NEWS

Engelbert Humperdinck brings his unmistakable voice, timeless charm, and global hits to the International Theater at Westgate Las Vegas for two weekends… April 17 and 18 and again October 2 and 3. The iconic singer joined us in the studio with more on his show.https://www.8newsnow.com/news/las-vegas-now/engelbert-humperdinck-talks-career-and-upcoming-shows-at-the-westgate/

Matt Lennon Mar 07, 2026 Starts At 60

There are legends, and then there are survivors.

In the fickle, youth-obsessed world of popular music, endurance is perhaps the rarest form of success. Yet for nearly six decades, Engelbert Humperdinck has remained a constant presence – touring the world, filling theatres, recording new music and sustaining the improbable career of a singer whose name once baffled audiences almost as much as it intrigued them.

This year, the enduring crooner prepares to return to Australia once again as part of what he calls his “Celebration Tour,” a milestone that coincides with his approaching 90th birthday. The achievement is remarkable not just for its longevity, but for the fact that Humperdinck insists he is still performing with the same voice that launched him to fame in the 1960s.

“My voice hasn’t deteriorated at all,” he tells Starts at 60 matter-of-factly. “It’s the same as it was, well maybe it has come down a little bit in volume, but only a tiny bit. It’s still as strong as ever, and I’m still recording.”

To the notion that his career has slowed down, Humperdinck laughed and dismissed it wholeheartedly. And politely, of course. The master of the romantic ballad has instead pivoted slightly and completed a new album inspired by the rock stars of the 1980s, where he has taken songs made famous by bands like Kiss, Aerosmith, The Cars and Journey and done them “his way”.

The name that changed everything

At the time, the singer was performing under the name Gerry Dorsey. It wasn’t working. Enter manager Gordon Mills.

“Gordon chose it because it belonged to a composer,” Humperdinck explains. “He gave me my name. He gave Gilbert O’Sullivan his name. He gave Tom Jones his name.”

The name Mills selected – Engelbert Humperdinck – belonged to a 19th-century German composer. For a pop singer, it was wildly unconventional. And that was precisely the point.

“The name is so different that it caused a bit of a controversy,” he says. “People started to talk about it…but they couldn’t pronounce it.”
Humperdinck remembers the reaction vividly when he first took to the stage under his new moniker. “When you’re a starving singer like I was, you accept anything that comes along that is going to be successful,” he says.

If the goal was to attract attention, the strategy worked. Comedians joked about the name. Audiences stumbled over its pronunciation. But soon enough, everyone knew it.

The song that stopped The Beatles

Then came the moment that would cement Humperdinck’s place in pop history. In 1967, Humperdinck recorded “Release Me,” a sweeping romantic ballad that seemed almost old-fashioned compared with the psychedelic revolution happening around it. Against all expectations, the song exploded.

Its success was amplified by a curious piece of chart history: it prevented The Beatles’ double A-side single “Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields Forever” from reaching number one in the UK. For Humperdinck, the experience was surreal.

“That to me was something, an event, if you want to know the truth,” he says. “I was a big fan of The Beatles, and then for this non-entity to come along and knock the almighty Beatles out of the number one position…”

The victory was brief but symbolic. At the height of Beatlemania, the unlikely balladeer had scored one of the decade’s biggest hits. More importantly, it established him as one of the defining romantic voices of his era.

The Las Vegas years

If “Release Me” launched his career, Las Vegas helped sustain it. The desert entertainment capital became a second home for Humperdinck, who performed marathon runs there during the golden age of casino showrooms.

“I played Vegas in the early days…a month at a time,” he recalls. “I did two shows a day, so that was like 56 shows in a row.”

It was exhausting work, but it placed him in the company of some of the greatest entertainers of the twentieth century.

“All of a sudden you meet the Sinatras and you meet the Shirley MacLaine’s and all these big stars… even the great Elvis Presley,” Humperdinck says.

One of his early breaks in Vegas came courtesy of another legend. Another Rat Pack member.

