Show & Venue Reviews, What's New, Pussycat?
Please share your Tom Jones shows with other fans. Setlist? Audience? Energy? What was it like being there? We’d love to hear from you.
And, while you’re telling us about the shows, please let us know what you think of the venues where Tom plays. Clubs, theaters, casinos — Tom Jones performs in all of them. Which venue do you think is the best? The worst?
So that other fans will know what’s in store when they buy their tickets, please tell us a little bit about the venues you know. If possible, try to use the format below so others can tell at a glance what you think. The best venue will merit ****. More than one review of a venue is welcome.
Tom Jones In Atlantic City: One Fan’s Brief Review & A Note About “Weekend Edition”
Sunday, November 30th, 2008In response to a question about non-US-resident fans submitting questions for the NPR show (post below), the Weekend Edition producer Gemma Watters tells us, “I’ll consider any questions that are submitted to the blog, no matter the country.” So, fans everywhere can feel free to post questions. The link is in yesterday’s post. Scott Simon, host of Weekend Edition Saturday, and a terrific, eminent journalist, will be interviewing Tom. That fact alone should make it a special interview. (Can you tell who loves to listen to NPR?)
Marisa, a fan from New Jersey took her son, a budding musician, and her daughters to the show in Atlantic City Friday night. Her review is below. Please add yours.
No Tony Reynolds revving the crowd, no count-down to Tom Jones International video, but the opening song, I’m Alive, was a great start!
Tom looked fantastic; the red lining in his suit jacket really gives it some flare! We moved down to the first row for in time for Deliliah. However, none of our locations were satisfactory, too far off to the side. Tom’s moves were strong and sexy and he did a lot of dancing throughout the show. I wish he would have used those moves on his television appearances where he appeared a bit stiff. Thankfully, the shirt lift was not used on TV and could have been edited out of the performance.
Seasons and Give a Little Love fit into the show beautifully, and I was glad he skipped Sugar Daddy and 24 Hours.
After the show, one lucky fan had him sign two of her Vinyl LP covers! One disappointed drunk fan cursed out security when she couldn’t get him to sign her new 24 Hours CD. She was not happy that she paid $30.00. No panties were thrown at all. My son tried to hand him a giant Sugar Daddy he’d brought but security would not let him, so we slid it on stage. Tom noticed it and gave a nod of acknowledgment. That was great. As someone I know says, “Tom gives you a crumb and you make a banquet of it!” That’s what we did and that’s fine.
PS: Someone just emailed and asked if security is more of an issue in Atlantic City as opposed to, say, in Las Vegas. The question came up because after dinner in AC, Tom went to The Wave, a dance club at the Marina and there was surrounded by security. The answer is — not really. Tom seems to move around more freely in Las Vegas probably because it’s a different group of people at the show. Yes, there are plenty of fans who come in specifically to see him but, in AC, there’s a much more concentrated group of fans. Also, in Las Vegas, while many fans hang out in hopes of seeing Tom (and are frequently disappointed), there’s also a lot more to do after a show. For example, some people go to other, later, shows after seeing Tom. In Las Vegas Tom does have security, but it’s kind of unobtrusive. In AC it’s clear there’s security. But, remember, there is no place in the world more secure than a casino. Just ’cause you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it ain’t there.And, in response to a question below, the photo of the candy Sugar Daddy and Sugar Babies was added. So, do you think that, maybe, Bono, who spends so much time in the US and who has a home in New York, meant Tom is as sweet as candy when he titled the song?
November 30th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Moderator’s Note: We moved Carol’s comment from a Friday late night post so more people will see it.
Just returned from seeing Tom in AC. He was so great I don’t know what to use to explain. FANTASTIC, MARVELOUS, SEXY, JUST A FEW TO DESCRIBE WHAT THE SHOW WAS LIKE TONIGHT. Dark grey suit with signature black shirt, he was sooooo handsome, trim and slim. His voice was as good as or maybe even better than in the sixties. He belted out those songs. The audience was into it and he just pulled off of it. Opened with I’M ALIVE and I noticed that a lot of the people sang along even with the new ones.He danced around that stage more than I have seen him do in the last few years.I thought that maybe he would be tired after all the hoping around to push the new CD, but on the cantary he was totaly energised.It was just a fabulous show and our TOM WAS AT HIS VERY BEST.
November 30th, 2008 at 8:48 am
I just love reading the show reviews! Thanks to Marisa and Carol for the visuals ; ))) I decorated my tree last night and had “24 Hours” in the shuffle with all Christmas music. After just a few Christmas tunes I just couldn’t take it, and locked into TJs new CD exclusively. I was dancing all night and trimming my tree to Tommy’s amazing voice. He’s absolutely spectacular!
November 30th, 2008 at 11:07 am
Thanks for the frist reviews guys – I hope there are more coming. Glad that TOM is in good shape and voice.
