NEWS

18 May 2024 Written By Matthew Hocter Beyond the Encore

So much of my childhood has been shaped by the melodies that danced through our house, weaving themselves into the very air I breathed. Curated mostly by my mothers hand, her musical selections filled our home with the heart-stopping tremors of Elvis' growl, the aching vulnerability of Roy Orbison's balladry, and the smoldering intensity of Tom Jones. But then there was Engelbert Humperdinck, a name that rolled off the tongue like a forbidden foreign phrase. Unlike the others, his wasn't a voice that ignited, but one that enveloped. A velvet cloak of sound draped over heartache and hope, his music resonated on a deeper level, a timeless echo that has continued to transcend generations. He wasn't just another pretty face amongst a plethora of handsome crooners; but rather a constant hum that shaped not just the memories of my childhood, but provided a large part of the musical landscape within our home.

The 88-year-old Humperdinck's The Last Waltz Tour in Australia is more than just a victory lap for one of musics most accomplished artists; it's a carefully curated farewell symphony, ensuring a vibrant final note for a career that has spanned in excess of six decades. Sold-out venues across the country, packed with his devoted "Humperdincksters," speak volumes about the emotional resonance his music has held to them and all those that have joined them at his shows. Adelaide's Her Majesty's Theatre became a place that showcased the testament of the indelible mark that Humperdinck has etched on the lives of his fans, a poignant reminder of the enduring power that his music has had, and continues to have on them.

While age is a topic that generally isn’t relevant to performance, especially given the unfortunate prevalence of ageism, Humperdinck's The Last Waltz Tour is a reminder of the respect and acknowledgement that his 88 years on this earth so deserves. Here, age becomes a badge of honor, a testament of unwavering dedication to his craft. Though his voice may have matured over the years, his stage presence remains undeniably captivating. It's an unforced blend of charisma, intellect, along with a disarming  and self depreciating sense of humor.

With a catalogue of work as extensive as his, curating a setlist to please most, was clearly no easy feat. Opening with the poignant Willie Nelson cover "Funny How Time Slips Away" and setting a tone of reflection, it was also a subtle acknowledgment of the passing years. Seamlessly transitioning into classics like "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and "A Man Without Love," again reminded the audience of the enduring power of his music. Backed by his tight five-piece band and beautifully guided by the musical direction of pianist Anne Shuttlesworth, Humperdinck delivered a performance that for the most part, could best be described as ageless.

As the show continued, emotions were running high with the Humperdincksters dancing and clapping to numbers like "Quando, Quando, Quando" and "Bésame Mucho." Yet, the evening offered more than just revelry. Poignant ballads like "If You Don't Know Me By Now" eased their way through the sentimental crowd, prompting introspective moments. Particularly noteworthy was "Don't Let The Old Man In," a song that felt less like a performance and more like a shared philosophy. Humperdinck seemed to offer a subtle wink, perhaps even a secret to his own enduring career – a refusal to surrender to the limitations of age. This harmony between infectious energy and heartfelt reflection created a truly beautiful experience. Music doesn't just move us physically, more often than not it's the emotional and intellectual that cuts the deepest.

As the show drew to a close, the final two encores capped an evening steeped in nostalgia and the privilege of witnessing a living legend live. But it was the moment after a heartfelt rendition of "Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)," that Humperdinck, bathing in the warm glow of the spotlight, turned to the crowd and said with thanks “Applause is the food of an artist." If that adage holds truth, then Adelaide tonight served up a banquet fit for a king. The standing ovation that followed wasn't merely an acknowledgment of his performance; it was a testament to the enduring power of music to nourish the soul, a feast that would sustain him not just for a lifetime, but for many lifetimes. This is when the true meaning of legendary becomes clear.

https://www.beyondtheencore.com/live/engelbert-humperdinck-the-last-waltz-tour-her-majestys-theatre-adelaide