There are legends and icons, voices that you feel and songs you never forget. Engelbert Humperdinck is one of those artists. The melodies and warmth of this man’s music and voice may just be my earliest musical memory. Some tunes just stay and stick with you “Release Me”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “The Last Waltz” are among those songs, their sense of familiarity just flood you when you hear them. With memories like this being so infant it’s hard to put a time and place on when I first heard them, but I do know that throughout my life songs from the Engelbert Humperdinck have always been there, they remind me of family, of gatherings, of moments where the family home was filled with music and it installs a kind of immediate déjà vu. Funny how this works. I do remember my mothers and grandfathers love of his music.
Fast forward to today and when I was asked if I wanted to review this show there was no hesitation, none whatso ever. The songs I mentioned before, predate me and it’s crazy to think that and to think that in 2026 they still feel fresh too. There is something to be said about music like this. Even in reflection and revisiting the massive catalogue of timeless songs this man has performed there is a quality to them. Sure, remastering has enhanced some of these songs, but the core, essence and feel behind them can’t be tweaked, touched or altered, their DNA is obvious and undeniable.
When “Release Me” first came out in 1967 it’s such an abstract thought that this single sold a million copies. Now this isn’t a million copies on a streaming platform, I’m talking about physical purchases that required effort and time to acquire. It was a different time in every sense.
Tonight, to see a man that has just turned ninety perform a seventeen-song set without a break was simply mesmerising. His charm, character and performance were spellbinding. Backed by an incredible band Humperdinck was able to simply soar and soar he did. The band filled with youth and experience were exceptional. Pure class in everything they did. From the cues to band mates to the simple fun they have on that stage there is a real sense of love and respect for these songs and Humperdinck himself.
There were no backing tracks, no line of backing singers to enhance or distract anything from the man himself, this was his show and man does Humperdinck know how to capture you and pull you into his words, world and performance. Time stood still while moving way too fast if that makes sense.
By the fourth song, Humperdinck’s jacket was off, his red shirt half unbuttoned, his charisma on was and and in full effect. He knows how to work a room and the sold out 3000 seat Hamer Hall were all captivated eating from the palm of his hand from the moment he stood on stage and simply smiled. In turn it made you smile too and that smile simply didn’t leave. From his subtle dancing shuffles to his full on rock pose, one foot on the monitor moments Humperdinck could do no wrong. How can you not engage with a man who performs with more spirit, passion and fun than performers half or a third his age. There were lessons given tonight that every musician should take and abide by. Humperdinck’s tour shirts said it all 1936 on the front, Road Warrior on the back and that is what he is. This wasn’t some cabaret show, make no mistake about that. Sure, there were tender moments while he sat on the strategically placed stools, but his performance throughout was superb.
At one stage there was this thought in my mind that I would love to hear Humperdinck do an album like the ones that Johnny Cash did with Rick Rubin and sprinkle his magic on them, pick a handful of iconic, cult, left of perceived centre and make them his own. Sure enough that thought and idea is one that Humperdinck has already had himself.
Now this performance wasn’t just a trip down memory lane Engelbert Humperdinck included his latest single “I’ve Got You” and cover of Journey’s “Faithfully” which he said is one of the tracks from his forthcoming album which is a collection of 70’s & 80’s rock hits. Humperdinck today is still very relevant, always looking forward and this is something you don’t see very often with these classic artists that simply rest on the back catalogue and nostalgia.
The stories, the touching moments, the humour and the jokes while we all know now are a part of the performance feel real and are delivered like they are being said for the first time. Humperdinck romanced us all.
Speaking of stories, this man would have some incredible tales from his career and the people he has crossed paths with along the way. His beautiful dedication to his now passed wife brought a tear to the eye. His story of Clint Eastwood still playing golf at ninety-six and when asked how he does it he simply said “He doesn’t let the old man in”, now there is some great words to live by and simply something that Humperdinck lives by too. His version of Toby Keith’s song of the same name just took on a whole new meaning.
In terms of relevance, Humperdinck I believe is just as relevant today as he was at the height of his career in the late 60’s & 70’s. Some performers are timeless; Humperdinck is one of them. Some performers can touch multiple generations, and it was evident that there were at least five clear generations of fans in the audience tonight. The youngest being today’s teenagers, the other side of the scale fans that were teenagers in his career prime and beyond. That is the power of music, of song, of performance, it unites us all. We were all here for the same reasons, to smile, to sing and to be transported back to times and places that meant something. Hearing 3000 voices sing in this beautiful room all in unison, lost in song was simply divine.
How it has taken me my lifetime to see this man perform is something that I struggle to answer given tonight’s performance. Without hesitation I would see him again in a heartbeat and I certainly hope I get to do that again. Humperdinck proved that age is just a number and I have to say this show might just top my list of shows for 2026.
If you have a chance to catch Engelbert Humperdinck live I strongly suggest you do it. This show is superb.
With thanks to Menard PR for the media access
All image credit: Shot by Slaidins Photography
Gallery
Setlist : Overture/Welcome To My World, Am I That Easy To Forget, The Last Of The Romantics, Man Without Love, After The Lovin’, Stripper, Spanish Eyes, Quando Quando Quando, Don’t Let The Old Man In, I’ve Got You, Faithfully, Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You, How I Love You, Old Time Rock N Roll, Last Waltz, Medley : Sweetheart, There Goes My Everything, Another Time Another Place, Les Bicyclettes, Release Me, My Way.