Otago Daily Times 18 July 2026

So, a couple of weeks ago I went to see Engelbert Humperdinck in concert. The two main responses to this when telling people were, who or what is that? — generally from the younger generation — and is he still alive?

I will go back a step or two to give this some fuller context — make that a generation or two. 

My childhood was a good one and a big part of it was music. My nana (my mum’s mum) loved musical theatre and 1940s music like that of Glenn Miller, Vera Lynn, The Andrew Sisters, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and she loved Louis Armstrong. She played the piano (averagely) and she would play it over the phone when I was very little and apparently, I would sing to her. I remember music and singing, and she took me to musicals and ballets at the Regent and the Mayfair theatres, music was a big deal to my nana.

Now, on my dad’s side, music was a given too. My pōua was in the Methodist Māori Choir who sung at Buckingham Palace for the Queen. It was sort of an expectation as Māori that you could sing, or, if you couldn’t, you knew the words to the hīmene and sang quietly. It was kind of a given that someone could also play the guitar and if you couldn’t, you learnt off a cousin or aunty, starting maybe with the ukulele and then on to the guitar. I can play, but I am very average . . . and, yes, it was a case of having to to be honest.

So, back to Engelbert. Growing up in a smaller rural village meant my parents went to weekend parties with their group of friends. These took place mostly in their garages or lean-to rooms, which were turned into a basic bar with drinking-type memorabilia and posters of past pop-star legends. Generally, the gatherings involved a similar demographic to them, bicultural marriages, Pākehā wife, Māori husband and kids like us.

So, there was a kind of unspoken understanding and knowing between us all, I guess. And there was a particular playlist that pervaded every get-together. There was a big mixture of country music, from Green Green Grass of Home to Stand By Your Man, to all of the Elvis hits because Aunty Lyn had been to Graceland and had a spiritual Elvis epiphany, to Neil Diamond classics and Glenn Campbell and yes, Engelbert Humperdinck. Engelbert sang the classic Ten Guitars, Quando Quando Quando, The Last Waltz, Release Me and more.

His classics were loved at Kiwi garage parties. In fact, his song Ten Guitars became an absolute hit in New Zealand at the same time that his song Release Me became an international hit in 1967. Māori loved this song and it became a banger with Māori showbands and at all the parties. I am pretty sure that I started to learn the basics of the guitar to that song too. Ten Guitars became a New Zealand cultural phenomenon.

So, my cousin messages our whānau and tells us that Engelbert is playing a concert in Christchurch and Dad responds immediately. He loves this era of music and Engelbert has been a dominant feature of his localised social life, like a long lost cousin.

We are all heading to Engelbert. My partner is coming too and I salute him for that, because it is a lot when whānau are heading to the concert of a 90-year-old pop singer who is loved by our people.

We arrive at the concert and most of the aunties from Rāpaki are there (a village between Lyttelton and Governors Bay). The age group certainly made me feel somewhat younger but the audience were committed, with their phones out, recording his every move.

He had a formidable band on stage who were there for him at every step. Engelbert pulled out all the stops, jokes, the songs we all love. He talked openly about being 90, losing the love of his life many years ago and his respect for New Zealand audiences. He was very much 90 but that was quite something, because he spent an hour singing on stage and the audience loved every minute of it.

We walked away that night wondering what we had just witnessed and debriefed the experience, one I don’t imagine I will have again. Who knows though? Bruno Mars might still be going at 90?

I took a few videos throughout the concert and sent them to my three children and they all commented as if Engelbert were their uncle after a few drinks, singing karaoke to his heart’s content. However, they absolutely loved seeing their pōua up on his feet, dancing and singing to Engelbert. The intergenerational love for these old masters of epic tunes will never be forgotten.

https://www.odt.co.nz/lifestyle/magazine/still-singing-along-engelbert

While the Rolling Stones debate whether they will head out on tour one more time, one singer is preparing to hit the road at 90. 

By Jason Keil | July 16, 2026 Wide Open Country

While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards continue to debate if the Rolling Stones will head out on tour one more time, one singer is preparing to hit the road at 90. 

