Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
It’s Enough To Make You Sick Or, At Least, Very Sad
Wednesday, November 8th, 2006
Tonight PRINCE is having a small press party to unveil his new show at his new club – 3121 – at the Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino. He’s doing it in our town, Las Vegas. For those of you who don’t know, PRINCE shares the same birthday with our favorite singer. Both are June 7th babies, born under the sign of Gemini with favorable aspects and leanings towards entertainment.
But, we digress.
You see, what makes us happy for PRINCE’s fans is the same thing that makes us ineffably sad in relation to TJ. The new showroom that PRINCE is occupying seats about 800 people, a few more than the Hollywood Theater at the MGM where Tom plays. Since he’s only invited a smattering of press types, PRINCE is filling the showroom with people who are special to him — people who he invited to this very special events as his guests. For free.
These are the same people who are allowed to buy the first few rows of any concert he performs and who can buy their tickets 24 hours in advance of sale to the general public. These are people he cherishes.
These are his fans.
That’s right, kids — you heard us correctly. His fans. Free. His fans. Invited to a special opening because they have supported him throughout his career. His fans. Who can buy tickets — up-front tickets — 24 hours ahead of general sale. His fans.
When we heard about this we were thrilled for people we know who are PRINCE’s fans. But, of course, we felt bad for all of us devoted TJ fans. These are the times we wonder why any of us continue to care; how Tom keeps such devoted fans.
Yes, we love Tom’s music and seeing him when we can. But, having just added Prince to the growing list of entertainers who recognize their fans in a tangible way — a list that includes entertainers as diverse as Barry Manilow, U2, Bob Dylan and Julio Iglesias among others — we are feeling disheartened.
—Ellen & Ursula
PS: For an update, please see comment #36 below.
November 8th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
Although Sir Tom has thousands of fans, there are the diehards that never miss a concert if they can help it. It would be wonderful if our Tom could make some concessions to the fans that have spent so much time, engery and $$$$ over the years. We’ll keep wishin’ & hopin’ & prayin’…
November 9th, 2006 at 3:46 am
What with limited funds as retirement looms next year and the increased cost of decent TJ tickets, I will probably be limited to one concert a year. How wonderful it would be to have some sort of recognition to loyal fan club devotees every once in a “blue moon’ by having some type of free concert, seating arrangements or pre-concert “recognition” of fans who have supported and loved Tom over the years.
November 9th, 2006 at 5:45 am
I agreed with you girls 100%. It seems that Tom either doesn’t care all that much about making his fans happy by doing all these nice things that these other stars do, or that he’s somewhat apprehensive about getting “too close” to us. Although I have met him and sat close to him in restaurants, there is that “distance” he keeps from us. Whether it is for security reasons or that he really doesn’t have to do this, it’s his business. I will see him as much as I can (I’ll be in A.C. 11/24 and 11/25) and be happy for every minute to see or hear him.
November 9th, 2006 at 6:37 am
I’m afraid I cannot agree. It would be great if TJ would hold meet and greets, etc., however, be realistic – how could they say that certain seats and buying times are for “fans” only? What constitutes a “fan”? Should the same people get the front row seats each time? There are many fans. Shouldn’t they (we) all have the same chance?
He seems to give his all in his shows and that’s really all he has to do and all we can ask.
If Barry or Julio or Prince appear to give extra “perks” to their fans and that’s what you want, become one of their fans. More TJ for the rest of us!
I’m not being mean — just my humble opinion.
November 9th, 2006 at 7:11 am
I blame it on management. I’m sure Tom sees a review now and again but I would bet money he doesn’t read any of his mail or has ever seen his website. He has no idea what the fans want but his management does if they ever read the forum on his website. They just don’t seem to care too much. Years ago things were different and there were lots of fan clubs and backstage meetings and Tom seemed happy to be close to his fans. Donna did away with all of that and since then, it seems Tom is a bit out of touch with the fans. He’s always gracious about signing autographs and taking pictures with fans but that’s about it these days.
November 9th, 2006 at 8:02 am
Perhaps we could find a happy medium somewhere somehow. Barry Manilow is all over TV. He was on Craig Ferguson last Friday.Why isn’t Tom being promoted. I think you’re right it has to be management.
November 9th, 2006 at 8:07 am
Also I would like to add all of Tom’s promo pictures should be updated to the way he looks now — because its a very appealing LOOK!
