NEWS

Chris Jordan Asbury Park Press Updated Dec. 9, 2025, 5:20 a.m. ET

Help wanted: Guitarist who knows Engelbert Humperdinck songs.

Jimi Hendrix fit the bill -- and how.

So it was in 1967 when Humperdinck, who is set to play three concerts in New Jersey starting with a Tuesday, Dec. 9 show at the State Theatre in New Brunswick, was on tour with Hendrix and the Walker Brothers. Humperdinck's guitarist went missing but Hendrix had it covered.

Hendrix's bassist, Noel Redding, had previously played with Humperdinck.

“We toured together at one time,” Humperdinck said of Hendrix. “When he came on stage in the U.K., he had to tour with people who were well known in the U.K. so he was on my bill. We did tour with him and he did an amazing job when he was there. One day my guitarist didn’t show up for the date and he said don’t worry man, I’ll play for you. So he did and it was amazing.

“I only wish I had recorded it.”

Hendrix played but was off stage -- unseen by the audience.

“Oh yes, he stood behind a curtain,” Humperdinck said. “He was a star -- I couldn’t put him on stage, could I?”

The tour, which also included Cat Stevens, was the first time Hendrix had lit his guitar on fire. Before solo stardom, Hendrix played for Little Richard and the New Jersey groups Joey Dee and the Starlites and the Isley Brothers.

“I grew up in the rock world but took the path of romance which is probably the best thing I did because everybody loves to listen to romantic songs and I'm glad that I chose that path,” Humperdinck said. “It’ll never go out. The world is full of love and romance and that’s the way it’ll stay.”

Humperdinck, born Arnold Dorsey in India, is known for romantic classics like “Release Me,” “The Last Waltz” and “There Goes My Everything, “A Man Without Love,” “Am I That Easy to Forget,” “After the Lovin',” “Winter World of Love,” and more. He's getting back into his rock roots with an upcoming collection of 1980s covers from Aerosmith, Kiss, the Cars and more.

“I'm always looking for new songs and new hits,” Humperdinck said.

And new ways to connect with fans. His Tuesday Museday video feature on Instagram gets thousands of hits.

“I try to keep up with my following around the world and what we’re doing with my Tuesday Muesday. It's what happens in my life, etcetera,” Humperdinck said. “It's a good way of keeping in touch and I love the comments. I read them and pay attention.”

Humperdinck is bringing his A Winter World of Love tour, featuring holiday classics and greatest hits, to the State Theatre on Tuesday; the BergenPAC in Engelwood on Wednesday, Dec. 10; and Harrah's Atlantic City on Saturday, Dec 13.

The singer, 89, previously announced that he's retiring but not so fast.

“At the beginning of this year I was sitting in the house for about three months and I was climbing the walls,” Humperdinck said. “I called my manager and told him to call the agents and tell them this is not my last tour. I was bored to tears staying home. I just enjoy being on the road, entertaining, and doing what I’ve been doing for the last 58 years.”

Visit www.engelbert.com for more information.

Go: Engelbert Humperdinck, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick. Starting at $58. STNJ.org.

Go: Engelbert Humperdinck, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt St., Englewood. $49 to $159. www.bergenpac.org.

Go: Engelbert Humperdinck, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, 777 Harrah's Boulevard, Atlantic City. Starting at $67.30. www.caesars.com/harrahs-ac.

https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/12/09/engelbert-humperdinck-holiday-tour-jimi-hendrix/87678068007/