley, a collection of five of the big songs of Enge’s career. This Moment In Time, The Way It Used To Be, Les Bicyclettes De Belsize, There Goes My Everything (this writer’s favorite song, as it holds a special meaning), and Spanish Eyes, also sung in two languages, captured some of the greatest moments of his illustrious career. But the one that Enge sang next, was the one that launched his career into the stratosphere in 1967— Release Me.

He changes up the lyrics a bit “I can’t believe this song is 57 years old,” to which the audience applause was at a crescendo, and as he continued, they rose to their feet and gave him a much deserved standing ovation. As he left the stage, they were still on their feet, and the roar of the cheers and applause vibrated through the crowd.

Enge returned to the stage and sang a song by the French composer Michel Legrand — How Do You Keep The Music Playing. Well, I can guarantee that Enge’s music will play on forever, with many new fans coming along and realizing what a great singer he truly is. Enge then closed the show with his absolutely brilliant rendition of The Power of Love. And he left nothing behind, he poured his heart and soul into that song, and it was the perfect ending to a wonderful night of that walk down memory lane- from the beginning in 1967 to today.

Enge shook the hands of fans who had gathered around the stage, and then donned a brilliant red Versace boxer’s robe, as he readied to toss out a few of his red signature hankies, the one treasure that every fan wants to have. He then mimicked some classic karate moves (he himself is a black belt) and blew kisses to the audience and clasped his hands in thanks and appreciation to them. He said, “Applause is the food of an artist, and thank you for not starving me or my people tonight.”

And as he exited the stage, with the audience on its feet as they applauded and cheered, they wondered if it was indeed The Last Waltz. But as he himself said in an interview, “Elton John’s farewell tour lasted five years.” And although at the time of the seventh show of this part of the tour, the last show on his schedule was in December, new shows have been added for 2025. So perhaps The Last Walt’s will last forever — as the fans truly hope that it will.

https://www.thesuburban.com/townnews/music/luann-thibodeau-engelbert-humperdinck-s-last-waltz-farewell-tour-captivates-canadians/article_0533a52a-a520-11ef-8668-739c009a1891.html

Nov 04, 2024 By Jordan Chakravarty Zoomer Radio

For more than six decades, international recording icon Engelbert Humperdinck has shared a love affair with fans of every age on every continent.

Engelbert joined The Morning Zoom with Andy & Jane before his big show here in Toronto at Massey Hall.

Engelbert talks about what keeps him in shape, what songs he didn’t think would turn out to be hits and, of course, we find out if fans still throw panties at him on stage.

Listen below:

https://www.zoomerradio.ca/blogs/station-blog/2024/11/04/the-legendary-engelbert-h

• By Mike Cohen The Suburban Nov 6, 2024

Engelbert Humperdinck may be 88 years young, but he is showing no signs of slowing down. The ageless British pop singer performed before two sold out audiences at Théâtre Maisonneuve of Place des Arts last week. “The Last Waltz Farewell Tour” marks the end of his live concerts. But that does not translate into the end of his career. After two nights in Quebec City, a pair at Lac Leamy in Gatineau and then Massey Hall in Toronto, he returns to Los Angeles to begin recording a new album. Promoter Rubin Fogel says Humperdinck has done over 40 concerts here since 1969. The audience last Thursday went wild for him. Most were over 40. When intermission drew near and Humperdinck began to head backstage for a rest, the fans would not let him go so he played on. People I spoke to in their 80s said this crossed off a major bucket item on their list. Which music icon will Fogel bring next? May I request Barry Manilow?

https://www.thesuburban.com/columnists/mike_cohen_cohen_chatter/ageless-british-pop-star-engelbert-humperdinck-bids-adieu-to-montreal/article_6d83c214-992b-11ef-8387-976536e962c2.html

• By LuAnn Thibodeau The Suburban October 4,2024

The words in the title are part of the lyrics to the song We’ll Meet Again. And several years ago, the lyrics were changed up a bit — “Tell everyone in town that Humperdinck is back.”

Yes, indeed he is back. Engelbert Humperdinck is returning to Canada for seven shows. Just off of a very successful European tour, including the phenomenal performance at The London Palladium- the place where it all began for him, Enge (as he is known to his fans) is bringing The Last Waltz Farewell Tour to four cities — Quebec City (October 28, 29), Montreal (October 31, November 1), Gatineau (November 3, 4), and Toronto (November 6).

Speaking of the performance at The Palladium, many fans that I spoke with after the show felt that it was one of, if not THE best performance of his career. He poured his heart and soul into every song that he sang that night, holding nothing back. Many times, the emotions that he displayed were echoed by the crowd. When he had tears in his eyes, so did the members of the audience. When he laughed, they did too. And when he danced around the stage, the audience was dancing in their seats. It was a night that everyone who was there will never forget- the wonderful memories will last a lifetime.

When asked about it recently, Enge said, “It was like a flashback of every step and every mile that had happened since January 13, 1967, was reviewing in my head. The nerves that came as they did back then and turned into an energy that I can’t explain. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that came my way and the years that followed and led me back to a magical moment. I wish that we had taped that one, but I’ve got it in my heart.”

Well, I know someone who taped it and loves replaying it, too, being able to relive that wonderful September night in London. And when someone asked me if it was worth flying over 3,000 miles to the show, my answer was a resounding yes. And when further asked if I would do it again — I said that I’ve done it twice — in 2022 and 2024, so definitely, I’ll go for more.