Engelbert Humperdinck will head out on a world tour later this summer in support of his new album, Faithfully, out August 28 on Cleopatra Records. 

Age Is Nothing But a Number to Englebert Humperdinck

The "Spanish Eyes" singer's latest album is his take on classic rock hits. In addition to covers of Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, and Aerosmith, Humperdinck has included the original "Always My Love."

To bring these songs to life, a team of extraordinary musicians was assembled. They include Journey's Jonathan Cain, Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, and Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.

"I am so grateful for my good friends Brian Perera and Tim Yasui of Cleopatra Records for coming up with the fantastic idea of this album and the music videos we did for it," Humperdinck said in a statement. "And I am really honored by all of the incredible, renowned musicians who joined on the tracks. And not, by any means last, I want to thank my producers, Adam Hamilton and Pete Mills, plus our mixing engineer Jurgen Engler, for the tireless hours that went into this production."

Humperdinck Is Also a Harley Man

In the album's first video, a cover of "Drive" by The Cars, Humperdinck (or someone resembling him) is seen riding a motorcycle down the open road. That fits with the singer's life as an avid rider, which he shared in a social media post last year.

"My Harley was on my mind," he said. "It's been too long since I was out on the open road. I need to get a gadget to strap my phone to my chest so you can come along with me. I used to love riding with my friends along PCH. Wonderful memories that are so strong that I can appreciate, feel the ocean breeze, and smell the salty air."

Humperdinck's tour kicks off in Germany in August. You can check out his full list of tour dates here.

https://www.wideopencountry.com/move-over-rolling-stones-this-90-year-old-singer-is-gearing-up-for-a-tour/

Jul 15, 2026 That Eric Alper Media

Engelbert Humperdinck is opening a new chapter after six decades in music. The internationally renowned vocalist will release his new album, ‘Faithfully,’ on August 28 via Cleopatra Records, marking one of the most ambitious recordings of his storied career.

Humperdinck brings his own interpretation to a collection of blockbuster songs originally made famous by Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Aerosmith, and more, blending his unmistakable voice with fresh emotional depth. The album also includes a newly composed original, “Always My Love,” giving the project a personal touch.

The 15-track release features an extraordinary lineup of guest musicians, including Journey’s Jonathan Cain, keyboardist Rick Wakeman (Yes, David Bowie), Grammy-winning guitarist Al Di Meola, Canned Heat’s Harvey Mandel, Jethro Tull frontman Ian Anderson, and guitarist Eric Gales. Rich orchestral and string arrangements round out the production, pairing classic sophistication with modern rock energy.

“Our entire team at Cleopatra Records couldn’t be more thrilled to embrace this global legend into our artist roster and are looking forward to what we feel could truly be a shining release in his remarkable career,” says Cleopatra’s VP/General Manager, Tim Yasui.

With a catalogue built on timeless hits like “Release Me,” “After the Lovin’,” “Spanish Eyes,” and “The Last Waltz,” Humperdinck has sold over 140 million records worldwide, cementing his place among music’s most distinguished performers.

Humperdinck shared his gratitude for the team behind the project: “I am so grateful for my good friends Brian Perera & Tim Yasui of Cleopatra Records for coming up with the fantastic idea of this album & the music videos we did for it. And I am really honored by all of the incredible renowned musicians who joined on the tracks. And not, by any means last, I want to thank my producers Adam Hamilton and Pete Mills plus our mixing engineer Jurgen Engler for the tireless hours that went into this production.”

Humperdinck will support the album with a global tour across North America, Europe, and beyond, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

The first single, “Drive,” is out now with a music video shot on location in West Hollywood, California, and a second single and video for “Beth” arrive August 12. ‘Faithfully’ will be available on all major streaming platforms, plus CD and limited-edition vinyl through Cleopatra Records.

