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.
More On Sir Tom At the MGM Grand (Hope You’re Not Getting Bored With All This) & 2 Dates Added in June
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Sunday night’s was a happy crowd — smaller than Friday and Saturday — but enthusiastic nonetheless. Again (this is getting repetitive) Tom looked and sounded great.
In the audience was José Carreras, one of the Three Tenors, and Tom acknowledged him graciously. Other than that, it was strictly business. Nothing thrown, little interaction. Tom reacted to his audience, but wasn’t drawn into any conversation or sthick. But, that’s OK. When the business is Tom Jones singing, and the only interaction one could reasonably desire is between the man and his music, there’s no quibble there at all.
The intro, before Tony comes on the rev up the crowd, is still jarring. A guy at the next table was heard to ask his friend, “What the hell is that?” when he heard the sound of what’s supposed to be old-time, radio static between sound bites of songs from 24 Hours.
The audience clearly loved him. Several waved glow sticks during Delilah and, even, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again. When he sings Never, there’s a musical bridge in the middle and watching him during that time — especially knowing the song is about his voice — proved very interesting. It’s a great number and a very welcome addition to the show. When he does the standards Fly Me To The Moon and Ol’ Black Magic, it’s nice to hear him acknowledge the originators, Frank Sinatra and Billy Daniels, respectively. Our group, however, again noted how they miss Here’s That Rainy Day. Although it was recorded and performed by a laundry list of great pop and jazz singers (including my beloved Ruth Brown) Tom truly made it his own. When he did it, the song was stunning.
For the record, not one tiny — or large, for that matter — undergarment was tossed onstage and, while he smiled at the huge candy Sugar Daddy a fan held up, he didn’t pause from his singing. The latter action, by the way, is a clear indication that fans who really know his music want him to add that song. I wonder if Bono or The Edge or, for that matter, Tom, were aware of the candy Sugar Daddy when the song was written.
In all, a solid show — not quite as exciting as opening night, but opening night is always especially exciting. Tom is in fine form, looking and sounding as if he can go on forever. And, again, the consensus is that he’s looking younger and fitter every day.
If you were there, what did you think? And, after he closes this run at MGM, there will be a rundown/discussion of what some fans have been thinking and writing about Tom lately — things both wrong and rude….and we’ll ask why.
On June 23 Tom’s at Look Park’s The Pine Theater in Florence, MA which, located near Northampton, is closer to Hartford, CT and Albany, NY than to Boston. On June 24 he’ll play the State Theatre, New Brunswick NJ
Tickets are not on sale for either show but they’re both on tj.com, so they must be scheduled. Keep checking the links above.
March 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Thanks TJI for the perspective. People ask me if I ever get sick of seeing TJ (god forbid). I say NEVER, every show and every audience is unique but always Sir Tom (and the band) give 150%. The VOICE never fails to mesmerize!
March 30th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Forgot to mention that I didn’t like that beginning bit. It’s very confusing even when you realize it is from the CD. I’d much rather hear “Heres That Rainy Day” than “Ole Black Magic”. Glad to hear Tom is still going strong.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Hi: I also agree about Here’s That Rainy Day and the opening of the show now. Love the photo showing Tom really concentrating on the lyrics. Is it from last night?
March 30th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
I never get bored with anything about Sir Tom. I crave every detail you’re willing to share. Thanks for taking the time to post. It certainly helps to know what to expect when I finally see the show next month.
March 31st, 2009 at 9:22 am
I agree, I really like “Here’s That Rainy Day” and I like “Fly Me to the Moon” which I haven’t heard in years. Old standards are great and some people still appreciate them.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Fantastic review! It was my first TJ concert, and I thought it was fantastic!!
I think I was less than 20 feet from the stage, and the whole band was real tight! The venue was perfect, and of course, TJ’s’ voice was terrific.
He sang a typical setlist, with lots of older songs, although I would have loved to hear more recent tunes. Namely, more than just Sex Bomb from the Reload album. But like I said, the band was tight and really gave those older songs new life.
I did sit with a very knowledgeable fan (a fellow Canadian), and a couple from Texas, who were all super-nice.
I had a few beers during the show, which really helped me loosen me up after a loooong day of travelling. Bad news is I had to get up and take a whiz during one of his songs! D’oh. I ran back in time to watch him close the show and come back for his encore. Indeed, Jose Carreras was in the audience, which was pretty cool. Apparently Bette Midler, who is also currently in Vegas with her own show, was at a show earlier in the week (or two).
Roxanne..I believe that photo just might have been from that night. It’s exactly what he was wearing.
Thanks Tom for the great show!
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Rob: As you know, I was at that show and it was wonderful, wasn’t it? Glad you got to experience Sir Tom up close and personal and hope to see you here in Las Vegas again….and, next time, actually see you.
April 8th, 2009 at 7:19 am
I was there in Vegas on March 31st to, I was at the show to…..WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!!!!! It was the first time for me listening to Tom Jones’ voice live — great experience indeed!!!!!!! I want it again and again and again!!!! Thanks, Tom!