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These are all the stories — in no particular category — that are posted for awhile on our home page. It’s a pretty good record of all we’ve posted in one place.
Tom Jones In Las Vegas: Two Weeks Go By So Quickly
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Tonight is Tom’s last show at the MGM Grand. The crowds — with few exceptions like crowds all over the city — have been less than stellar, but the enthusiasm for Sir Tom never waned.
Among the celebrities spotted at his show were Tony Curtis (who attends just about every time Tom is here), Mary Wilson and much of the cast of Mad Men, fresh from their Screen Actors Guild Award for “Best Ensemble” on television.
Opening night glitches with the lighting and set list are long gone and the audience just enjoyed. A couple of people who regularly post to this site got to give Tom gifts — a towel to wipe his brow and (at long last!) a chocolate orange. Now he can find out what one tastes like.
The band and the singers were in top form. Tom looked and sounded great. It was a good two weeks. If you were there and haven’t already done so, please share your experiences with us.
January 28th, 2009 at 9:50 am
It was wonderful to meet Mary Wilson!
She was seated at the table right behind mine.
A beautiful and gracious lady!
January 28th, 2009 at 11:57 am
OMG Tom looks great I hope he doesn’t dye his hair or goatee it suits him well with the class & sexy style he has, can’t wait to see him @ Hard Rock Orlando in April will be sure to take lots of pictures.
January 28th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
It was great to see and meet you again Ellen. Thank you for your time. I’ve finally gotten to a computer to write and have been thinking about my feelings regarding the show (I attended last Thursday, the one Mary Wilson was at, so maybe “TJMoves” might have a comment)…
I had commented that I wasn’t thrilled. And in thinking more about it I think part of my dissatisfaction was the staff. At the table next to me someone went to take a picture of Tom and the usher came to my table (interrupting) saying no pictures. Meanwhile Tom saw the camera, smiled and enjoyed having his picture taken, even moving towards the picture taker – I was up front at the stage. Then later when another picture was taken the ushers again went over, this time realizing it was the table next to mine, and said no pictures (interrupting again). Additionally, I and my tablemates were interrupted by a waiter asking if we wanted drinks. At one point I was about to yell, “NO! I don’t want any f***ing drinks! I want to watch Tom Jones without any interruptions. If I wanted a drink, I’d go out and sit at a bar.” I mean, it wasn’t once before the show started and then later one more time, it seemed continuous.. so anyways, that impacted my experience.
It was a good set, half from his new album, and again, the band is INCREDIBLE, I don’t know, I think you’re right regarding the “standards” and it seemed more slow songs than upbeat songs and I miss I Like the Way plus there weren’t many people there. The upper tier was empty, and it seemed most were in their 60′s with not much energy, except a group of blond ladies who got up to dance for You Can Leave Your Hat On. I was surprised the ushers didn’t go over and tell them to sit down… but Tom didn’t acknowledge them or comment.. though he seemed upbeat and happy through out the show (I think it was because Mary Wilson was in the crowd), he generally stayed in the center and only a few times ventured to the sides.
I don’t know, maybe I’m being picky. For $94 bucks (plus airfare, hotel, etc.) though I kinda expected more. But, honestly I don’t know what. I think that because I’ve seen his show several times, it seems to be the same show, different songs. It would be nice if he interacted more with the crowd. Besides the great singing voice, he has a wonderful speaking voice, as well as a great sense of humor.
I really didn’t notice much of a difference with the hair color change. I’m fine with it. You know, I think with the new hair cut it looks like his hair is fuller and he has more hair than before. LOVE the picture above.
So, that’s my take.
January 28th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Attended Tom’s concerts for 7 nights and of course enjoyed each and every show. His new songs are really great along with all the other songs we know so well.
On the 15th of January I was a little shocked with his grey hair, but he looks and sounds great, I’m thinking his grey hair may bring a little something different to his performance(good of course).There is s look in his eyes that you want to know what he is thinking.
Enjoyed Tom so much being back in Vegas.
The week I was there went very fast.
It’s always fun meeting other fans of Tom.s who are there to enjoy Tom and his band.
Really like this picture of Tom.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Thanks to everyone for the detailed reviews of the shows. It’s so exciting to read about them if you can’t attend. I absolutely love the au naturel look, it really suits him. Kudos to whomever convinced him to leave the hair colour out of it! LOL!
Hmmmm… Silver Fox just doesn’t do it for me, he’s more of a Titanium TJ. “Titanium” is New Latin, from the Greek word “Titan”. I loved the reference to him as that from a recent review.
January 28th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Dana: First, of course, you’ll notice my bit o’ editing. Surely you’re not surprised.
Second, anyone who knows me knows my tale of the picture-taking. What I find interesting is that the venue says it’s the entertainer’s management prohibiting photos, the entertainers say it’s the venue. Tom is very gracious with people taking photos. Some of the MGM staff, unfortunately, isn’t. But, in fairness, the ticketing staff and most ushers are lovely.
As for drink service: For awhile there was (blessedly) a rule that people sitting stage side were not to be offered drinks once the show starts. Sadly, that is no longer the case and the wait staff, though generally very pleasant, are intrusive. But, I guess that’s why it’s different from a “real” theater. You get more up-close-and-personal, but you also get interrupted.
I must add (for no good reason) the first time I saw Tom at the MGM I asked the server not to interrupt us during the show. We were in booth 105 — the best seats in the joint — and she complied with that request. Two nights later we were seated there once again. The server — not the same one — came over to take our order before the show and said, “Someone sitting here the other night actually asked the server not to come to the table during the show. Can you imagine?! We talked about that in the back.” She didn’t even blink when I admitted to being the culprit but she also didn’t come back. Now, whenever possible, I ask — saying “please” — and they’re pleasant and do comply.
As for the show itself, as I said in this post and others recently, business is awful everywhere and Las Vegas is no exception. Only two performers have sold out recently — Britney Spears in April and George Jones the other night. Billy Joel tickets for February 14 are easily had, Neil Diamond didn’t sell out, nor did The Killers. Things are tough. Tom’s numbers, though not what they usually are in better economic times, were better than many in this city. It’s too bad.
The times I was at the show this run I saw a wide range of ages. Opening night was very quiet and only the fans at Table 5A made lots of noise, much to the apparent amusement of others.
I am not arguing with you, Dana, you know I’m not Pollyanna, but things could be so much worse in so many ways.
As for Mary Wilson, she’s lovely. I was in her home last year for an assignment and she was quite cordial.
January 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I like the natural look on Tom. He is a mature man and looks great!
January 30th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Saw 4 shows this time.
Each one was phenomenal in my book!!!