Faithfully Track Listing:
“Faithfully” feat. Jonathan Cain & Keven Eknes
“Take My Breath Away” feat. Al Di Meola
“More Than Words” feat. Eric Gales
“Something” feat. Carmine Rojas
“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” feat. Harvey Mandel
“Mama, I’m Coming Home”
“Drive”
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” feat. Ian Anderson & Bob Daisley
“Heaven” feat. Marcus Nand
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” feat. Sonny Landreth
“Beth” feat. Rick Wakeman
“Always My Love” feat. Rene Le Blanc
“Alone” feat. Steve Morse & Jonathan Cain (CD only)
“Can’t Get It Out Of My Head” feat. Marcus Nand & Jonathan Cain (CD only)
“I Won’t Back Down” feat. George Lynch (CD only)

https://www.thatericalper.com/2026/07/15/engelbert-humperdinck-announces-new-album-faithfully/

He’s not slowing down!

Jul 15, 2026 4:30 PM EDT

By Megan Johnson Trending News Writer, Parade

Englebert Humperdinck is not only releasing a new album. The 90-year-old music icon is heading back out on the road for a world tour.

Humperdinck, 90, rose to stardom with hit songs like “Spanish Eyes” and “Release Me.” But the legendary crooner isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The singer will release his highly anticipated new album Faithfully on August 28 via Cleopatra Records.

 “I am so grateful for my good friends Brian Perera & Tim Yasui of Cleopatra Records for coming up with the fantastic idea of this album & the music videos we did for it,” Humperdinck said in a statement. “And I am really honored by all of the incredible, renowned musicians who joined on the tracks. And not, by any means last, I want to thank my producers Adam Hamilton and Pete Mills, plus our mixing engineer Jurgen Engler, for the tireless hours that went into this production.”

Humperdinck will also head out on a global tour to support the album. 

Reflecting on Losing His Wife and Infidelity

Humperdinck recently opened up about the loss of his wife, Patricia, and how he recalled asking for his wife’s forgiveness after being unfaithful.

“She was my soulmate, an amazing lady who put up with a lot of things I’m not proud of. I always apologized for not being faithful,” Humperdinck told The Times, noting that “the dinner table can feel pretty lonely” without her these days. “She forgave me, and we stayed together. It brought us closer in fact. 

Will I fall in love again? Can’t see it happening.”

Humperdinck added that while Patricia’s death made him “angry,” he “came around in the end. God had his reasons.”

Humperdinck Loves Social Media

In addition to his work on the stage, the beloved singer has a significant following on social media, where he’s an avid user of TikTok and Instagram. Last June, he opened up there about how much he misses cruising the open road on his Harley.

“My Harley was on my mind. It’s been too long since I was out on the open road I need to get a gadget to strap my phone to my chest so you can come along with me. I used to love riding with my friends along PCH. Wonderful memories that are so strong that i can appreciate, feel the ocean breeze, and smell the salty air,” he shared in a stream-of-consciousness post without much punctuation.

https://parade.com/news/at-90-music-icon-defying-expectations-with-new-album-world-tour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uzXvaIf-08&list=RD8uzXvaIf-08&start_radio=1

By eLanka ELanka.com.au July 14, 2026 10:34 PM

Last night, Sydney audiences rose to their feet to celebrate one of the greatest entertainers of our time as Engelbert Humperdinck brought the Australian leg of The Celebration Tour to a memorable close at the magnificent State Theatre.

At 90 years of age, Engelbert continues to demonstrate why he has remained one of the world’s most loved performers for more than six decades. His unmistakable voice, timeless charm and effortless connection with his audience transformed the evening into much more than a concert—it was a celebration of an extraordinary musical journey.

From the moment he stepped onto the stage, the audience responded with warmth and affection. Classic songs including Release Me, The Last Waltz, Quando, Quando, Quando and many other favourites brought back cherished memories for fans who have followed his remarkable career across generations.

What was particularly inspiring was not only his vocal performance but his humour, storytelling and genuine appreciation for his audience. Even at ninety, Engelbert remains every bit the consummate entertainer, proving that true talent never grows old.

