Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones, once the icons of romance in music, sparked an almost frenzied adoration in their female fans, often prompting them to throw their underwear on stage.
As they entered the 1960s music scene, their careers took off, and their names became synonymous with charm and glamour.
But despite the common ground, their relationship was far from smooth. Decades later, with both stars in their 80s, their feud remains very much alive.
A Decades-Long Rivalry
The tension between Engelbert and Tom began over 40 years ago and has yet to ease.
In a recent interview, 88-year-old Engelbert revealed his thoughts on the strained relationship, saying Tom had fueled their rift by referring to him as a “pr*ck.”
Remaining diplomatic, Engelbert responded, “I would never repeat those words.”
He emphasized a lesson instilled by his father about the value of civility and choosing silence over negative comments.
Competing Careers and Common Ground
Both artists achieved fame under the management of Gordon Mills, who suggested they adopt new names to appeal to audiences.
Gerry Dorsey became Engelbert Humperdinck, while Thomas Woodward took the stage name Tom Jones.
Though Tom gained more commercial success with hits like It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat?, Engelbert still found widespread popularity with songs such as The Last Waltz and Les Bicyclettes de Belsize.
Their careers mirrored each other, yet this did not bring them closer.
Marriages and Scandals
Engelbert and Tom were both married young, each tying the knot with long-time partners in the 1960s.
Tom married his childhood sweetheart Linda Trenchard, while Engelbert wed Patricia Healey.
Tragically, both lost their wives to illness in recent years.
Despite the stability of their marriages, both men were known for their charm and, at times, infidelities.
At his career’s height, Tom claimed to have slept with hundreds of women each year.
The Mysterious Feud and Alleged Love Triangle
The exact reason for their fallout remains a mystery, although rumors persist.
One such story claims Engelbert flirted with Tom’s then-girlfriend, author Charlotte Laws, an event Engelbert categorically denies.
According to him, their falling out had nothing to do with women or career jealousy, but rather a personal issue he prefers not to discuss.
“It’s like that Adele song – Water Under The Bridge,” he reflected, suggesting the good times of their friendship are firmly in the past.
Life After Loss and New Beginnings
Engelbert has faced personal trials beyond his feud with Tom.
Losing his wife Patricia was a painful chapter, exacerbated by memories tied to their homes.
Though he sold their LA house, which held bittersweet memories, he still cherishes their residence in England, particularly its beautiful garden that Patricia loved.
There, he finds comfort and peaceful memories.
The Last Waltz – But Not Quite Goodbye
Now in the twilight of his career, Engelbert is on his “Last Waltz” tour, a nod to his famous song and a bittersweet reflection on his 58-year journey in music.
Though he has dubbed this his final tour, he remains uncertain about retiring.
Performing, he says, keeps him energized and connected to his fans.
“Love songs are the heartbeat of the universe,” he remarked, adding that he’s been lucky to share this passion with a loyal audience.
Whether this truly marks his final bow remains to be seen.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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