Engelbert Humperdinck Recalls Tying Up Nurse After Painful TB Treatment

Key points

• Humperdinck was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 1961 after coughing up blood during a Manchester concert, leading to a six-month stay at Leicester's Groby Road Hospital Sanatorium.
• He described enduring eight weeks of strict bed rest and daily painful injections administered by a specific nurse, which left him with large blue marks.
• In retaliation for the painful treatment, Humperdinck and a fellow patient obtained rope and tied the nurse's hands behind her back, placing her in an empty bed before doctor's rounds.
• The attending doctor reportedly noticed the situation but ignored it, allowing Humperdinck to avoid further injections from that nurse, who was replaced by a male nurse.
• Humperdinck revealed that he was initially given last rites by a priest upon admission, as doctors believed he had only three days to live.

Background

This disclosure follows recent podcast episodes where Humperdinck discussed other early-career hardships, including unwanted sexual advances from talent agents in 1950s London. The singer, born Arnold George Dorsey, achieved global fame in 1967 with the hit 'Release Me' and has since sold over 140 million records worldwide.

Why it matters

The story highlights the harsh, often brutal medical practices of the early 20th century and the personal resilience required by celebrities to overcome severe health crises before achieving fame. It also provides a rare, candid look into the private struggles of a long-standing music icon.

What to watch

Humperdinck continues to share personal anecdotes through his podcast, 'The Engelbert Humperdinck Show,' offering listeners insights into his life and career milestones.