Marisa – please explain “giant Sugar Daddy” -lol- an old guy made of sugar or something else, hahaha – I cannot picture it – please help me out here
November 30th, 2008 at 11:35 am
BeBe (and others who didn’t grow up in the USA: A Sugar Daddy is a caramel lollipop made by Tootsie Rolls. In smaller size, it’s called Sugar Babies. When it was invented (1925) it was the biggest lollipop available. (I’ll resist the urge to make a pun here.)
November 30th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Now I got the picture
))) and I think it will be stuck in my mind all day, hahahaha – Thanks I guess -lol- 
November 30th, 2008 at 11:51 am
The Saturdsy night show at Trump Marina started out with a fight in the audience around 8 p.m. between a woman and a guy. Once that was taken care of, Tom came out and his voice seemed a litle strained after opening with “I’m Alive.” But it was the best rendition of “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” that I have heard in a long time. How he can hit all those notes 3/4ths of the way through his show is just unbelieveable. He seemed unusually animated into the set and it looks like this new album has given him a little more enthusiasm than usual. The dance steps were great, and my girlfirend and daughter just love him. I have never seen a performer that can energize his audience time after time. I never cared for him when I was younger, but to listen to him now with his voice and presence makes you appreciate him so much; that there is literally no one who can fill his shoes now, and perhaps forever.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
BTW- a Sugar Daddy is an older man who buys expensive gifts for young girls in exchange for the girls holding their laughter during sex.
November 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
David – Oh I know that “Sugar Daddy”, hahaha but I didn’t know the eatable version from Tootsie Rolls
))))
November 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
David, Your quips are hilarious!!! I do appreciate your last sentence; coming from a male fan, it is unusual and such a true statement from anyone’s point of view!!!!!
November 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I actually found a GIANT ONE POUND “Sugar Daddy” in my favorite novelty store here in Jersey which is called “Five Below” and which carries a lot of “vintage” candy, it was $3.00 and came in a clear plastic box. The truth is, you could probably cause someone some pretty serious injury if you whacked them upside the head with it. It’s fresh, but we are not going to risk our teeth on it.
BTW David, no girl of any age would have any reason to laugh while with Tom
Unless he told a joke.
November 30th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” was flawless, strong and full of emotion!
November 30th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
My husband and I had a very pleasant two days in AC this past holiday weekend. There seems to be a lot of new construction, both currently and completed recently. Some of the more questionable areas have been replaced with very nice condos, and an outlet center giving it a more “cleaned up” appearance. AC still has it’s problems, but if the economy allows, and the clean up continues it’s looking like there is potential for the future. We saw Tom’s show Friday night and I was pleased to see how well the fans behaved. Tom was his terrific self, looked very trim and seemed to be very proud to share his new material. I was expecting him to sing I’m Alive, If He Should Ever Leave You, and Give A Little Love, but was thrilled to hear Seasons (my fav from the CD) live. I was quite surprised when the band played the first few notes of In Style and Rhythm (my least fav), but seeing Tom’s personal style and rhythm while performing the song made me change my mind. It was great. Seating in the venue was a little disappointing, because of the fact that like at the Taj Mahal in August the seats were so closely connected with plastic ties. Very uncomfortable, and difficult to get in and out of the rows. Saturday night we had tickets to see Jay Leno at Caesars. Now that was a show room! Upholstered theater seating, very elegant. I would love to see Tom play at a venue of this caliber.
November 30th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
I might add that I’ll Never Fall In Love Again received a standing ovation!
Some of us were moved to tears…
November 30th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
DAVIDCOOPER: “BTW- a Sugar Daddy is an older man who buys expensive gifts for young girls in exchange for the girls holding their laughter during sex” What’s 30 seconds between friends ; )) Audrey sends a positive message about Atlantic City. From my perspective, TJ plays Atlantic City WAY MORE than Toronto, Canada… so… I’m glad it seems more friendly.
December 1st, 2008 at 4:00 am
Marissa – are you sure Tony did not rev up the crowd?? Someone else that was there said he came out both nights and announced Tom in his usual fashion
Hard to miss Big Tony unless perhaps you were a bit late arriving? Glad Tom is getting such positive reviews
December 1st, 2008 at 5:19 am
Went Friday and Saturday night. Not much to say about “this Man of ours” – just fabulous. He seems so happy and comfortable singing some of his songs from the new C.D. (which, but the way, it probably one of his best works. My new favorite of all times is “If He Should Eve Leave You”. Just beautiful.) He was full of enery and it showed. I really didn’t miss the video of the flying sheep. We don’t need that to get energized for him. Tony does a great job bringing Sir Tom on stage. And once again, the band and singers are the best in the business. Both nights we were able to move up to the front, with the assistance of the nicest security guard. Saturday night some of our dumb New Jersey crowd decided to start a fist fight right in front on us. Drinks were flying, as was the language. The show started alittle late because of this. I’m sorry to say sometimes that I come from New Jersey. This is not the first time they have embarrassed me. Well, enough of that – back to Tom. He’s the best and will always be. I hope the bad behavior of some people will not deter him away from N.J. See you all in Las Vegas in January.