November 9th, 2006 at 8:23 am
Yes, our voices should be heard, just like other missed opportunities. I am in New Jersey so, the best chance I get to see TJ is in AC. And therefore not only pay a premium for the ticket but also the schmooze at the door. Why not have the ability to obtain premium seats or meet and greet thru a lottery or contest on the website. Forget his website that still really only pertains to the fans over seas. By the way I finally got a copy of the Cardiff DVD on ebay via Canada…No place to buy it here in the US??? Many missed opportunities and it must be management as I can’t believe Tom Jones would not want to please his U.S. fans.
November 9th, 2006 at 10:16 am
It may interest you to know that fans in the UK were allowed to buy tickets for the UK tour this year 48 hours in advance of tickets going on sale to the general public.I think you will find this is generally down to the promoters.As for meet & greets not really my thing I’m afraid, I am just happy to pay and see Tom perform.I agree all the way with Elorac here.
November 9th, 2006 at 1:10 pm
Well first of all I have to say that Tom wouldn’t have to perform anymore for the money. If Tom would have done all his career for the money, he would be lying now on the sands of Honolulu. But he isn’t! So because the money isn’t the main thing for Tom, I think he could really do something for his fans, which I believe are important to Tom. I also think it’s a job of the management to do something. These days a lot of concert tickets are sold to some business companies party organizers. I think it’s a global thing. I did just read a review of Elton John concert, held last year here in Finland, wich said the audience consisted mainly drunken Businessmens. So you can guess the atmosphere at the concert had been quite flat. To get the real fans to the right places of the concert is a job that somebody in the management should take care of (maybe that’s why they had the pre-sale for Tom’s UK tour). And these business companies guest’s should only have the seats from the last row. But I don’t know the business so well, maybe they want to keep those Business companies happy because of the fact that when there aren’t enough real people buying the tickets, it’s important to get atleast someone to the audience. Tom is always so great and polite when a fan turns for him for picture or autograph, but something more could be really done.
November 9th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
Wow, Mary
November 9th, 2006 at 4:31 pm
This must have to do with managment… or lack thereof. On the MGM Grand website the picture of Tom looks to be about 15-20 years old!!! How lazy! And the video link for the MGM Grand show is not even current. Also lazy.
How much effort would it take for Tom’s management to show the fans even a little appreciation?? Maybe it is a matter of Tom being tired too. Kind of like the same suit being worn over and over every night, and the same “patter” at every show. He has been at this A REALLY LONG TIME. Not that he isn’t good, not that he doesn’t put on a great show, but after 40+ years, maybe his enthusiasm for “meet & greet” type activity is long gone.
Since Tom is worth MILLIONS he IS NOT working for the money. And it is equally as obvious that all of our whining is falling on deaf ears. Tom’s “management” does not listen and does not care. That’s reality. How else to explain the MGM Grand photos and video, nothing available to buy at the MGM, and nothing or very little available at most shows??? And no availablity for TRUE fans to meet Tom??? The only folks that get to meet Tom now are the ones with “connections” (casino owners, their wives and/or girlfriends, promoters, etc.).
Don’t drink the Tom Kool-Aid if you expect to be treated like other fans. You’re not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy!
November 10th, 2006 at 2:54 am
Wow, Renn! Scary but true thoughts. I guess the fantasy of meeting Tom for a photo or autograph is just that. A fantasy. Reality bites.
November 10th, 2006 at 5:21 am
I agree with Beverly about Mary!!!! Wow, wow, girlfriend. If you’re 18 and well-endowed and sitting in the front row, Tom’s eyes bulge out of his head and he sometimes whispers a little something. There’s plenty of us over 50 in the audience who, I think, are damn good and very pleasing to the eyes but, here again, we’re not young and hot (maybe). I still love him anyway.
November 10th, 2006 at 7:32 am
Wow, Carol. I agree there are many women over 50 who are plenty hot with a brain that could give our boy Tommy a run for the money!! I enjoy this website. Thanks again to Ellen and Ursula. Take heart!
November 10th, 2006 at 8:56 am
Oh, for Pete’s sake girls. You pay for a ticket to hear him sing and he sings. He doesn’t owe his fans another thing. Get over it. You get what you paid for. Just my opinion. Have a nice day…..