A Remarkable Career

Born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras (now Chennai), India, on 2 May 1936, Engelbert Humperdinck adopted his now-famous stage name in the 1960s and quickly became one of the biggest recording artists in the world. His breakthrough hit “Release Me” famously kept The Beatles’ Penny Lane from reaching the number one position in the United Kingdom in 1967, launching one of the most successful international careers in popular music.

Over an extraordinary career spanning more than sixty years, Engelbert has sold over 150 million records worldwide, earned dozens of Gold and Platinum albums, received multiple Grammy nominations and a Golden Globe, and continues to perform before enthusiastic audiences across the globe. Even today, younger audiences continue to discover his music through films, television and streaming platforms.

A Favourite Among Sri Lankans

For many Sri Lankans, Engelbert Humperdinck has always held a special place in their hearts.

His romantic ballads became the soundtrack to countless weddings, dances, family gatherings and social events throughout the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Songs such as Release Me, The Last Waltz, There Goes My Everything, Spanish Eyes and A Man Without Loveremain favourites among Sri Lankan music lovers, with many still able to sing every word.

His music crossed cultures and generations, creating memories that continue to live on today. It is no surprise that many members of Australia’s Sri Lankan community were among those who attended this very special Sydney performance.

Thank You, Engelbert

Whether this proves to be his final Australian performance or simply another chapter in an extraordinary career, one thing is certain: Engelbert Humperdinck has left an unforgettable legacy.

For more than six decades he has brought romance, elegance and timeless music to audiences around the world. Last night’s performance was not simply a concert—it was a heartfelt celebration of a remarkable artist whose songs will continue to touch hearts for generations to come.

From all of us at eLanka, thank you, Engelbert, for the music, the memories and an unforgettable evening. 

Southeast

Asians & Pacific Islanders

Produced by eLanka Australia

https://www.elanka.com.au/engelbert-humperdinck-bids-farewell-to-australia-a-night-sydney-will-never-forget/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTDmzxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEetZoPfgJpPRDvlboZKWHdlL4_L45jEzZ0GoHclPxInCLLambTuRXf7fQpdVM_aem_dG9x05WLF2J4GX3gxIFkKg

By Markus Hamence·12 July 2026 On Your Markus

Engelbert Humperdinck brought 60 years of craft and genuine enjoyment to His Majesty's Theatre on 10 July, delivering the hits with warmth and a tight band that elevated the songs beyond nostalgia. A heartfelt tribute to his late wife anchored the evening emotionally, while the energy and playfulness throughout proved this was anything but a going-through-the-motions affair. Rating: 5/5

Engelbert Humperdinck walked onto the Her Majesty's Theatre stage looking every bit the showman who has spent 60 years perfecting the craft, and within minutes the audience knew this wasn't going to be a nostalgia act going through the motions. The Celebration Tour 2026 stop in Adelaide on 10 July was, first and foremost, fun. Humperdinck was playful all night, cracking jokes between songs and riffing with the crowd like a man who still genuinely enjoys being up there.

That energy made the show's one quiet moment land even harder. Partway through the set, Humperdinck paused to pay tribute to his late wife, introducing "How I Love You" with a stillness that hadn't been in the room before. It was a brief, heartfelt detour from the banter and the big numbers, and the audience felt the shift immediately. No theatrics, no oversell, just a man singing about someone he loved. It was the emotional centre of the night precisely because it wasn't dwelled on.

The rest of the set delivered on the promise of a career spanning six decades. A Man Without Love, Quando Quando Quando and Spanish Blue Eyes drew the loudest response of the evening, and it was easy to see why. These are songs that have earned their place in people's lives over generations, and Humperdinck still sings them with the same conviction that made them hits in the first place. There was a nice touch when he mentioned A Man Without Love's unexpected second life after featuring in Marvel's Moon Knight, a reminder that these songs keep finding new audiences decades after they were first recorded.

None of it would have worked without the band behind him, and two players in particular stood out. Pianist Todd Schroeder brought real finesse to the arrangements, finding space and colour in songs that could easily have been played on autopilot. Guitarist Kevin Eknes matched him for feel, adding texture without ever crowding Humperdinck's vocal. Between them they gave the evening a musicality that elevated it well beyond a straightforward greatest-hits run-through.