December 1st, 2008 at 6:28 am
I was fortunate enough to see Tom both nights in AC. The show was fabulous! Although it was a little disappointing that the famous intro video wasn’t shown, none the less Tom really got the crowd going! Security there was very tight! Towards the end of the show anxious fans tried to run closer to the stage, but were quickly rushed back to their seats by heavy security. All in all Tom looked and sounded Amazing as usual. The news songs added really brought a new energy to the show!
December 1st, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Tony introduced him friday night but didn’t have everyone join him in clapping first…Tom burst on to the first notes of “I’m alive” instead. Horrified to hear about the fight Sat. Non-casino venues in New York are much more Tom-worthy than Jersey.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Big Tony DID open the show both nights
December 5th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Review of Trump Marina, Atlantic City – November 28, 2008 – Maureen
Sorry this is so late. I had soom personal things to do before I really could sit and write this review.
I was not crazy about the Trump Marina’s venue, it was a full house but the seats were practically on top of one another, I liked Harrahs venue was much better. When Tony came out as usual I love when he introduces Tom, “ARE YOU READY…YEAH….ARE YOU READY…YEAH….ARE YOU READY FOR TOM JONES”!!! Tom came out looking soooooooooo GREAT in that suite, so thin and SEXY as ever with a BIG SMILE for us all. The audience went crazy, I must say Tom had a great audience Friday night which starts Tom off..he was in rare form! I had a great seat and Janet was sitting 2 seats from me before the show we talked a little.
Just so you know Tom did NOT sing “Sugar Daddy or 24 Hours”[:D]. Tom opened the show with “I’M ALIVE” and the audience was clapping and singing. Tom was moving acrose the entire stage (not like he sang on all the interviews) Tom was moving those hips through the entire show which made the audience clap and scream and sing with him. I will try to remember all the songs Tom’s VOICE WAS FANTASTIC through the entire show. I will try to remember all the songs but I must mention these two songs first Tom sang “Seasons” with such emotion and feelings and “I’m Never Going To Fall In Love Again” was so awesome the entire audience stood and gave Tom a Standing Novation!!!! He was soooooooo AWESOME!!!! After singing “I’m Alive” Tom was talking to the audience about the new CD and welcomed everyone in that very special way Tom does!! Tom then sang some songs from the new CD “24 Hours” “If He Should Ever Leave You”, “Give A Little Love” and the audience was singing and clapping Tom had us all in the palm of his hand all night! He sang “In Style & Rhythm” which I loved and so did everyone else, it was so amazing Tom and his audience were in STYLE AND RHYTHEM!!! He then sang “That Old Black Magic” which calmed us down a little[:D][:D] Then came out the stool and we all know what that means[:)][:)][:)] THOSE SEXY BLUES… Tom sang “Grandmas Hands first then “Git Me Some” which drove everyone crasy with those moves Tom does on that famous stool!!! Then Tom did some of his older songs, “Deliliah”, “She’s A Lady” and he danced across the entire stage to this song with those moves that drive you crazy!!!! Then came “200 Pounds Of Heavenly Joy” which I have never seen Tom do before soooooooooo Sexy! Since Tom loves Jerry Lee Lewis he sang “End Of The Road”!!! Tom and the audience were so in tuned with each other and Tom kept moving through the entire show, I don’t know how he does it!! Tom sang “IT’S NOT UNUSUAL” and recieved another standing novation. At this point Tom had us all dancing, screaming well “YOU KNOW WHAT HE DOES TO US” that’s right “SEXBOMB” I just love the audiences reaction to this song and Tom knows just when to sing it…HE HAD US REALLY GOING!!!! Well you know what was next “You Can Leave Your Hat ON”. Of course you should know by now the song Tom closes with…that’s right “KISS” and he was really going to this one…lifting that shirt up moving those FANTASTIC hips, bumps …ALL I CAN SAY IS SIR TOM JONES DID IT AGAIN. TOM WAS FANTASTIC, AWESOME, WONDERFUL…I HAVE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE TOM…HIS CHARISMA JUST LIFTS YOU HIGHER AND HIGHER. THANK YOU SIR TOM JONES FOR ALL YOU GIVE TO US IT IS MORE THEN 100%!!!! ( I have not checked my camera yet to see if any of the pictures came out…never used a digital camera before)….and we all forgot to take pictures together…so sorry with all the excitement and meeting each other and dancing until 4am..they had a great band there. I did not get Tom’s autograph but I got Herman’s what a great guy. I got to also meet Don and Brian to. IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT AND I AM STILL IN THAT TRANCE…”YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!!!” TOM GAVE A LOT OF LOVE!!