LuAnn Thibodeau FYi
The words in the title are part of the lyrics to the song We’ll Meet Again. And several years ago, the lyrics were changed up a bit — “Tell everyone in town that Humperdinck is back.”
Yes, indeed he is back. Engelbert Humperdinck is returning to Canada for seven shows. Just off of a very successful European tour, including the phenomenal performance at The London Palladium- the place where it all began for him, Enge (as he is known to his fans) is bringing The Last Waltz Farewell Tour to four cities — Quebec City (October 28, 29), Montreal (October 31, November 1), Gatineau (November 3, 4), and Toronto (November 6).
Speaking of the performance at The Palladium, many fans that I spoke with after the show felt that it was one of, if not THE best performance of his career. He poured his heart and soul into every song that he sang that night, holding nothing back. Many times, the emotions that he displayed were echoed by the crowd. When he had tears in his eyes, so did the members of the audience. When he laughed, they did too. And when he danced around the stage, the audience was dancing in their seats. It was a night that everyone who was there will never forget- the wonderful memories will last a lifetime.
When asked about it recently, Enge said, “It was like a flashback of every step and every mile that had happened since January 13, 1967, was reviewing in my head. The nerves that came as they did back then and turned into an energy that I can’t explain. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that came my way and the years that followed and led me back to a magical moment. I wish that we had taped that one, but I’ve got it in my heart.”
Well, I know someone who taped it and loves replaying it, too, being able to relive that wonderful September night in London. And when someone asked me if it was worth flying over 3,000 miles to the show, my answer was a resounding yes. And when further asked if I would do it again — I said that I’ve done it twice — in 2022 and 2024, so definitely, I’ll go for more.
When asked about being known as “The King of Romance” and “The King of Hearts” and if romance and love are what makes him and his songs so loved by so many, or if there was more to the allure of Engelbert Humperdinck, his response was, “My songs and style was stamped with love. The incredible team of writers were able to see the full picture before I dreamed it. They knew my range and tone and the words and the melodies that hit home with hearts around the world,” said Enge. “The arrangers and producers completed my musical vehicle, and I wanted to step up to the plate every time and give it my all. ‘Love is All’ is one of my favorites and I have held close the lyrics in the chorus with every curtain that goes up for me.”
I told Enge that in the first article I had written about one of his concerts in my home state, I dubbed him the man with “the voice that melts butter” and asked if he felt that was an adequate analogy. “I do like my butter and appreciate the analogy…. I think Nat King Cole was that guy and he was a big influence on me.”
Asked about his thoughts on returning to Canada, Enge said, “I love the Canadian audiences. They are so connected to the musical experience, and they give me adrenaline with their engagement.”
So, I have to say that it’s going to be nights filled with many of the hits that made Enge famous. Of course, no show is ever complete without The Big One. “It started my life,” said Enge — Release Me. As he sang at The Palladium, he said “I can’t believe this song is 57 years old.” Yes, fans have been enjoying that song for that many years, and it never gets old. Enge changes up the lyrics a bit (with the above line as well as the last line, when he sings “Release Me, and I’ll be back again”), and the audience loves it. Also, always in the song set list is “Man Without Love”, a song that has made new generations of fans, thanks to it being featured in the Marvel series Moon Knight. And there is a medley of several of his other early hits.
When asked about the songs and if there would be any other songs added back to the song set list (I mentioned that I would love to hear Let Me Into Your Life), Enge’s response was, “That’s a very good choice and very emotional. I’m really lucky to have a treasure trove of beautiful and sentimental songs. As I do interviews, I also get to know music journalists’ favorite songs. I just was told Alone In The Night was popular in South Africa, so we hurriedly rehearsed it and am I so grateful I listened. Five thousand-plus people a night singing a song I haven’t sung in decades.”
Well, I can only hope he adds my song back. But even if he doesn’t, I can attest to the fact that South Africa wasn’t wrong — Alone In The Night is a masterpiece and I’m certainly glad that he added it back to the set list.
Enge has some new songs in the mix, including Faithfully and How Do You Keep The Music Playing, and he also has a new album coming out. Would he tip his hand and offer up any hints as to whether any other new songs might be in the offing at these shows, and what songs might be on the new album? Well, “Both songs really touch me and though they are not mine, I feel connected to them deeply,” he answered. “And that is what we are doing with the new album….no filler songs. I’m not going to give away the list, but another journalist mentioned one of his favorites and it has reaffirmed my decision to record it. I’m listening and taking notes…even after all these years.”
Guess I and everyone else who is going to any of these shows is going to have to wait with bated breath to see what happens. And I know that we, as well as fans around the world, are looking forward to the new album. It’s so refreshing to see that after all these years and all of the hits, Enge is still keeping tabs on what the fans want.
The tour is billed as The Last Waltz Farewell Tour, and Enge has often said that he will keep going until God calls him. So, of course, that song that went triple platinum, The Last Waltz, is definitely a special part of the show. And the fans are certainly hoping that the last waltz will last forever, and that (as mentioned above), as Enge changes up the lyrics a bit in Release Me, and sings “Release me, and I’ll be back again.” he’ll be back again and again. When asked about it, Enge said, “This business of song is in my blood. The more I tour the more I want to use my music as a passport to the world.”
As I asked about any final thoughts, I said that the weather might be a bit chilly, but that I can assure that the love that the fans have for Enge will fill the theaters and hopefully fill his heart with lots of warmth, Enge continued by saying, “I have always appreciated my faithful fans and new ones, too. If they have been there since 67 or yesterday because of a video they came across, if they have traveled 5 miles or 5 thousand miles…and they have taken time out of their lives to be a part of this dream I had so many, many, years ago. It’s truly amazing… they have the dedication that I have to my career, and I guess that is why we all are still here.”
Well said, my good man, well said. And one more thing he said that really struck a chord with me personally. How does he keep going? “I know I’m a bull… true to my Taurus sign and have a great deal of tenacity.”
I have to say that this Bull — I’m also a Taurus full of tenacity — certainly appreciates his tenacity, and as he always says to the audience, I’ll return the words to him as I speak for every fan, near and far and say “remember — I love you.”
Ticket information, location, and show times can be found at Enge’s official website at www.engelbert.com