November 10th, 2006 at 9:07 am
Totally off topic… All I can say is I’m in my glory: I’ll be seeing TJ perform 3 times next month when I’m in Vegas. I have a perma-smile on! Happy Dancing like a fool here!! He makes me feel soooo good.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:07 am
Well Fay, you are going to have a wonderful time, his new show is fantastic, ELEVEN NEW SONGS, NEW SUITS, NEW SHIRTS. His UK tour was wonderful, he was amazing and very energetic all through a long tour. The audiences were very enthusiastic also which made it even better. Have fun.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:09 am
I agree, Tom gives a 150% show for $75 and he doesn’t owe us anything else…yet it would be nice if he would make some concessions. As for Tom being accommodating with photo’s & autographs, I don’t know how fams have managed to get them. Seems they are pretty few and far between. I have more hope of hitting the lottery or being struck by lighting. Yet a girl can dream can’t she? PS-I’ve been waiting for mharding’s comment on this topic.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:10 am
PAT! I am already excited, and you do this to me?!! WOW! He is SO wonderful and SO fabulous.
November 10th, 2006 at 10:33 am
Hi, All:
Thanks to all for your responses (although we’d prefer them to be on-topic). But we’d like to reiterate a point or two:
First and most imporrtant we have never, ever said Tom “owes” fans anything. We said that it would be nice to give fans some recognition, as other people have. And, since Tom himself is so clearly a fan of other performers (Jerry Lee, to name but one) we thought it might be a natural for him.
That’s it.
We love Tom’s shows and seeing him when we can, so it’s clearly not about becoming a fan of another singer (although we are fans of many).
Please don’t misinterpret statements above. What we said is: “Yes, we love Tom’s music and seeing him when we can. But, having just added Prince to the growing list of entertainers who recognize their fans in a tangible way — a list that includes entertainers as diverse as Barry Manilow, U2, Bob Dylan and Julio Iglesias among others — we are feeling disheartened.”
And that’s what we meant.
—Ellen & Ursula
November 10th, 2006 at 2:20 pm
so what it boils down to is —what—exactly–do you think tom should do after his performance? remember now, that tom is 66 years old–this is not the tom jones of many years ago–this is an older man, not the swingin’ hunk of the past. you get 90 minutes of his “act”—that’s what you paid for. those groupie days are–a thing of the past. just enjoy his voice while it lasts and don’t “expect” anything else and you won’t be disappoited. just being real here—don’t mean to burst your bubble–just being realistic. enjoy his “act” while it lasts. after all, that is all it is–especially at age 66. puh—leaze!! once again–just my opinion. have a good evening—-
November 10th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
one more thing —julio and barry are lucky their fans even show up to see their “act”–clearly their better days are—over.
November 10th, 2006 at 2:57 pm
Brenda Gaye:
Like you, everyone has a right to voice his or her opinion. But, “puh-leeze!!” curb the sarcasm and, really, there is no need to lecture anyone.
As we’ve often said here, opinions are fine and welcome. In our opinion, in fact, your opinion about Barry Manilow is just a big bowl of wrong. As of a couple of months ago his show was great….it’s an absolute must-see — and we’re not particularly fans. We’ve also seen Tony Bennett recently and he, at 80, is phenomenal.
We feel no need to justify our beliefs and feelings, nor should anyone else who posts here. As for Tom’s performance, it is peerless and we do enjoy it.
—Ellen & Ursula
November 10th, 2006 at 6:46 pm
Ellen & Ursula,
I think disheartened is the right word for what we all feel. Of course, it would be nice if more folks had the chance to meet Tom, but he doesn’t owe anyone anything. His performances are AMAZING!! And let’s be realistic, he is not a young guy. He works INCREDIBLY hard at every show. He must be exhausted. I’m just thrilled he is still working as much as he is and that his ticket prices are still as reasonable.
Love your site! And appreciate all your continued hard work!!!
November 11th, 2006 at 4:48 am
66 is old? I think not. Look at some of Tom’s peers — yikes! He looks great! I think any concerns should be voiced to management. A group effort might yield success. Take heart: Las Vegas is just around the corner! Also, he not only looks great,, he sounds fantastic and thats really where it’s at. I can never say that since 1970 I have seen one even marginal show, and I have spent so much money on seeing him I could have owned “Dean Martin’s house.” All take care!
November 11th, 2006 at 6:09 am
I think Tom, with his management, does not want to meet ANY of his true fans. This was made clear in a letter to fan clubs in the early ’90′s. Ellen and Ursula, when you met him last December and asked him, “do you really care what your fans think” and his reply was, “of course I do”, don’t you think he should have asked you why you asked that question? Basically, he doesn’t want to meet any of his fans. If he did, we would see some kind of meet-and-greets, even once every few years. I think if you did get to meet him again, these views from this topic should be expressed to him.
