Legendary British singer Engelbert Humperdinck, affectionately dubbed the “King of Romance,” is set to explore new musical realms with the release of his latest album, titled Faithfully, on 28 August. At the venerable age of 90, Humperdinck is stepping into the world of rock music, reimagining classic hits from iconic bands such as KISS, Journey, The Beatles, and Ozzy Osbourne.
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This latest venture marks a departure from the romantic ballads that have defined Humperdinck’s illustrious career, which includes timeless hits like “Release Me” and “After the Lovin’.” Reflecting on his initial reactions to the project, Humperdinck admitted to PEOPLE that he found the idea of covering rock classics daunting. “I said, ‘I’ve never done anything like that before. I’m a ballad singer,’” he confessed. However, after listening to the finished album, he expressed his astonishment, stating, “I couldn’t believe that it was me. I’m just grateful [to be] making something different at this stage in my life.”
The singer took a personal approach to the album’s creation, collaborating with his daughter Louise to select the tracks. Among the songs featured are “Beth” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You,” which showcase his unique interpretations of rock anthems that have left an indelible mark on popular music. Humperdinck has been a rock music enthusiast for many years, having begun his career with a rock band. He recalls that although he was not particularly successful in that genre, the transition into romantic ballads ultimately catapulted him to fame.
His breakthrough hit, “Release Me,” achieved monumental success in 1967, reaching number one and unexpectedly overshadowing The Beatles, who were in pursuit of their thirteenth chart-topper. Humperdinck remains bemused by that time, recalling, “They were second and this non-entity nobody went to No. 1. I was a big fan of the Beatles. I thought, ‘My God, me in front of the Beatles?’ I couldn’t believe it.” As the years have progressed, he acknowledges that both his artistry and perspective have evolved significantly.
The passing of his beloved wife, Patricia, in February 2021, following her battle with Alzheimer’s, has had a profound impact on his musical interpretations. The couple married in 1964 after a chance encounter at a dance hall. Reflecting on their lasting love, Humperdinck stated, “When I lost my wife, it was difficult for me to go on stage after that. But I started to read the lyrics a lot differently than I did prior to me losing her.” This personal experience has instilled a deeper emotional resonance in his performances.
Having recently celebrated his 90th birthday, Humperdinck remains passionate about his craft. He has no plans to slow down, embarking on a tour that will extend through January 2027, with his first performance set for Taipei, Taiwan, on 23 September. He expressed his disdain for idleness, reminiscing on a work break that left him feeling “bored beyond belief.”
Despite the challenges of aging, Humperdinck embodies a youthful spirit, emphasising that he does not view age as a limitation. He has connected with Toby Keith’s song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” which he personally covered, reinforcing his belief in maintaining an active and vibrant lifestyle. When discussing his appearance, he noted that he has dyed his hair since his twenties to combat premature greyness, rejecting the idea of accepting ageing as inevitable. “Gray means age,” he said, illustrating his philosophy of remaining mentally youthful.
While he takes care of his physical appearance, Humperdinck steers clear of plastic surgery, valuing the natural expression that comes from his performances. “I guess I just want to grow old,” he remarked, adding that he believes in embracing the passage of time whilst remaining true to oneself.
Throughout his lengthy career, Humperdinck has shared the stage with notable rock figures, including Jimi Hendrix, while maintaining a commitment to sobriety. He articulated his desire to set a positive example for his children, reflecting, “When you’re bringing up a young family, you want to be an ideal… not somebody who has gone off the tracks.”
As Engelbert Humperdinck prepares to unveil Faithfully, he does so with an invigorated spirit and a resolute commitment to his performing career. With a fresh take on classic rock, he aims to bridge the gap between generations while continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. “What can I say? I’m still doing what I want to do and keeping up with the times,” he noted, with a sense of enthusiasm that is as timeless as his melodies.