“The casino that I played at in Las Vegas was owned by Dean Martin,” he says. “Dean put his name on the marquee saying, ‘Dean Martin presents Engelbert Humperdinck.’ I was the only one he did it for.”

The two men would later become friends, sharing dinners during their Vegas residencies. Humperdinck also remembers the dazzling excess of those shows – glamour, stage spectacle and enough jewellery to rival rock royalty.

“I was introduced to the jeweller that made all Elvis’s stuff and Liberace’s jewellery,” he says. “We all used to use the same jeweller in Vegas.”

A romantic voice that endured

Humperdinck’s persona as part crooner, part matinee idol made him a favourite among audiences seeking something softer than the rebellious rock music dominating the charts.

“Apparently, they still think of me as a romantic singer,” he says. “I gained that title a long time ago, and I still keep it going because the kind of songs that I sing have lasting appeal.”

“This has been passed down over the years from my first fans to their children, to their children,” he says fondly.

The generational loyalty has helped sustain his touring career well into his ninth decade.

Encounters with the greats

Over the years, Humperdinck has collaborated with and befriended a vast roster of musical icons.

“When I think about doing a duet with Willie Nelson, and Kenny Rogers and Johnny Mathis… and of course the great Elton John… I have to pinch myself,” he says. “I’ve been involved with these people.”

He also recalls working with Gene Simmons of Kiss, a pairing that might seem unlikely on paper.

“You think that a balladeer with a rocker… it’s two different kinds of people,” he says. “But he made me feel so comfortable in the studio. What a wonderful person.”

Those encounters were often facilitated by his television show in the 1970s, which brought major stars onto the same stage week after week.

“Having a TV show like I had in the 70s made it possible for me to meet all these people,” he says.

But yet, not every relationship from his long career has aged so warmly.

A rivalry born in the same moment

Few rivalries in music have lasted quite as long, or remained quite as mysterious, as the one between Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones.

Both men emerged from Britain in the explosive musical landscape of the 1960s. Both possessed powerhouse voices that could fill theatres without amplification. Both were managed early in their careers by the same industry figure. And both would go on to become global icons, selling tens of millions of records and building loyal audiences across generations.

It was Gordon Mills, who was managing both, who rechristened the singer then known as Arnold George Dorsey with the spectacular stage name Engelbert Humperdinck. It was a move that initially bewildered audiences but soon became unforgettable.

In the highly competitive entertainment industry of the 1960s, such arrangements could be fragile. Artists were constantly touring, recording and competing for the same audiences and opportunities. When success arrived, it arrived quickly, and often unevenly.

But at some point, Humperdinck and Jones – once professional partners, once travelling under the same management – stopped speaking. The reasons have never been entirely clear. Over the decades the silence hardened into one of pop music’s longest-running feuds.

“Something happened,” Humperdinck says simply. Was it professional jealousy? Competition? Perhaps both.

That understated explanation has remained remarkably consistent over the years. The details have never been publicly dissected with the kind of acrimony that defines many celebrity feuds. Instead, the relationship gradually cooled until the two men simply stopped speaking. Even as recently as last year, the two men were trading barbs, according to various media sources.

Yet when Humperdinck is asked about it today, nearly sixty years into his career, his answer is strikingly calm, reflective and unexpectedly generous.

“I still think Tom Jones is one of the greatest singers the world has ever known,” he says. “But the fact that we don’t get along together or we don’t talk doesn’t mean to say I don’t like his voice. I love his voice, I think it’s fantastic…but we just don’t get along.”

“I regret that the fact that there is an issue,” he admits. “I’d like it to be made up. I’d shake his hand tomorrow.”

For a dispute that has lingered for decades, the absence of bitterness from Humperdinck is almost disarming. What remains instead is something closer to regret.

Still going strong

At nearly 90, Humperdinck remains an active performer with a schedule that would exhaust artists half his age.

Part of the secret to his longevity, he says, lies in maintaining a close relationship with his fans.