November 11th, 2006 at 6:20 am
Hi fans: I do not post often but from a fan who has been going to concerts since 1971 I felt I should say something. Tom used to have backstage visits in every city where he performed. This did not always work out because many of the local chapter presidents would also want to go backstage and, maybe, had just been backstage three nights before, thus taking up time for the ladies who were from the city he was performing in. Basically what I am getting to is, you cannot please all of the people all of the time. As far as promoting him: Barry Manilow who I am tired of seeing mentioned here, has a new CD out. That is why he is on everything. The recored label has him out, not Barry. Who do you think pays for the promotion? Not Barry. I am sure when Tom has a new product out he will be on every T.V show he can find.
November 11th, 2006 at 7:52 am
I think Barry Manilow is mentioned so often because he is in Tom’s general peer group as far as age. And he has a new CD out that is on a major label. Manilow, Rod Stewart and Tony Bennett, in fact, all do. Tom should too I think bringing up Barry Manilow is a legitimate comparison to Tom. I don’t know where you live Ed, but Tom hasn’t had a new product in the U.S. since Reloaded in 2003. Isn’t about time someone as great as Tom Jones had a label AND a new product? Maybe the reason people like Barry sell so well is, in addition to having a label, that they recognize the importance of fan support and do things like have special ticket sales to keep the fans excited and looking forward to what’s coming next?
November 11th, 2006 at 9:20 am
I worked for the company that sold programs etc at TJ shows in the 70′s and 80′s. Being behind the scenes I saw how Tom was protected back then because of his popularity. He couldn’t go anywhere without several others with him. This kind of put him in a bubble that maybe has affected him today. He owes nothing to his fans except what he does best and that is his performances. It is just that other entertainers are more outgoing and like the more 1 on 1 with fans.
Unfortunately the way Tom is makes him come across as stuck up. He doesn’t even introduce his band members like all other performers do.
Take him or leave him..it’s not going to change.
November 11th, 2006 at 9:28 am
Well, here’s a surprise for you, Tom introduced all his band members individually on his recent UK tour during various points of the show.
November 11th, 2006 at 10:52 am
That is something new for him. He should have been doing this all along
November 11th, 2006 at 1:46 pm
Every time I have seen Tom this year he has introduced his band and backup singers individually. I think he is far from stuck up – if he were he wouldnt have anything to do with any of his fans anytime.
November 11th, 2006 at 2:26 pm
My friends and I always say he is always so down to earth and friendly it’s hard to imagine that he is really a multi millionare superstar. He always comes over ‘as one of us’.Along with the wonderful shows he puts on that’s why we all love him so much.
November 11th, 2006 at 2:48 pm
Hi again, All:
First, we checked with someone who works with Tom about the band/back-up singers intros that Pat mentioned above. We wanted to see if it now a regular part of the show. And it is. All the band and singers are being introduced by name. First name. Nice recognition and well-deserved.
Also, we have to mention — not to belabor the point — that last night was PRINCE’S official opening at the Rio here in Las Vegas. A high roller we know — a woman who possesses what they call at the Rio a “seven star” rating as she gambles over $1 million a year there — naturally got VIP tickets. With those, she and the other VIPs were up front. But not completely up front.
Members of PRINCE’S fan club wwere able to buy the stageside tickets two days before the sale to the general public. So the VIP high rollers were behind the fans.
Just thought you should know.
Ellen & Ursula
November 12th, 2006 at 7:18 am
Just my opinion but Barry, Prince and the others mentioned here are not in Tom’s class. I really don’t expect too much. I get my seat over the computer or call the MGM. I have no “connections.” I am just happy to be close enough so I can see. Some people I have seen at shows are right on the first row by the stage – how do they manage that??
November 12th, 2006 at 7:19 am
May I add, at every show they attend. Please!
November 12th, 2006 at 10:00 am
After not seeing Tom for 20 years, I have been fortunate to see him six times in the past 18 months. At the MGM I call the first hour the tickets go on sale & I get front row seats. They are very cooperative. At other venues it is much harder.
I feel that I get much more than I pay for even when I’m not sitting at his feet & I don’t feel that he owes me anymore than that. Meet & greets would be wonderful but with the kind of performance Tom gives us, it would be very tiring. Also, with the kind of effect he has on his female fans, as compared to say Barry Manilow, I’m sure he feels that he needs to keep a bit of a distance.
