Tom Jones International

Shirley, a California resident who grew up in the town next to Ponty, and has written here before about meeting Tom and being a fan since the days in the local pubs in the early 1960s, tells us about her impression of the three Las Vegas shows she saw.

Las Vegas August 2006.

Sunday, August 21: I arrived on Sunday evening and, due to delays with security at the airport, I had to go straight to the concert at the MGM. I met some ladies I had talked to over the internet over the years, Ann from the UK and Nathalie from France which was quite delightful. Las Vegas was hot and teeming with tourists but the reason I was there was to see Sir Tom Jones!!!!!



The theatre was alive with tension long before the concert began and when Tom appeared on stage the audience went mad. He was in such a good mood and he looked absolutely gorgeous as usual. He was in fine voice and interacted with some of the audience. The song set was the same as I have seen for the last four years, except he has included four new songs in it, With These Hands, Glory of Love, Love Letters
and Stoned in Love. I wish he would drop Stoned as it is not one of his best songs. (Before anyone shoots me down in flames, this is just my humble opinion!!!)

There was some underwear thrown this night, but at least it wasn’t thrown while he was singing a ballad. He just ignored most of it.

Monday, August 22: The show was the same as Sunday with the audience going wild when he started to sing. He was in fine voice again and did interact with the audience once again. No underwear was thrown this night.

At the end of his performance he got a standing ovation and seemed so pleased with it. After this show I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with Tom and Don once again. My daughter, who is not a TJ fan, was so charmed by Tom’s and Don’s polite manner that she forgave me for forcing her to go to TJ’s concerts with me over the years.

Wednesday, August 23: Tonight’s show was the same as the first two — lots of excitement
in the audience, except he didn’t interact with the audience this time but he was as superb that night as he had been the two previous ones. The thing I noticed on all the nights that there seemed to be a lot of male TJ fans there along with the women fans.

I got a chance to talk to Herman this night. He has lost a lot of weight and looks really great after his illness. He said that he feels good, too.

I enjoy going to see these concerts very much as, in addition to hearing him sing, Tom’s Welsh accent always reminds of my home in Wales.

I luv ya Tommy and can’t wait to see you again in December.

—Shirley


San Mateo, CA (formerly of Llantrisant, Wales)