In February 1987, Manchester became the stage for a memory that stretched across two decades. Engelbert Humperdinck, the romantic voice who shook the world with his hit “Release Me” in 1967, returned with his 20th Anniversary Tour—a journey not just of music, but of resilience and timeless charm.
Twenty Years Since Beating The Beatles
Few moments in music history are as striking as when “Release Me” blocked The Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever/Penny Lane” from reaching No. 1. It was a shocking victory, but also the moment Engelbert cemented his place among the greats. Two decades later, in Manchester, he looked back with a smile full of memories.
Manchester – Where Nostalgia Lives
His show at the Apollo Theatre was more than just another concert. For Engelbert, it was a full-circle moment—returning to the country that had first nurtured his dreams. Performing before fans who had been with him since his early days, Engelbert offered a silent thank you: music had kept them together, no matter how much time passed.
The Jacket and the Raised Glass
In a now-iconic photo, Engelbert sits relaxed, pointing to his anniversary jacket while raising a glass. That single moment captured it all—pride, gratitude, and the joy of still standing tall on stage after twenty glorious years.
Two decades had gone by, yet “Release Me” continued to echo as proof that true songs never fade. And in Manchester 1987, Engelbert proved he was not just a fleeting star but a lasting symbol of love, nostalgia, and dedication to his audience.
🎵 Suggested listening: “Release Me” (1967) – the song that changed everything.