However, an early purchase of tickets for his fans at other venues would be great and an incentive for going.
Ellen & Ursula, I love your site & thank you so much for all the hard work you do.
—Sandy
November 12th, 2006 at 12:13 pm
Sandy,
As people may have noted in your post, the early bird doesn’t always get the stage side seats. At MGM, we know a woman who always gets the same table next to the stage. We’ve been tempted to post her email so maybe you can find out how she does it.(Not really.) We certainly cannot. But what we have learned is that in casinos high rollers get preference. And in other venues (like the Hollywood Bowl, for example) members get first shot at tickets. In the latter case, that’s not necessarily a bad thing because these people support the venue all year round. For that they should get an advantage.
But, most of all, thanks for saying that at the MGM one doesn’t have to get those seats to see a good performance and to enjoy the performance.
And, once again, we were not talking about Tom doing meet-and-greets. We were talking about early ticket sales and similar fan perks.That was the point of the posts we’ve written about Manilow and PRINCE where we mentioned U2 and Bob Dylan and, we now add, most of the acts that play the MGM Grand Garden Arena (the same ones that play large arenas everywhere).
Thanks, too, for your kind words about our site.
—Ellen & Ursula
November 12th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
I’ve followed this thread with interest and have been surprised by some of the comments about Tom.
I think he’s expected by some to do things that middle of the road artists like Bazza Manilow and Wayne “King of Las Vegas” Newton do such as these meet and greets. I’ve always thought of Tom as more of a rock and roller so I prefer to imagine him spending his time before shows recovering from the previous night of boozing and brawling rather than pressing the flesh at a backstage cheese and wine reception. After the show he and his henchmen should move on to conquer the next town in a haze of Cuban cigar smoke and alcohol vapour, laughing uproariously, warbling and getting up to all manner of mischief as they go. Keith Richards dutifully fell out of a coconut tree recently and this sort of caper is exactly the behaviour that befits our rock and rollers. It is their responsibility to don silly clothes, prance, gesticulate and make funny noises for our amusement; if they do this well enough the Queen will give them a Knighthood but I think that’s as formal as things should get. Meeting and greeting should be left to the likes of Prince Charles.
Making the tickets available to fan club/site members before general sale is a great idea though and ought to be possible everywhere not just in the UK.
Byeee!
November 12th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
You go, mharding! Long live rock ‘n’ roll!!
November 12th, 2006 at 4:17 pm
It has been awhile since I have been to this site. Wow, what passion I read here. I am just more than happy to be able to see Tom twice a year,if I am lucky. I became a fan four years ago and I am amazed at his talent. Yes, it would be great to have better seats as a fan, but then, we are all fans and the Hollywood Theater is just small. On the other hand, in a bigger theater you wouldn’t get the intimate setting. I hope to see Tom in Jan.and I will take whatever I can get to see him one more time. I go to see him as a wonderful entertainer. He owes me nothing except the performance he gives and that is my reward.I would love to meet him but I am sure he is tired at the end of his show and would just like to relax. I take with me the magical show that he gives me and I cherish this each time. I agree that the management does nothing for Tom. It is like they milk him for all he has and give nothing back.
I would just like to have a new DVD and some merchandise to buy after the show. My sexbomb Tee Shirt needs to be replaced.
I do agree with mharding,(love this person) tickets for fans in advance would be so nice. MGM is where I stay and my husband does spend a few bucks while there, it han’t made that big of a difference. MGM is very indiffernt unless you are a very high dollar roller.
Girls, I love this site. Thank you for all of your hard work. Hope to see you in Jan.
November 12th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
I think Mharding’s fantasy of Tom’s post show nightlife is great! I’m not sure how much late night partying, boozing, brawling, or coconut tree climbing Tom is doing these days, but it does make for a heck of fantasy! Regardless, we’re back to the same issue. Tom is NOT the same as “other” performers. He is above and beyond ALREADY. The idea of him turning into one of the sterotypical Vegas acts is nauseating. I’m with you MHarding. I’d much rather have Tom stay the way he is pre- and post-shows for whatever reasons (certainly NONE of our business) because he gives us SO MUCH DURING THE SHOW !!! We are still getting FRESH music from Tom and he still has a true JOY and ENTHUSIASM for performing!! I’ll take that anyday over fan club perks (though I wouldn’t turn those down if offered)! Viva Las Vegas! And Long Live the King of Vegas – TOM JONES!!!