“I keep up with it on social media,” he explains. “I do it for a thing called Tuesday Newsday where I keep in touch with my fans around the world. I tell them exactly what I’m doing in my life for that week.” He even reads their comments personally.

“I think it’s important that you read what they have to say. Because they’re your audience.”

That sense of gratitude is perhaps the most striking aspect of his personality. After more than half a century of fame, he still speaks like someone who can’t quite believe his luck.

“I’ve been in the business about 59 years,” he says. “It’s just an amazing amount of time…and I don’t feel any different today than I did 50 years ago.”

The hair may be dyed – he cheerfully admits that – but the spirit remains intact.

A celebration, not a farewell

When Humperdinck returns to Australia for his Celebration Tour, audiences can expect exactly what they have always come for: the songs that made him famous.

“You’ve got to bring in the classics,” he says. “People come to hear the classics, no matter how much new stuff you do,” he says. And if Humperdinck has his way, the story is far from finished.

As he continues to record, tour and even dream of collaborations with modern stars, he remains driven by the same enthusiasm that first propelled him onto a club stage as a teenager.

Nearly 60 years after “Release Me” made him famous, Engelbert Humperdinck is still doing exactly what he believes he was meant to do.

Engelbert Humperdinck. What a name, and what a game.

https://startsat60.com/media/the-last-great-romantic-engelbert-humperdinck-at-90

Alan Granville February 11, 2026 • 9:15am Stuff New Zealand

‘King of Romance’, Engelbert Humperdinck returns to New Zealand

“I have a song that I do in my show that people in New Zealand just love. Every time I come, that's the first I put on my list.”

The song is Ten Guitars and it was written for legendary crooner Engelbert Humperdinck. Now 89 years young, the self-styled King of Romance has announced a tour of New Zealand, and fans will be hearing that song “two or three times” in the set.

The popularity of the tune here is a curious quirk in Humperdinck’s long career.

It was the flip side to his first major international hit, Release Me. Released in 1967, it was a DJ in Rotorua, Eddie O'Strange, who championed the B-side. The song became wildly popular, particularly among Māoriperformers. It was even the subject of a documentary by Geoff Cawthorn.

Humperdinck admits the success of Ten Guitars caught him by surprise, and even now he “can’t believe it”.

“Little kids, they all sing it. They all know it, they don't even know who Engelbert Humperdinck is but they know Ten Guitars.

“It’s a lovely song. It’s a very happy song, and I’m pleased it’s got that kind of success in New Zealand.”

Born Arnold George Dorsey in 1936, he performed as Gerry Dorsey until he was advised by then-manager Gordon Mills to adopt his unusual stage name, taken from a 19th-century German composer, to stand out from the crowd. It worked, and he went on to sell 150 million records.

Humperdinck isn’t slowing down despite his many years in the industry: “Music is my love. And this is my 59th year in show business, and so we're celebrating it by doing a celebration tour, and we're going to go to a lot of places around the world again.”

He will play Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland in June, his first visit to these shores in seven years, with concerts also in Australia and the US.

Humperdinck says touring now is a bit different than in the 1970s: “We used to do about 300 shows a year, and that was quite ridiculous.

“I once did 81 nights in a row. The plane was waiting at the airport, and we took off every day, and that particular night, we'll do the show, get on the plane that night, fly to the next venue, and that's how we did 81 in a row. And it was quite exhausted.”

He admits to having a few regrets over his career, including losing out on a wildly popular tune.

“I had a song once that I thought to myself, ‘this is a hit. I'm going to record it’. And it was Strangers In The Night, and I recorded the song. Then my manager said, ‘you can't do it’. I said, ‘why?’. He said, ‘Frank (Sinatra) wants it. And I said, ‘well, what the heck?’. Anyway, he got it, and he had a number one hit.”

Humperdinck is still recording with a release of his take on 80s classics from the likes of Aerosmith and KISS due later in the year.

While he is promising a mix of classic tunes and contemporary releases in his concerts, there is one song he refuses to sing - Lesbian Seagull. The song was originally released 

in the late 1970s but Humperdinck was approached by the makers of Beavis and Butt-Head Do America to re-record the tune for animated movie.

