By Donna Mair
I remember listening to Tom Jones on my mother’s radio on Saturdays while she did the ironing, and being smitten by his voice coming from the little metal box on the kitchen table. I was about 5 or 6 at the time. Fast forward 40 years and suddenly I’m in a seat second row from the stage, waiting in anticipation to see this man who’s musical career I have never followed, who’s records I have never bought, and who’s TV show in the 70’s I barely remember. I had no idea what to expect.
The venue which held roughly 1800 people was sold out, not just this night, but the previous night as well and where I expected mainly elderly women who grew up with the Welsh crooner, there was a wide mix of ages and quite a few younger people which surprised me.
The show opened with a heavy rock bass current, which continued to build as the back up band came out in the pitch black, and suddenly Tom was front and center in the spotlight and it was glorious. Wearing black dress pants and shoes, black shirt with sequins open at the throat to show off a stunning diamond studded crucifix, and white sport jacket, he looked every bit the classy entertainer that he is, and he still has the moves! It took about three songs for his voice to limber up, and the first two songs were pretty rock and roll, so I really couldn’t tell what his voice sounded like, but the third song in was a ballad and his voice was strong, fluid, and warm – the Tom I remember from all those years ago. Apparently everyone else in the venue agreed. The applause was thundering!
By the time Tom got to What’s New Pussycat the audience was feeling pretty loose, and suddenly there were three women dancing their way down the aisle toward the stage, undies in hand which they tossed on the stage at Tom’s feet. The audience loved it. Next came a woman with bra in hand and she too heaved it across the security gulf and onto the stage, where it actually grazed Tom’s shoe. Looking down, his face changed and the audience broke out into laugher – it was a beige support bra with cups the size of a person’s head! The woman did a sexy dance and headed back to her seat. By the time he was finished Pussycat and Sex Bomb, the stage front was littered with undies of all colors and styles and I half expected him to trip on them!
The rest of the evening went fantastically; a combination of hard rock, light rock, ballads, blues and even a country song or two.. and he sang a cover of Prince’s Kiss. Tom introduced his band towards the end of the evening; 2 female and 1 male backup singer, a 4 man horn section, keyboard player, bass and guitar player, and drummer who were all fabulous, and played a full 90 minutes never letting up for more than a quick word or joke with the audience. He came out for a 4 song encore and the audience was reluctant to let him go!
And as for me? The two seats in front of us remained empty the entire show, so we were basically front row and it was glorious! If you have the opportunity to go see Tom on this tour – jump at it!
Related posts:
great review! and the funniest one I’ve read in ages. a bra the size of a person’s head? LOL
ok, if Tom comes in the neighbourhood, I’ll go. thanks!
Great review, Donna…I grew up watching Tom Jones on all the variety shows and didn’t really appreciate him them, but I do now. He’s a showman in the truest sense.
Great review, Donna!
I swear, the bra wasn’t one of mine!!!
Never thought I’d say this, but I’d catch Tom Jones if given the opportunity. But he’s not getting my bras or panties. Sounds like he already has plenty!!!
[...] June 1, 2008 – Tom Jones – the Legend! This was probably the best concert I’ve ever been to… in my entire life. Almost. I’m not a big Jones fan; cant tell you the names of more than about 3 of his songs, but the man is a legend – and with good reason. He put on such an incredible show that nobody in the audience was bored. AND he had such unique audience participation too! women coming down the ramp to the front to toss their bras at him and him eating it up and loving it. It was worth every penny and more. You can read more about the antics on and off stage in my review at DLTSP magazine [...]