November 12th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
mharding, Your rock and roll fantasy made me smile. I feel Tom is so far above the meet and greet entertainer types. I put Tom not in the Barry, Rod, Neil catagory, but instead with old school entertainers like Frank, Dean. Sammy and Elvis. They all knew and practiced the first rule of entertainment, “always leave them wanting more.” If Tom were to be interactive with the fans pre- and/or post-show, I’m afraid the “mystery” would lose it’s appeal.
November 12th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
mharding, I love your imagination!!! A little mystery goes a long way.
Ellen & Ursula, I have been to the MGM only 2 times & both times got stage side seats & we are definitely not high-rollers. All we did was call when the tickets went on sale. However, I decided to go an extra time & got the last ticket in the theatre, smack dab in the middle & I saw so much more than I did from the front. The choreography & interaction between the musicians & singers was real cute. Advantages both ways. Sandy
November 12th, 2006 at 6:29 pm
Sandy, we’ve never met, but we are grateful to you for saying what you said. At last, someone who agrees that seats away from the stage have their own special rewards. We enjoy them and do not always sit next to the stage. When we don’t, we don’t mind in the least. For saying so, we’ve been accused of being disingenuous (at the very least). We’re not and you’ve proven it.
As for front row, stageside seats — generally Tables 4, 5 and 6 are “casino seats,” reserved for high rollers. This isn’t always the case, as we’ve sat at all of these tables and, like you, are definitely not high rollers. In fact, in the world of casino gaming, we’re barely rollers. But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule and chance has a great deal to do with the seats you can get.
—Ellen & Ursula
November 12th, 2006 at 7:33 pm
Sandy, Ellen & Ursula,
I’ve seen Tom six times in the 9 months. Two times in Vegas I got good seats just walking up to the ticket office — just luck. They were a few rows back, but still I could still see and hear plenty & I paid less in Vegas than I’ve paid other places for the same or worse seats.
I have had front row seats elsewhere, but paid premium prices only to discover I was sitting next to people who had been GIVEN their tickets by the casino and didn’t even know who Tom Jones is!!! Boy, was that frustrating!!!
I have tickets in December at MGM in the front row and got those simply by calling the morning tickets went on sale. That’s all. I don’t gamble except to play slots.
I think the experience one can have in a “front row” seat in some venues will be different than others. I have been farther back in some venues and still was able to see and hear great. I think this depends on the venue and the type of concert experience YOU PERSONALLY expect.
November 13th, 2006 at 12:15 am
I have been reading these comments with varying degrees of exteme annoyance, complete astonishment and occasional silent cheering: go MHarding and everyone else who has said Tom is in a class of his own – how right you are! Frankly I couldn’t care less what Manilow, Prince or even Tony Bennett are doing to please their fans; I’m sure they are very good at what they do but they are not in Tom’s league and I wouldn’t cross the road to see any of them, You see, that is what being a real fan is all about: that love for a performer, no matter what. I have always loved Tom and always will and for me to go and see this sublime, peerless and supremely gifted singer is what it’s all about. He owes us nothing more – he already gives 150%+.
You have a great site here, Ellen and Ursula, but your comments on the lead post I found very irritating. So why do you bother then? Are you just in it for what you can get? Seems to me you do OK: you have met Tom and appear to get good seats in Vegas. Why should anyone expect free tickets? How can you even suggest Tom doesn’t care about his fans? Speaking as one who has been there right from the beginning I can tell you that is complete rubbish – he does care, very much. His management may do things that we don’t agree with from time to time (and I have to say it was much worse in Gordon’s day) but Tom is in a difficult position here: we’re talking about his family and that goes very deep with him; it’s a Welsh thing. I for one am heartily sick of the constant criticism that Mark receives, especially on this site: he does a fantastic job of managing his father’s career and I applaud him for it. It’s a difficult balancing act for him and although I acknowledge things are not perfect (maybe PR in the US could be better, for example) I think all you whingers and moaners should just get over yourselves – or go and have a cheese-fest along with the ‘Fanilows’ if you think you’ll get a better deal. Also lighten up a bit for heaven’s sake.
And while I’m at it (and I apologise E & U for going ‘off-topic’ and accept a cyber slap on the wrist) can we just leave the constant carping about Tom’s clothes? What is it with you all?!! TOM LOOKS FANTASTIC, NEVER OTHERWISE! Does is it matter that he has worn the same style shirt for a while? Has it occurred to you that he finds them comfortable in view of the fact he sweats a lot?