“When I first heard the song, they played it to me. I said, ‘OK, I'll go ahead and do it’. And it turned out to go platinum, but I don’t put it in my show. It's kind of difficult.”

His music keeps finding new fans, with songs popping up in the likes of action movie Bullet Train and TV shows Umbrella Academy and Moon Knight, something he finds really satisfying.

So when will Humperdinck call it quits on touring?

“I did my farewell tour last year. And I tell you what, once I finished the tour, and then I had a three month break, I was climbing the walls. I called up my manager, and I said, ‘there's no way this is my last tour. Let's carry on’.

“I keep putting out new records and I've got a great following, and I want to keep doing it until the old man (upstairs) calls me.”

Engelbert Humperdinck Celebration Tour

Friday, June 26: Wellington – Michael Fowler Centre

Sunday, June 28: Christchurch – Christchurch Town Hall

Tuesday, June 30: Auckland – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

General release tickets available here from 10am, Thursday, February 12.

-Stuff

https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/360936920/uk-crooner-behind-one-most-popular-fireside-songs-new-zealand

This Valentine’s Week, we celebrate love with a true icon. The legendary Engelbert Humperdinck joins The Roundtable as he turns 90 — and proves romance never goes out of style. With timeless classics like “Release Me” and “After the Lovin’,” brand new music, and a worldwide tour that includes a stop right here in Detroit, Engelbert reminds us why his voice has been the soundtrack to love stories for generations.

We talk about enduring passion, performing across decades, and what keeps him inspired as he enters this milestone year. It’s heartfelt, nostalgic, and the perfect Valentine’s Week conversation about love, legacy, and living fully. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and press play — because romance is alive and well.

Listen on Broadway Podcast Network, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, YouTube, and everywhere you stream.

Follow Robert at RobertBannon.com and on Instagram @RobertMBannon.

https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-roundtable/engelbert-humperdinck-on-a-valentine-s-week-special-edition/808

Joe Taysom

Fri 13 February 2026 Far Out Magazine

In a new interview with Far Out, Jethro Tull singer Ian Anderson has confirmed that he appears on the new album by Engelbert Humperdinck. 

Anderson made the revelation during the broad conversation, published on February 11th, which also saw him reflect on his lifetime in music.

Upon being asked about his thoughts on the current musical landscape, Anderson said of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, “I don’t dislike them on a personal or musical level, but I don’t find their music or lyrics particularly of remote interest to me, they don’t in any way satisfy my taste in music or songwriting.”

Anderson is more focused on his own work rather than what is being made by other artists, before revealing that he recently worked with Humperdinck.

The singer divulged, “I played on a track for Engelbert Humperdinck a few weeks ago, would you believe. So I look with interest on sometimes on things that I’ve actually played on for other people, that’s probably the only time I really listen to any new music.”

While Anderson did not have the full details to hand regarding Humperdinck’s next album, he did say that he was told “it’s scheduled sometime in 2026”.

Although they are both huge stars from a similar era in music, the upcoming track will mark the first time they have collaborated.

Humperdinck, aged 89, released his last album, All About Love, in 2023. He is set to begin his American tour on February 19th in Chandler, Arizona, and also has dates planned in Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Elsewhere in his new interview with Far Out, Anderson explained why he has no plans to retire anytime soon, admitting, “It would seem in a way a bit churlish to pack it in now, but I still have to be realistic. The end, whilst it’s not in sight, it is a glimmer on the distant horizon that is going to come ever closer.”

Anderson also has no plans for a farewell tour, explaining, “And when it does get sufficiently close to me to have to make the announcement ‘This is Jethro Tull – The final tour’ then I won’t, because I don’t believe in announcing such things.”

https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/jethro-tull-ian-anderson-appears-on-engelbert-humberdincks-album/

February 10, 2026  Sheldon Ang Sheldon Ang Media Concert, Live Music, Live Performance, Music, Tour

The certified ‘King of Romance’, Engelbert Humperdinck returns to Australia this June and July with ‘The Celebration Tour.’