At 60 years into a career, there'd be no shame in an artist simply cruising through the hits. Humperdinck did something better. He was warm, quick-witted and clearly still invested in the songs, while trusting a tight band to do the heavy lifting when it mattered. The tribute to his late wife gave the night its heart; the hits gave it its energy. Her Majesty's Theatre got both in equal measure, and the crowd left knowing exactly why this catalogue has endured.

https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/engelbert-humperdinck-brings-60-years-of-craft-to-her-majestys-theatre/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTB6bpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeYh7J1igLFa95fFWutIe5WLndXDMCRZwdvFAKyxvePgunKB23QcQoId6m-o8_aem_Y9GOc0zb7yeqlZsYTpffcg

July 13, 2026  Sheldon Ang  Sheldon Ang Media

The Celebration Tour 2026 – 12 July 2026 at the Perth Riverside Theatre, Western Australia

Or is it? Given the legend’s age and touring life, the headline asks the inevitable question.

Since our media launch in June 2022, we’ve covered a handful of octogenarians: Gladys Knight (then 80), Dionne Warwick (then 83), Tom Jones (84), Cliff Richard (85) and Herbie Hancock (also 85 then) – to name a few. And many more in the septuagenarian category then, including KISS’s Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, Sting, Rod Stewart, Alison Moyet, and the list go on. And on every occasion, we were blown away by the stamina and vocal reach of every one of them, despite their age. But we’ve never covered a nonagenarian, and I am not speaking Italian.

It is not ageism, but that’s the inevitable reality for mere mortals. The title is not meant to poke at the age of the 90-year-old legend, but given that his age has been mentioned a few times last night, it felt like we’ve been permitted to mention his age in this review.

“I’m celebrating by just being around,” said Engelbert Humperdinck, who in May entered the last decade before the centenary milestone.

The crowd roared in approval, implying that he has a long way to go before the inevitable visit to Moses. He also joked about being 47, before taking his medical syrup on stage, rather than whiskey or a shot – which is a frequent refresher in aforementioned performances.

So how did the Indian-born legend stack up in Perth after a whirlwind world tour?

At 7 pm (that’s right, 7 pm), we were greeted by the band, consisting of the pianist, lead guitarist, bass player, synth keyboardist, and drummer. It was a full-piece band. 

Engelbert graced the stage as if he was walking to a party on a yacht. Yes, I borrowed the line from that song, but it was the vibe he personified: the posture, the stance, the vitality and confidence oozing from the performer. The crowd, mainly from the baby boomers category went berserk as if it was the 60s and 70s. There were a few 20-somethings, ensuring the baton of classics that generated over 150 million records spanning 60 years is passed onto the next generation.

He commenced with Welcome to My World, a Jim Reeves track. And within the first verse, we were pleasantly surprised at his vocals: the grit and hold, the minor croak that propagates with energy. At 90, think of Engelbert’s vocals as Neil Diamond’s recorded chapter – that slightly gritty edge, a raspy one, with deep, resonant baritone weaved through emotional propagation.

So Engelbert’s vocals of the last millennium changed from bright, powerful tenor to baritone and strong vibrato with big projection in his recordings to a deeper, warmer baritone, more texture and rasp, slower vibrato, but he made it up with emotional storytelling over vocal gymnastics. He is the storybook with 70 years of adulthood chapters; the authenticity is gracefully real, and the projection is palpable. He’d still get a standing ovation from Simon Cowell if he were to perform as a special guest on American Idol.

He still got it.

It wouldn’t be anytime soon that Engelberts performance will be forgotten, thanks to the likes of Carl Belew’s Am I That Easy to Forget on the setlist, followed by one of baby boomers’ favourites, A Man Without Love. The room lit up to another level as many appointed themselves as back up singers, singing “every day I wake up, then I start to break up, lonely as a man without love…” blasting the choruses gleefully despite the heartbreaking lyrics.