And another thing: ‘Meet and Greets’ – tacky, naff, let’s not go there, shall we?
OK rant over. Apologies in advance to anyone whom I may have offended but before I receive the expected indignant response (as Brenda did above) may I just say that I too am entitled to my opinion and after 41 years of devotion to TJ I have earned the right to express it.
November 13th, 2006 at 6:26 am
I have also had front row seats but not in the center. The people I was referring to earlier dominate every show. You can obtain front row or the second row which actually is better but not dead center the way you used to. Someone is definitely hogging them and hog is the word. The sad comments about Tom eyeballing 18-year olds and him not being a young guy seem to indicate that all of us do not really like or appreciate him the way we should. Isn’t his show enough? After all it’s not about us its about enjoying one-of-a-kind and when he’s gone there will never be another!
November 13th, 2006 at 9:12 am
have been reading these comments with varying degrees of exteme annoyance, complete astonishment and occasional silent cheering: go MHarding and everyone else who has said Tom is in a class of his own – how right you are! Frankly I couldn’t care less what Manilow, Prince or even Tony Bennett are doing to please their fans; I’m sure they are very good at what they do but they are not in Tom’s league and I wouldn’t cross the road to see any of them, You see, that is what being a real fan is all about: that love for a performer, no matter what. I have always loved Tom and always will and for me to go and see this sublime, peerless and supremely gifted singer is what it’s all about. He owes us nothing more – he already gives 150%+.
You have a great site here, Ellen and Ursula, but your comments on the lead post I found very irritating. So why do you bother then? Are you just in it for what you can get? Seems to me you do OK: you have met Tom and appear to get good seats in Vegas. Why should anyone expect free tickets? How can you even suggest Tom doesn’t care about his fans? Speaking as one who has been there right from the beginning I can tell you that is complete rubbish – he does care, very much. His management may do things that we don’t agree with from time to time (and I have to say it was much worse in Gordon’s day) but Tom is in a difficult position here: we’re talking about his family and that goes very deep with him; it’s a Welsh thing. I for one am heartily sick of the constant criticism that Mark receives, especially on this site: he does a fantastic job of managing his father’s career and I applaud him for it. It’s a difficult balancing act for him and although I acknowledge things are not perfect (maybe PR in the US could be better, for example) I think all you whingers and moaners should just get over yourselves – or go and have a cheese-fest along with the ‘Fanilows’ if you think you’ll get a better deal. Also lighten up a bit for heaven’s sake.
And while I’m at it (and I apologise E & U for going ‘off-topic’ and accept a cyber slap on the wrist) can we just leave the constant carping about Tom’s clothes? What is it with you all?!! TOM LOOKS FANTASTIC, NEVER OTHERWISE! Does is it matter that he has worn the same style shirt for a while? Has it occurred to you that he finds them comfortable in view of the fact he sweats a lot?
And another thing: ‘Meet and Greets’ – tacky, naff, let’s not go there, shall we?
OK rant over. Apologies in advance to anyone whom I may have offended but before I receive the expected indignant response (as Brenda did above) may I just say that I too am entitled to my opinion and after 41 years of devotion to TJ I have earned the right to express it.
November 13th, 2006 at 9:22 am
Wow, Paula. Again, everyone is entitled to an opinion. But we respectfully beg to disagree with much of yours.
We personally have always given Mark strong props for revitalizing Tom’s career. Just take the time to read what we’ve said several times. He did a great job (at the beginning especially) in finding a new direction and bringing in new audiences. It was masterful. There is no comparison between Mark and Gordon, as Gordon created the Tom you first saw 41 years ago, taking the raw material and presenting it to the world. Remember, even Tom himself has said that without Gordon Mills there would be no Tom Jones. Let’s not forget that. There is no question of “better than.”
Also, we never said we expect “free tickets.” You said that. We just asked that the US fans get what you get there in the UK — the opportunity to buy — buy — seats in advance. We never said Tom should do meet-and-greets, we just said others do.
And, please, before you criticize us (or anyone else) you should carefully read what we say. We didn’t ask for “free tickets” or “meet and greets.” We would like the new merch that was available in the UK to be available at concerts here and we thirst for new recordings.
We’ve said repeatedly that we get our seats just like anyone else — by calling and ordering. We get no special treatment. But while fans and ticket buyers are not” owed” anything, it’d sometimes be nice for fans outside Europe to get some recognition.