Englebert will perform shows in New Zealand before heading to Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth winding up the tour in Sydney.  Tickets to all shows will be available from Tuesday 10thFebruary.

The Australasian dates are an extension of his United States tour, which begins this month in Arizona. The British icon will present selections from his comprehensive and acclaimed repertoire, performing with the support of his band.

Englebert last performed in Australia in 2024 with reviews leaving no doubt he is still at the top of his game:

‘…a masterclass in stagecraft’ – The Music

‘… Humperdinck is astounding.  The love he endures within so many is well deserved. A treasure, it was an absolute pleasure to have seen such a legend…’. – Scenestr

‘To be in the audience of such a legend was a blessing’ – Noise 11

Engelbert who turns 90 on 2nd May, has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over 60 years with record sales in excess of 150 million, including 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe, and stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Las Vegas Walk of Fame, and Leicester Walk of Fame.

His enduring popularity is attributed not only to his remarkable vocal talent, but also to his engaging personality, characterised by a distinctive sense of humour and self-effacing remarks. These qualities have helped retain a devoted fan base and, more recently, attracted a younger audience through platforms such as YouTube and social media.

Engelbert exploded on to the music scene with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The shy handsome man catapulted almost instantly to world icon. He became great friends with Elvis and the two legends often performed each other’s songs. His first single in the charts was “Release Me,” which went into the Guinness Book of Records for achieving 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was No. 1 in 11 countries. The following decades see Engelbert constantly touring the world to sell-out crowds. He takes great pleasure in every moment on stage. 

His music has transcended time, and his voice continues to reach out to people now – serving to transport and inspire, to embrace and to provoke feelings and emotions…ingredients that are no doubt the essence of his long-lasting success. 

Engelbert’s hit song ‘A Man Without Love’ was featured in Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’ Disney+ Series. In Sony Pictures’ new Brad Pitt film ‘Bullet Train’ Engelbert’s song ‘Forever Blowing Bubbles’ is featured. And in Netflix’s ‘Umbrella Academy” his ‘Quando, Quando, Quando’ is heard.

In November 2023 Englebert released the documentary ‘Englebert Humperdinck:  The Legend Continues’.  With unprecedented access to him and his close family, friends and business associates, director Steven Murray delivers a heart-warming chronicle – shot across two continents at locations close to Engelbert’s heart – which shines an insider’s light on this multitalented, yet humble and unexpectedly humorous musical genius.  The documentary offers a unique insight into the world of Humperdinck, including never before seen concert footage and funny, frank and touching narration by Engelbert himself.

With an untouchable stage presence and so many undeniable songs, fans young and old will be in for a magical evening they won’t forget.

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK THE CELEBRATION TOUR DATES 2026:

Saturday 4th July

Brisbane – QPAC – Concert Hall, QLD

Monday, July 6
Gold Coast – The Star, QLD

Wednesday, July 8
Melbourne – Hamer Hall, VIC

Friday, July 10
Adelaide – Her Majesty’s Theatre, SA

Sunday, July 12
Perth – Riverside Theatre, WA

Tuesday, July 14
Sydney – State Theatre, NSW

Mellen Events pre-sale:
9.00am Tuesday 10th February until 9.00am Thursday 12th February

General Public on-sale:
10.00am, Thursday 12th February
Tickets available at:
www.mellenevents.com

https://sheldonangmedia.com/press-release/engelbert-humperdinck-announces-the-celebration-tour/

Stuff reporters February 8, 2026 •

Legendary performer and self-styled King of Romance, Engelbert Humperdinck, will return to New Zealand and Australia in June and July as part of his extended world tour, The Celebration Tour.

The British singer, who turns 90 this May, will play in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland before heading to major Australian cities including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. It will be Humperdinck’s first New Zealand visit in seven years.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 10, with a Mellen Events pre-sale from 9am that day through to Thursday morning. General public tickets will be available from 10am Thursday.

