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.
Edited Post: Five Photos & One Controversy
Thursday, March 15th, 2007March 16: And, again, we added five more photos to Fans’ Favorite Photos…..just wasn’t worth an entire, separate post, y’know?
Here are five additions to our Fans’ Favorite Photos set.
One of the photos is a candid from 2004 showing a relaxed, casual TJ backstage after a show. Two are tourbook portraits from 1980. One is a great shot of Tom in a pool and the other is that infamous lobby card used in the MGM (and, as we recall, other venues). People have written privately and posted to all about this photo, expressing their hope that this portrait from the turn of the century will be replaced. We had a photo of it and thought it should be posted for everyone to see.
What do you think?
And, so you don’t think we’re photo-obsessed, here’s a news brief from Contact Music (not always a good source) telling us that:
JONES LOSES NICKNAME TO OPERA STAR WATSON
TOM JONES has slammed British opera star RUSSELL WATSON for stealing his nickname. Veteran singer Jones, 66, has been called ‘The Voice’ since the 1960s, but Watson has register the musical moniker as a trademark. MARK WOODWARD, Jones’ son and manager branded Watson’s name-pilfering as “presumptuous”. A spokesman for Watson says, “He’s always been called The Voice.”
Our Comment: So was Frank Sinatra but, we believe, Sir Tom has been called “Jones the Voice” (a customary way of identifying people in his native Wales) since he started. If he’d been a plumber, he’d likely be called “Jones the Plumber.” It’s the way it is and copyrighting the appellation doesn’t change it. And the fact that both Sinatra and TJ managed to peacefully co-exist using “The Voice” as a nickname shows class not evident in Mr. Watson.
Certainly, Watson can think of a better nickname (and a better publicity stunt which this undoubtedly is). And he can copyright all he wants but, even if the matter were taken to court and he were to win, he’ll never be “The Voice.” Don’t know the legal ramifications of his trademark but we do know that in law the phrase “usual and customary” has clout and, certainly, were Tom’s people to challenge Watson, “usual and customary” usage would come into play.A nd, if he’s “always” been called “The Voice,” why the trademark? Isn’t he secure about it? Again, we believe it’s just a pubicity stunt and is pathetic.
!Viva Jones the Voice!
March 16th, 2007 at 7:34 am
I, too, wish they would replace this photo with a flattering picture. In this one he looks very shiny and his head looks extra big. Completely unflattering. There are so many wonderful, sexy shots of Sir Tom they could replace it with. Hopefully they will listen to the fans!
March 16th, 2007 at 8:08 am
I sure do agree with this one. Every time I am either in Las Vegas, Atlantic City or other venues, it’s this same old picture. Hey Management – let’s put up a more recent (and certainly more sexy) picture. You’re not doing OUR MAN any justice with this tired poster shot!
March 16th, 2007 at 9:17 am
OMG I love the one in the pool…never saw that one before.
March 16th, 2007 at 11:20 am
“Presumptuous”! Hee, hee, hee! Elementary my dear Watson! (Apologies to Conan Doyle for the presumptuous quote but at least I didn’t ™ it.)
March 16th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
They should put up a photo that looks like Tom looks NOW, with goatee. My vote would have to be the one where he is posing with the Tiger print behind him, has his goatee, and a blue tie around his neck but untied. My God!! Looks like he could leap off the page!! Now that’s a photo to enlarge and post at the MGM !!! He looks smoldering and dangerous !! Now that is TOM JONES !!!!
March 17th, 2007 at 8:14 am
Thanks again for all the great pictures! I believe that the lobby card picture is just a bad picture. It shows Tom at a time when he was heavier then he is now and without the goatee. Besides that his face is lit with an orange hue or at least it seems that way. His whole face is shining. It’s a totally unappealing picture. I believe Mr. Watson knew full well that Tom was called The Voice and may very well be using this as a little bit of publicity for himself. I don’t understand how they hand out trade marks but someone didn’t do their homework. Not only is Tom called the Voice but so was Sinatra and maybe others also.
I love seeing the pictures and I hope everyone keeps sending them in. Thanks.
April 5th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
THERE IS ONLY ONE VOICE and that’s the Welsh one, not the English one. Anyway, to Tom’s fans there will only ever be one who has the right to be called “The Voice,” our Welsh knight, SIR TOM.