As for Tom’s stage clothes, again people (even us) are entitled to their opinions. We are sure you are not the only person who has been a fan since 1965 but even fans of one month have a right to their opinions.
Paula, perhaps you need to lighten up and apologize. As for the “expected indignant response” someone else got, she got that because she was rude and didn’t give any credibility to anyone else’s opinion. For those reasons she merited the posted response and the explanation we sent her privately.
Yes, we’ve met Tom and so have a large number of the people who post here. We consider ourselves very fortunate and, as for “caring about his fans” — well, we thought it was (and is) a legitimate question for many reasons. That’s our opinion.
Finally, as to why we do this, the answer should be obvious. We respect and admire Tom Jones and the only North American fan site had closed. We actually met at Tom’s show at the MGM on March 1, 2005 (the 40th anniversary of the day It’s Not Unusual hit #1). We were at the same table and struck up a friendship. Several months later we decided to fill the void left here by the closure of JTV.com. No one else was, so it seemed the thing to do. And we don’t regret the investment of either lots of time or a bit of money. We love doing this and have some nice plans for the site. Stay tuned, please.
—Ellen & Ursula
November 13th, 2006 at 10:24 am
Just one more point here regarding pre sale tickets. I personally sign up to sites like ticketmaster amongst others and receive a weekly email from them with all kinds of pre sales for many different artists including Tom and this allows me to buy tickets for these concerts 24-48 hours before they go on general sale. There as no specific seats set aside but you get the best you can before they go on sale.Can you not do this in the USA ?.
I agree with Paula on a lot of the points she has raised. I think Mark does a fantastic job managing Tom, and I think Tom is very happy with what he is doing.
Also as I have mentioned before Tom wore new suits and shirts on his UK tour and looked fantastic.
November 13th, 2006 at 10:41 am
I never said that you have criticised Mark, my comments were directed at other people who have posted comments in that vein. Neither did I say that you had suggested Tom do ‘meet and greets’ but again it is a subject that is constantly discussed here. If you read your lead post you would surely agree that it does sound rather petulant and you did make rather a meal of the Prince free ticket thing. If you post provocative comments like: “These are times we wonder why any of us continue to care; how Tom keeps such devoted fans” and add the title “It’s enough to make you sick…” then I am afraid you are bound to get a fairly strong response! I stick by everything I said but respect your right to differ. I don’t see that I have said anything that requires an apology – I always respect other people’s opinions, as I do yours; I just happen to disagree with it. I ike your website and will continue to visit – I just wish you would be a little less defensive sometimes.
November 13th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Wow, it’s obvious by the number of responses and how passionate they are that most TJ fans are very devoted. We are all entitled to our opinions. No one is right or wrong. Again, Ellen & Ursula, kudos to you for ALL YOUR HARD WORK and your GREAT SITE!!!
November 13th, 2006 at 11:02 am
Paula, glad you like our site and we thank you for visiting. Still think you’re wrong.
Pat: There are no Tom Jones presales in the US via ticketmaster or anyone else. You prove our point — being a TJ fan in the US is, as posts from you and Paula serve to underscore, very different from being a UK fan. And regardless of what you thought you read in our last post, Pat, we have nothing but praise for Mark’s management.
You guys just don’t have a clue how people here sometimes feel. And, often, rightly. Yet, we continue to buy tickets, merch when available, and any music we can. Now, that’s devotion. Taking our remarks out of context is just argumentative.
The site was started, (as you can read on our homepage right next to the photo of Tom on the top) to be a North American-based site.
We love the fact that we get visitors, reviews, comments and posts from around the world, but there was a very specific point of view — the view of the non-UK, non-European fan — we wanted to provide. That is the starting point upon which the content and our comments are based. Comments from overseas only serve to enrich the conversation and we love getting them.
Since the beginning our posts have had a very positive tone overall and we are proud of the site and grateful to the fan community that visits and participates.
You must know that, if we were not fans, we wouldn’t do this. But admiration does not mean blind adoration; doesn’t mean that one cannot critique, review or otherwise discuss. Sometimes being provocative is appropriate and warranted, as it was in the post that started it all.
We believe this thread has gone far enough. It has gone way off topic and gotten way too personal so the discussion is closed. If you wish to continue, please write us privately — ellen@tomjonesinternational.com or ursula@tomjonesinternational.com. (After all, even on Tom’s official site, his management sometimes ends a discussion.)
Hope y’all understand.
—Ellen & Ursula