With over 150 million records sold, 64 gold albums and 35 platinum, Humperdinck remains a global musical icon. His songs have recently featured in hit shows like Moon Knight, Umbrella Academy, and the film Bullet Train, helping introduce his music to a new generation.

Humperdinck last toured Australia in 2024 to rave reviews. Critics described his performances as “a masterclass in stagecraft” and praised his enduring voice and charm.

In a message to fans, Engelbert - real name Arnold George Dorsey - said he’s excited to return to New Zealand. His recently released documentary The Legend Continues offers a candid look at his life and legacy.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/culture/360935912/engelbert-humperdinck-announces-2026-celebration-tour-new-zealand?utm_source=piano&utm_medium=recommendation&utm_campaign=readmore&utm_position=1&utm_platform=web&utm_content=3image

by PAUL CASHMERE on FEBRUARY 9, 2026 Noise11.com

Engelbert Humperdinck will return to Australia this winter as part of The Celebration Tour, extending his latest run of international dates and marking another milestone moment in an extraordinary career.

Engelbert Humperdinck will bring his unmistakable voice back to Australian stages in June and July, announcing a national tour that reinforces his enduring connection with local audiences. The Celebration Tour will see the British icon perform across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney, following an opening run of shows in New Zealand.

The Australasian leg is an extension of Humperdinck’s current United States tour, which begins this month in Arizona. Accompanied by his band, he will draw from a repertoire that spans more than six decades, presenting songs that have defined multiple eras of popular music while continuing to resonate with new generations of listeners.

Humperdinck last toured Australia in 2024, returning to sold-out venues and reaffirming his reputation as a consummate live performer. Noise11 described the experience as being in the presence of a true legend, a sentiment that has followed Humperdinck throughout a career built on consistency, professionalism and a genuine rapport with his audience.

Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, British India, in 1936, Humperdinck’s life in music began long before global fame arrived. Raised in Leicester after his family relocated to England, he initially worked as a saxophonist before finding his voice as a singer in the late 1950s. Early recording attempts under the name Gerry Dorsey brought limited success, and his career was further interrupted by national service and a lengthy battle with tuberculosis.

Everything changed in the mid-1960s when he partnered with manager Gordon Mills and adopted the stage name Engelbert Humperdinck. The transformation was swift and decisive. In 1967, Release Me became an international phenomenon, topping charts in multiple countries and spending an unprecedented 56 consecutive weeks on the charts. It was soon followed by a run of defining hits including The Last Waltz, There Goes My Everything and A Man Without Love, establishing Humperdinck as one of the most recognisable voices of the era.

Emerging alongside The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Humperdinck carved out his own space during a period of rapid musical change. His success was global, and friendships with contemporaries such as Elvis Presley reflected the mutual respect he commanded within the industry. Over the decades that followed, relentless touring became central to his career, a commitment that continues today.

By the 1970s, Humperdinck had also secured major success in the United States with songs such as After The Lovin’ and This Moment In Time, while his elaborate live productions made him a fixture in Las Vegas. Television series, international residencies and charting albums followed, reinforcing his standing as both a recording artist and a live entertainer.

In more recent years, Humperdinck’s music has found renewed life through film and television. A Man Without Love reached a new audience after appearing in Marvel’s Moon Knight on Disney+, while Quando, Quando, Quando featured in Netflix’s Umbrella Academy. Forever Blowing Bubbles was also used in Sony Pictures’ Bullet Train, further extending his cultural reach well into the streaming era.

In November 2023, the release of the documentary Engelbert Humperdinck: The Legend Continues offered unprecedented access to the singer’s personal and professional life. Shot across two continents, the film chronicled his journey with warmth and humour, underscoring the qualities that have sustained his appeal for more than 60 years.

Now approaching his 90th birthday on May 2, Humperdinck’s achievements remain remarkable. With record sales exceeding 150 million worldwide, dozens of gold and platinum albums, four Grammy nominations, a Golden Globe and multiple Walk of Fame stars, his legacy is firmly established. His continued relevance, however, lies in his ability to connect, whether through timeless recordings or nights on stage where every song carries lived experience.

