Finding release

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of his big break into the music industry, Engelbert Humperdinck is back with a one-night-only concert at the Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld. Known for hits such as "Quando Quando Quando", "Release Me (And Let Me Love Again)", "The Last Waltz", "Am I That Easy To Forget", "Spanish Eyes", "Les Bicyclettes De Belsize" and more, this is one good chance for fans to revive the good old days with the "King of Romance".

"I enjoy what I do and I'm trying to be on top of all things. I look ahead all the time," the Indian-born British singer told Weekend in a recent phone interview. "There is one other king, which is Elvis Presley, 'King of Rock 'n' Roll'. I've been called 'King of Romance' for 40 years now. I couldn't be more flattered."

Born Arnold George Dorsey in 1936, in Madras, India, one of 10 children of a British army officer and his British wife, Humperdinck never wanted to be a singer. His childhood was dominated by the love of his parents and his misery and insecurity about his appearance. He could have a career in music, yes, but he was extraordinarily shy. He played saxophone and did an impersonation of comedian Jerry Lewis that prompted friends to nickname him Gerry Dorsey. He knew he could sing harmonies, but after his friends urged him to sing in a pub contest, the power of his voice came as a surprise to everyone, himself included.

After a stint in the British army, he got his first break in 1958, recording "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" for Decca Records, without much success. He performed in clubs, but in 1961 was stricken with tuberculosis. He regained his health but it wasn't until 1966 that he was reunited with an old roommate, Gordon Mills, who was managing another British crooner, Tom Jones. It was Mills who suggested that Dorsey undergo the dramatic name change, appropriating the name of a 19th century German opera composer. Mills got the re-christened Humperdinck another deal with Decca, recording "Release Me (And Let me Love Again)", which became a smash hit in 1967, at the height of the psychedelic era, knocking The Beatles' "Penny Lane" from the top slot in the US.

Forty years on, Engelbert is a true icon who has defined romance for countless generations. He has been performing for devoted audiences all over the world since his break-out hit, "Release Me" which made him a household name and the king of romance.

He has generated sales in excess of 130 million records, including 64 gold albums and 24 platinum, four Grammy nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has recorded everything from the most romantic ballads to movie theme songs, disco, rock and even gospel. His unique voice has charmed millions of fans around the globe.

"The single was my first big hit. How many people are still around in showbiz after 40 years? This is a special occasion," Humperdinck says proudly. At 71, Humperdinck is still an active recording and touring artist. He is now working on a new album that draws songs from some of the UK's finest composers, including tracks from Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, James Blunt and Sting to name a few. He is also on a world tour to celebrate the anniversary and previously did six shows in the Netherlands.

In the show next Wednesday, his third time in Bangkok, Humperdinck will be lulling his fans with 25 hits in the 105-minute performance. The production of the show is the same as ones he's performed in Europe and North America.  "I always have a good time in Bangkok, no regrets. It's exotic. And I love the culture. Sometimes my friends take us out on a boat along the river to see all the lovely things."

Asked if he's thinking of a grand retirement plan, the legendary singer says, "I enjoy what I do, and I'll keep doing 'til God calls."

Engelbert Humperdinck's 40th Anniversary Concert takes place at 8pm on Wednesday at Bangkok Convention Centre, Centara Grand Bangkok

at CentralWorld. Tickets are Bt3,000, Bt2,000 and Bt1,000, available at Thaiticketmajor. For details, call (02) 262 3456.

Manta Klangboonkrong