NEWS

The 84-year-old released his latest EP in November and has no plans to stop just yet

By Chris Jones Leicestershire Live  16:52, 7 DEC 2020

Leicester's Englebert Humperdinck has spoken about the challenges he has faced as a musician this year after his 2020 worldwide tour was cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The singer, now aged 84, is showing no signs of slowing down and hosted his first-ever live-streamed concert on YouTube in July.

And he's still producing new music for his loyal and loving fans in the form of his new EP 'Sentiments' which was released on November 20.

'I forced myself to keep body and mind together by being as active as I could'

Speaking about this year from his home in California, he said: "It felt endless at first and yet here we are on Christmas’ doorstep. 

"It was like waking up in one of those movies where every day was the same and you would try to break the cycle. I had my routines that were non-negotiable - simple things like crosswords in the morning and trying to solve the Wheel of Fortune puzzles at night -and a little Seinfeld before bed to get away from the news.

"I forced myself to keep body and mind together by being as active as I could and stay connected through social media and take the time to call people and check-in.

"There were some positive things that have come from being still and in one place, but it was hard to get used to at first. 

"I’ve never rested on my laurels or in my easy chair for too long. I soaked up family that was with me, especially my wife, but I also checked in with friends and feel like friendship took on a deeper level as we all navigated this new world together."

The 84-year-old added that having to cancel his world tour was a "heavy blow that reaches far beyond unpacking the suitcases" and that it was hard for everyone involved.

Humperdinck has a close bond with his many fans that he has accumulated throughout his career and keeping in touch with them has been massively important during these tough times.

Two years ago he started his YouTube vlog series, Tuesday Museday, in which he updates his fans on his comings and goings. It's this that has provided a fantastic outlet and form of communication between him and his fans during a time where face to face interaction has not been possible.

Speaking to LeicestershireLive, he said: "I feel that the connection with the fans has become a special bond that has helped to get us through the isolation with music being the thread," he said.

"I’ve always been connected via after concert hellos outside the venues that last a long time or inside meet and greets and fan club parties, so the sudden silence was odd.

"My daughter came up with The Tuesday Museday concept a couple of years ago and I’ve been faithful to it. 

"It’s a standing date with a great turn out. It has kept me on my toes and thinking about what might be interesting to share and muse about each week and it gives the fans a forum to show up and be heard and interact. 

"I get some of my ideas for topics from the comments. 

"Youtube is a welcome challenge that I’ve enjoyed and I'm starting to really get the hang of doing it. At first, I never thought I’d keep up but now I’m giving shout outs to people and answering the questions. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks."

Despite the cancellation of the world tour and being mostly confined to his home, like everyone else, the singer has still managed to produce new tracks for his fans to enjoy with the help of his musical director.

He said that it was important to him and for his fans that he carried on, stating: "If you enjoy what you do, you never want to stop doing it."

And he has proved that is true with his latest EP 'Sentiments', released on November 20 and available on Spotify.

The EP is an accumulation of famous tracks from the likes of Elton John, Bob Dylan and Elvis Presley, among other huge names.

One track stands out particular, 'Don't let the sun go down on me'. The song was written by Elton John and originally planned to be sung by Engelbert. However, it was never to be and now it is known as one of the great Elton John hits.

The 84-year-old outlined his admiration for Elton John and said he wished to honour the "almost mine moment" in his latest EP by recording a version of his own.

Also featuring on the EP is Northern Irish singer Janet Devlin, who finished fifth on 2011's X Factor.

The two recorded a version of 'Can't help falling in love with you' for the EP, while being separated by 3,000 miles of ocean.

Humperdinck said working with her was a pleasure but different at the same time, crediting her extraordinary voice.

But that's not all the 84-year-old from Leicester has planned for this year. Earlier this summer he held his first-ever live-streamed concert.

And he's planning to do a similar thing this weekend on December 12, with his first-ever live-streamed Christmas special, after which he will be holding personal one-to-ones with fans.

He said he is both "nervous" and "excited" for the show which will be aired on Looped. You can find out more information about the event by clicking here.

Speaking about what people can expect, he said: "From my house to your house. Expect some classics -couple new songs that could be classics -one written by a Brit from Newcastle, Alan Blevins - his uncle was my best army mate. 

"He’d be proud for me to have finally gotten Alan where he belongs -in the contender for a classic spot. ‘Around the Christmas Tree ‘is his marvellous contribution."

'I pray Mother Nature takes a break from the storms of this planet'

You would be forgiven, perhaps, for expecting Humperdinck to consider retirement in the near future.

But the 84-year-old said that he has no plans for hanging up the mic just yet. 

When asked what keeps him going, he said: "I have not purchased an easy chair that will keep me there. I can only be 84 for so long, so I don’t act my age and I love music and everything about it."

Once the world reopens he plans on travelling to all corners of the globe and continue his music career - hopefully in front of a real live crowd.

"I pray for good health, good crowds, more music and classic hits being sung by the audiences all over the world and I pray Mother Nature takes a break from the storms of this planet. 

"This forced break will not break us, dominos may fall with such an event, but then you can build more with each fallen domino. 

"It’s a trick I used to play on the old tour buses - Line them up to fall then build something. 

"Happy Christmas Merry Holidays everybody, wish we were there!

"Maybe Great Glen next Christmas. The village will make the perfect set. 

"I'd have to gather all my brothers and sisters and all their children and greats to come carolling around that magical place."

His final words were: "For sure, I’m not done!"

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/celebs-tv/whats-next-engelbert-humperdinck-after-4766067