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK THE CELEBRATION TOUR DATES 2026
Saturday 4 July, Brisbane, QPAC Concert Hall
Monday 6 July, Gold Coast, The Star
Wednesday 8 July, Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Friday 10 July, Adelaide, Her Majesty’s Theatre
Sunday 12 July, Perth, Riverside Theatre
Tuesday 14 July, Sydney, State Theatre

Tickets for all shows go on sale from Tuesday 10 February.

Mellen Events pre-sale runs from 9.00am Tuesday 10 February until 9.00am Thursday 12 February.

General public on-sale begins at 10.00am Thursday 12 February.

https://www.noise11.com/news/engelbert-humperdinck-the-celebration-tour-australia-2026-20260209

By Spotlight Central, Photos by Love Imagery New Jersey Stage 12/18/2025

Fans make their way out of the bitter cold into the warm and inviting State Theatre New Jersey auditorium in New Brunswick, NJ this Tuesday, December 9, 2025 evening for A Winter World of Love concert of holiday classics and greatest hits starring singer Engelbert Humperdinck.

The lights dim and pianist Nikko Ielasi, guitarist Keven Eknes, keyboardist Olivia Morreale, bassist Adam Cohen, and drummer Helen De La Rosa take the stage and play a dramatic overture of “Release Me.”

Engelbert Humperdinck, 89, makes his entrance from behind the curtain singing Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” instantly connecting with the audience as he croons in his velvety baritone voice, “You’re just too good to be true/Can’t take my eyes off of you.”

The crowd applauds and Humperdinck blows a kiss to his fans before taking a seat on a stool and launching into the breezy country-pop tune, “Am I That Easy to Forget,” on an arrangement which features a lyrical piano solo by Nikko Ielasi.

“Good evening! Welcome to the show!” exclaims Humperdinck, announcing, “I’ve got some great songs for you here that I’ve been fortunate enough to record,” as Kevin Eknes’ acoustic guitar introduces Englebert’s seasoned interpretation of Don McLean’s “And I Love You So.”

Audience members whistle and cheer when they recognize a song that Humperdinck says is “at the top of my hit list.” A Latin feel characterizes his 1968 smash, “A Man Without Love,” where concertgoers tunefully sing along with Engelbert on the tune’s appealing “Every day I wake up then I start to break up/Lonely is a man without love” refrain.

Following up with “After the Lovin’” — a number which went “triple platinum” after appearing in Marvel’s Moon Knight TV miniseries — Humperdinck’s voice has an edge to it as he croons with feeling and dynamics, “And I know that my song/Isn’t sayin’ anything new/Oh, but after the lovin’/I’m still in love with you.”

Fans cheer and the band plays “The Stripper” as Humperdinck removes his jacket, undoes his tie, and unbuttons his shirt before pouring a drink and suggesting, “I think I have a frog — or a dog — in my throat.”

Explaining that tonight’s show will feature two parts — first, his “classic songs” and, then, a series of “holiday songs,” Humperdinck graciously toasts the audience stating, “Thank you for being at my show.”

Suggesting, “Let’s do something classic!” Humperdinck invites the crowd to sing on the “La la” interlude of his Latin ballad, “Love Me with All of Your Heart,” and follows up by joyfully showing the audience how he learned how to dance to “Ball in the Jack.”

Moving on to his 1968 hit, “Quando, Quando, Quando,” concertgoers sing along on the “Tell me when will you be mine” lyric of this upbeat Latin tune which features Keven Eknes shredding an electric guitar solo as Humperdinck charismatically dances about the stage.

Joking, “At this time I’d really like to sit down…because I’m 49 years old now!” Humperdinck reaches as he sings the 6/8 ballad, “Always My Love,” and the Journey power ballad, “Faithfully.” Putting on a cowboy hat, he belts out a gravelly version of Barry White’s “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”

Engelbert talks about a song he wrote 30 years ago for his “darling wife” who is “in heaven now” before presenting a poignant and tender rendition of his lovely ballad, “Everywhere I Go.”