What we noticed was that there were no backup singers or backing tracks. The musicians hardly got involved in the backups apart from the occasional ooh’s and ahh’s. Even the crescendo was all Engelbert’s. 

The hits kept coming along, including Freddy Quinn’s Spanish Eyes, and with that sort of familiarity, the crowd sang along gently, as they saw themselves again as the backup performers, followed by Quando, Quando, Quando, a track that has been sung by a few artists in this venue. Hands were waving side to side to the cadence of the music.

Engelbert again touched on mortality and on how he managed to stay the way he is – alive and kicking. He pointed to the track Don’t Let the Old Man In. It was a slow number, where we were emersed into his storytelling cues without any sonic interruption.

He also touched on the giant rock track Faithfully by Journey, although he did a country sit-down version before going to another sing-along in Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, and indeed, it became a sing-along.

The night then darkened metaphorically in one of the most poignant moments. “When I wrote this song 30 years ago, I never knew how poignant this song was gonna be, now that my wife is in heaven.” How I Love You is one of the heart-wrenching performances we have witnessed. This track is a devotion, and towards the end, his voice broke with sadness as he looked up at the heavens. There were tears in his eyes, and there were tears in the audience. We were shattered for him.

This is when Engelbert performs at his best in his twilight years: a ballad told in a storytelling mode, propagated with utter, palpable sincerity.

The mood switched again with George Jackson’s Old Time Rock and Roll. Every band member had their solo moment, including the lead guitarist, who oozed a rock star vibe scintillating in an end-to-end riff at the front of the stage, akin to a rock concert, before everyone settling with The Last Waltz. We were in a musical carousel, and for a minute, we were dancing to The Last Waltz. It’s no longer a song about romantic memory; rather, it is about time aging, where his older voice adds more emotional authenticity than the 1967 studio version.

In those moments, it was as if we were at an André Rieu concert; everyone was dancing in their minds, singing in real life that echoed across the Perth Riverside Theatre. It was a gleeful moment as the lights painted across the hall, as we felt the orchestral sweep, ballroom elegance and cinematic warmth, but without the onstage extravagance. It was a raw performance.

“Can I have the last waltz with you… too lonely together… I fell in love with you” the words resonated well into the night.

The main set ended with Release Me (And Let Me Love Again). It was the classic karaoke song among the baby boomers, especially in Asia, where the “uncles” and “aunties” (meaning older people) would be singing with their karaoke sets, and tonight, the uncles and aunties get to sing along with the OG himself. The rasp in his voice adds emotional honesty, and he sang like a man who has lived the story.

It is an interesting point to note about matured songwriters: the songs written a generation or 60 years ago carry a different weight now. These song in record are about a dramatic breakup, love at first sight, a macho take, but the live versions in the later years are about reflections through the kaleidoscopic views on life, regret, time and honesty, and when his voice is calibrated to maturity and life experience, we as the audience are immersed in a lifetime of storybook nostalgia – and that was what we were presented in the Engelbert Humperdinck show at 90, while he stood on his feet for most parts for 90 minutes.

The experience is priceless.

Engelbert Humperdinck will be performing his final show of the Australian / NZ tour in Sydney. Tickets are available from Mellen Events

https://sheldonangmedia.com/live-review/live-review-the-last-waltz-of-engelbert-humperdinck/

His “Release Me” may have kept THE BEATLES’ “Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane” single off the top spot back in 1967 but, unlike Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck never really found favors with the rock crowd – and that’s something the 90-year-old seems to want to remedy on his new album, which will be released on August 28th. Titled “Faithfully” after a JOURNEY evergreen the veteran has been performing in concert for some time now, it offers one specially penned, fresh piece called “Always My Love” alongside classics by heavier artists – although the Brit didn’t go as far as tackling metal classics as Pat Boone once did.

Still, unlike his American counterpart whose record was graced by the presence of only a few stars, including Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio, Humperdinck’s offering features, on CD and vinyl, many more notable instrumentalists, so what Engelbert did promises to be quite interesting.