When asked about being known as “The King of Romance” and “The King of Hearts” and if romance and love are what makes him and his songs so loved by so many, or if there was more to the allure of Engelbert Humperdinck, his response was, “My songs and style was stamped with love. The incredible team of writers were able to see the full picture before I dreamed it. They knew my range and tone and the words and the melodies that hit home with hearts around the world,” said Enge. “The arrangers and producers completed my musical vehicle, and I wanted to step up to the plate every time and give it my all. ‘Love is All’ is one of my favorites and I have held close the lyrics in the chorus with every curtain that goes up for me.”

I told Enge that in the first article I had written about one of his concerts in my home state, I dubbed him the man with “the voice that melts butter” and asked if he felt that was an adequate analogy. “I do like my butter and appreciate the analogy…. I think Nat King Cole was that guy and he was a big influence on me.”

Asked about his thoughts on returning to Canada, Enge said, “I love the Canadian audiences. They are so connected to the musical experience, and they give me adrenaline with their engagement.”

So, I have to say that it’s going to be nights filled with many of the hits that made Enge famous. Of course, no show is ever complete without The Big One. “It started my life,” said Enge — Release Me. As he sang at The Palladium, he said “I can’t believe this song is 57 years old.” Yes, fans have been enjoying that song for that many years, and it never gets old. Enge changes up the lyrics a bit (with the above line as well as the last line, when he sings “Release Me, and I’ll be back again”), and the audience loves it. Also, always in the song set list is “Man Without Love”, a song that has made new generations of fans, thanks to it being featured in the Marvel series Moon Knight. And there is a medley of several of his other early hits.

When asked about the songs and if there would be any other songs added back to the song set list (I mentioned that I would love to hear Let Me Into Your Life), Enge’s response was, “That’s a very good choice and very emotional. I’m really lucky to have a treasure trove of beautiful and sentimental songs. As I do interviews, I also get to know music journalists’ favorite songs. I just was told Alone In The Night was popular in South Africa, so we hurriedly rehearsed it and am I so grateful I listened. Five thousand-plus people a night singing a song I haven’t sung in decades.”

Well, I can only hope he adds my song back. But even if he doesn’t, I can attest to the fact that South Africa wasn’t wrong — Alone In The Night is a masterpiece and I’m certainly glad that he added it back to the set list.

Enge has some new songs in the mix, including Faithfully and How Do You Keep The Music Playing, and he also has a new album coming out. Would he tip his hand and offer up any hints as to whether any other new songs might be in the offing at these shows, and what songs might be on the new album? Well, “Both songs really touch me and though they are not mine, I feel connected to them deeply,” he answered. “And that is what we are doing with the new album….no filler songs. I’m not going to give away the list, but another journalist mentioned one of his favorites and it has reaffirmed my decision to record it. I’m listening and taking notes…even after all these years.”

Guess I and everyone else who is going to any of these shows is going to have to wait with bated breath to see what happens. And I know that we, as well as fans around the world, are looking forward to the new album. It’s so refreshing to see that after all these years and all of the hits, Enge is still keeping tabs on what the fans want.

The tour is billed as The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, and Enge has often said that he will keep going until God calls him. So, of course, that song that went triple platinum, The Last Waltz, is definitely a special part of the show. And the fans are certainly hoping that the last waltz will last forever, and that (as mentioned above), as Enge changes up the lyrics a bit in Release Me, and sings “Release me, and I’ll be back again.” he’ll be back again and again. When asked about it, Enge said, “This business of song is in my blood. The more I tour the more I want to use my music as a passport to the world.”

As I asked about any final thoughts, I said that the weather might be a bit chilly, but that I can assure that the love that the fans have for Enge will fill the theaters and hopefully fill his heart with lots of warmth, Enge continued by saying, “I have always appreciated my faithful fans and new ones, too. If they have been there since 67 or yesterday because of a video they came across, if they have traveled 5 miles or 5 thousand miles…and they have taken time out of their lives to be a part of this dream I had so many, many, years ago. It’s truly amazing… they have the dedication that I have to my career, and I guess that is why we all are still here.”

Well said, my good man, well said. And one more thing he said that really struck a chord with me personally. How does he keep going? “I know I’m a bull… true to my Taurus sign and have a great deal of tenacity.”

I have to say that this Bull — I’m also a Taurus full of tenacity — certainly appreciates his tenacity, and as he always says to the audience, I’ll return the words to him as I speak for every fan, near and far and say “remember — I love you.”

https://www.thesuburban.com/arts_and_entertainment/entertainment/tell-everyone-in-town-engelbert-humperdinck-returns-to-canada/article_7b639242-80f8-11ef-959f-9f82674ef24e.html

News 24 17 July 2024

The legendary Engelbert Humperdinck bade his last farewell to a minute-long standing ovation at GrandWest in Cape Town last night for the final leg of his South African tour. He had wowed audiences in Pretoria on Friday night at the SunBet Arena, and Cape Town was no exception. 

The two-hour-long show had the 5 000-strong crowd singing along to all his old classics, including “Release Me”, “Quando” and “The Last Waltz”, and they were treated to a few new renditions of old favourites, to be featured on a new concept album in September.

Moving about the stage like a man half his age, he peppered the show with funny jokes and stories, including of entertaining moments encountered with other famous, such as Elvis Presley and Tom Jones. And there was not a dry eye in the house when he sang, “Everywhere I Go,” dedicated to his late wife. 

After the show he said: “I was overwhelmed by the fantastic crowds in South Africa and the warm welcome I received everywhere. I’ll keep the memory of my time here and I will dance ‘The Last Waltz’ with my fans forever.” 

https://www.news24.com/news24/community-newspaper/paarlpost/last-waltz-with-humperdinck-20240717