The crowd applauds and Humperdinck follows up with his 1967 hit, “The Last Waltz,” where audience members sway as as they sing along with Engelbert on the song’s “I had the last waltz with you/Two lonely people together” refrain.

Humperdinck gives each of his bandmates an opportunity to shine on his interpretation of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” before announcing, “Let’s do the song that made me famous!” and sings his 1967 hit, “Release Me,” his baritone sounding clean and smooth as he croons, “Please release me, let me go/For I don’t love you anymore.”

The crowd cheers and Humperdinck bows, exits, and returns to announce, “I think it’s time to do our holiday songs. Are you ready for them?” An ornate red and gold throne appears center stage where Humperdinck takes a seat and renders a swinging version of “Winter Wonderland.”

After talking about the cold weather outside, Humperdinck reveals that he plans to go home to a warmer Leicester, England for the holidays. Presenting a gentle ballad rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” strings swell and Engelbert inquires, “Isn’t the music beautiful?” to which the audience applauds in agreement.

Concertgoers sway their arms on the pop ballad, “Winter World of Love,” before Eknes’ acoustic guitar is featured on the 3/4 time “Around the Christmas Tree,” which has Humperdinck slowly waltzing across the stage.

Engelbert again proposes, “It’s either a frog or a dog,” as he clears his throat and exclaims, “It’s a dog!” prior to rendering a husky R&B version of Charles Brown’s “Please Come Home for Christmas” from his golden throne.

Striking blue lighting sets the mood as Humperdinck pays tribute to his friend, Elvis Presley, with an engaging country-swing interpretation of Presley’s “Blue Christmas.” Then, acoustic guitar and piano accompany Engelbert as he sweetly ad libs while the audience sings the melody on a slow and peaceful arrangement of “Silent Night.”

Suggesting that his next number is “a great prayer,” Humperdinck prays, “I hope I can do it for you,” as he clears his voice and performs a song he recorded on his first Christmas album. Reaching for notes, Humperdinck ventures a reverent rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

After revealing just how much he loves Christmas, Humperdink concludes tonight’s A Winter World of Love performance with a charismatic and bouncy version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

While the band vamps, concertgoers avidly applaud as Humperdinck dons a red robe and shakes hands with audience members, tosses red handkerchiefs, and bows with his arms wide in front of the standing crowd, exclaiming, “Bye bye! Happy Holidays!”

As fans exit the auditorium, several share their thoughts on Engelbert Humperdinck’s performance tonight. Comments Bobby from Fredericksburg, VA, “I’ve been following Engelbert ever since I was a kid. My mother loved him and she passed it on to me. He’s absolutely the best — he’s amazing!” Erin from VA agrees, suggesting, “Mankind creates beauty and we enjoy it. I loved the show tonight; it was great!”

Linda from Vernon acknowledges, “I loved Englebert — he sounded a little raspy tonight, but he could just stand up there and sing with us and I’d still be happy.” Cyndy from Chicago asserts, “He always puts on a great show — he gives his heart and soul,” exclaiming, “I came all the way from Chicago to hear him tonight!”

Andrew, a musician from Toms River insists, “I’ve loved Engelbert for years and I always will.” His wife, Joanne, concurs, suggesting, “He can do no wrong. We’ve been following him for a long time and he did not disappoint despite being nearly 90 years old, God bless him.”

Lastly, Natalie from Dingman’s Ferry, PA declares, “Engelbert was absolutely fabulous tonight! I’ve been listening to him for 50 years, and he’s special,” prior to concluding, “There’s no one else like him.”

To learn more about Engelbert Humperdinck, please go to engelbert.com. For info on upcoming shows at STNJ — including The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis on January 22, So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience on January 30, and Dirty Dancing in Concert on March 18 — please click on stnj.org.

https://www.newjerseystage.com/articles2/2025/12/18/a-winter-world-of-love-engelbert-humperdinck-live-at-stnj/