1. Faithfully (JOURNEY)
feat. Jonathan Cain & Keven Eknes
2. Take My Breath Away (BERLIN)
feat. Al Di Meola
3. More Than Words (EXTREME)
feat. Eric Gales
4. Something (THE BEATLES(
feat. Carmine Rojas
5. I Was Made For Lovin’ You (KISS)
feat. Harvey Mandel
6. Mama, I’m Coming Home (Ozzy Osbourne)
7. Drive (THE CARS)
8. Feel Like Makin’ Love (BAD COMPANY)
feat. Ian Anderson & Bob Daisley
9. Heaven (Bryan Adams)
feat. Marcus Nand
10. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (AEROSMITH)
feat. Sonny Landreth
11. Beth (KISS)
feat. Rick Wakeman
12. Always My Love
feat. Rene Le Blanc
13. Alone (HEART)
CD-only:feat. Steve Morse & Jonathan Cain
14. Can’t Get It Out Of My Head (ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA)
feat. Marcus Nand & Jonathan Cain
15. I Won’t Back Down (Tom Petty)
feat. George Lynch

https://dmme.net/engelbert-humperdinck-covers-ozzy-kiss-bad-co-and-more-on-star-studded-album/

By Anna Houlahan Updated July 9 2026  The Senior

Maybe Engelbert Humperdinck was as surprised as the rest of the audience when a fan at his Melbourne concert passed him a pair of undies.

But judging by his wry smile, that's been a regular occurrence for more than 60 years.

Currently touring Australia, the 90-year-old crooner filled the legendary Hamer Hall with a mix of timeless hits and surprising additions, including a cover of Journey's 1983 anthem Faithfully.

The Humperdinckers and Engel's Angels were out to support the icon on the cold Melbourne night, donning heavily-sprayed coiffures, sequined outfits and well-tailored suits.

Almost 2500 fans, young and old, crammed into the sold-out hall to watch the Chennai-born singer take the stage. 

Pipes of a 90-year-old crooner

I've seen my fair share of ageing icons in concert; a 64-year-old Robert Plant, a 66-year-old Iggy Pop, a 71-year-old Paul Simon.

But seeing a nonagenarian Humperdinck belting love songs to an enamoured audience for more than an hour and a half was to witness a true feat of showmanship.

He knew his limitations, and would pause to take a breath when needed, but wielded his signature vibrato and swaggering charisma with confidence. 

Drowned out by the crowd

Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey in 1936, started his show-business career playing saxophone in nightclubs but gained international fame as a 31-year-old with Release Me. 

His version of the song, also released by Dean Martin in 1967, held the number one slot in the UK for six weeks. 

Almost 60 years later, he played his legacy hits with the precision of a man who has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft. 

In another performer's hands, this may seem rote. But Humperdinck keeps it fresh with a sly joke and smooth dance moves.

Whenever the music paused, the crowd was ready to bridge the gap.

Hamer Hall is usually a civilised place for a concert, often hosting high-art acoustic shows, but this audience was unconstrained by polite music appreciation.

They could hardly resist singing along to the soaring choruses and, I admit, I was right there with them.

A Man Without Love, released in 1968, is Humperdinck's most popular song among younger generations, with more than 200 million streams on Spotify.

It was closer to 201 million by the time I finished my walk home.

Staying power

Many of the crowd came with the sober knowledge that this may be their last chance to see an ageing Humperdinck live.

But far from being a relic of the past, his concert was a masterclass in staying power.

The world has changed dramatically since he first came to fame, but he showed that a beautifully-fitted suit and a hopeful ballad are eternal.

Leaving the Arts Precinct after the show, it was clear he'd left a mark on the audience.

Loud renditions of The Last Waltz, Release Me and Quando, Quando, Quandoburst from groups of revellers as they made their way home.

Humperdinck performs at Her Majesty's Theatre in Adelaide on July 10, at Perth's Riverside Theatre on July 12 and the State Theatre in Sydney on July 14 before heading to Germany, Taiwan and Singapore.

https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/9307108/engelbert-humperdinck-brings-legacy-hits-to-his-australian-tour/