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.
Fan Review: Tom At Harrahs Rincon Sunday Night
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009Nancy sent this review and photos from Tom’s show at Harrah’s Rincon outside San Diego Sunday Night. Hopefully, people at his show at the Greek Theatre in LA (another beautiful venue) will send their reviews, as will those at Table Mountain, the Outside Lands Festival and in Reno. Meanwhile, thanks so much to Nancy. Check the post below for a brief, but brand new, interview in which Tom talks about recording a new CD “after he completes another tour through the U.K. and Europe.”
This was my 20th TJ concert since the first in October 2003. On a scale of 1-10, it was an 11. Now, to the review: some of you will empathize with this statement; some will not, and might dismiss me as a starstruck groupie, or worse: Sunday night I cried at the Tom Jones concert. Yes, right in the midst a song, I started to literally tear up. I caught myself, and tried to figure out why in the world I was behaving that strange way, and it was simply because…. Sir Tom was right there in front of me (well, 11 rows away), looking so very healthy, handsome and contented, and was singing so strongly and beautifully. His voice was magnificent.
I was also touched that from the very start of I’m Alive, he was enthusiastically received by the audience of about 2,000, who wildly applauded, whistled, etc. after every song. This seemed to pleasantly catch him off-guard a few times when he was not able to proceed with his regular shtick, but responded with lots of smiles. And I must say that he looked extremely well and very fit in his regular sparkly shirt and suit of grayish blue (the jacket came off, of course.)
The night was beautiful. At this open-air amphitheatre out in the country about 50 miles from downtown San Diego, the stars and gentle breezes came out and complimented the balmy, mid-70’s night air. Tom even commented about how he was enjoying the evening air. The large stage was nicely set up, and the fabulous back-up band and singers were just perfect. The music was just fabulous.
Unfortunately, woe to the fans (and there were many) who attempted to dance in the aisles or approach the stage, for the diligent security guards protected the stage front and kept the aisles clear (for the most part) even though Tom encouraged people to get up and dance. Though our small group never gave up, and actually, to Tom’s delight and attention, did dance right up to the barriers early in the concert (pushing security guards aside!), we were told to return to our seats. That did not deter many from dancing at their seats and generally having a wild, enthusiastic time during the entire show. Panties were being tossed through the air around the theater from person to person like Frisbees.
When Tom reappeared for the encore, he said something like, “You can do what you like now; the show’s almost over.” But security still attempted to keep us from the aisles and stage front. But then, as we all went wild during Venus, something really awesome happened!
The people in the first five or so rows motioned to everyone in the aisles to crowd in with them by their seats so that we would all be ‘up front’ and security would leave us alone! It was like one happy, joy-filled family! And you could see by the smiles on Tom’s face that he loved the response.
When he finished Kiss Tom did something I hadn’t seen before; he sort of danced around the stage , then lingered quite some time just smiling and gazing at the audience while we continued to yell, scream, and applaud wildly.
And then it was over. I’m looking forward to number 21. Hope it’s soon.
August 26th, 2009 at 9:17 am
Sounds like it was a blast I have never quite figured out why security at the venues think they have to be so hard nosed when he wants people to get up and dance and celebrate his music,at leasst The House Of Blues does not keep people from enjoying themselves,and by the way a recording session after the U.K/Europeon tour who would have guessed that what great news!!!!!!!! LOL wish this site had heard of it,LOL.Keep up the great work Ellen we all know what the best Tom Jones site is TJI!!!!!!!
August 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Nancy, Thank you for sharing your wonderful “Tom” experience with us.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:07 am
A fabulous review. Nancy, you made my Wednesday. Thanks!
August 26th, 2009 at 10:10 am
Just seen the MGM’s official website. Tom isn’t gonna be there on 3rd-12th December 2009 after all in the Hollywood Theatre. It’s gonna be Rodney Carrington. Shame….
August 26th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Adam: While I still don’t think Tom will be there, Carrington’s show is at 10 pm, as it was this month, so they can put in an earlier show. And tomjones.com still has those December dates up. Just keep checking.
August 26th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Never thought of that lol. It would need to be a good bit earlier. A 7pm Tom show even would be cutting it too fine. The place would have to be all cleaned up and then get everyone else in b4 the 10pm show. Time will tell lol. Hope he is there tho. An afternoon around 3pm would be a nice show time maybe.
August 26th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Adam: This month and back in December Tom’s show was at 7:30 and Carrington’s at 10. It can work. The Hollywood Theatre staff has it down to a science. They move people out quickly….in fact, after Tom’s second-to-last show last week, when Carrington had already left, I personally wish they’d moved people out quickly even though there was no need.
August 26th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Thanks for the great review! I got goose bumps just reading it. Doesn’t Sir Tom also usually appear at MGM in January?
August 26th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Great review Nancy – I am so hoping I can get to see Tom in 2010. Had so been looking forward to seeing him at Rama but of course he took ill. Am really glad to hear he seems to have fully recovered
August 26th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Nancy, thank you, thank you, your review was just like being there. On this very gloomy rainy afternoon in Chicago, you brought me some sunshine. I have the same feeling and thrill as if I had been there too. By the way, I have teared up several times at some of Tom’s concerts, it is just such a priviledge and honor to be in his audience.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Nancy, not only have I cried at his concerts, I’ve cried listening to his CD’s. That’s what is so amazing about Tom. The way he can stir one’s emotion.
August 27th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Thanks Nancy, GREAT REVIEW!!
Felt like I was alomost there. Wish I was, he does look super handsome in the pictures. I hate to see this man get old. I booked Las Vegas last month. I am hoping and praying that the rumors are not true about the December dates. I called the MGM today and spoke to someone in tickets. She said although Tom is not booked yet, he could still be there for the earlier show. PLEASE PLEASE Tom be there for December. My three sisiters and I will be coming from all different states to see you. My Mother who will soon be 80, used to listen to Tom when we were little girls. She used to take us to Westbury Music Fair for the shows. Now we all Love him too. KEEP YOUR FINGERS CROSSED. PLEASE BE IN VEGAS IN DECEMBER!! We are soooo looking forward to it!! Love you TOM, hope to see you in December!! Plus it’s my birthday gift to myself.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Enjoyed your review , Nancy. Would have loved to be there with you. I, for one am praying that Dec. in Vegas will be a go. One can only wait and see and keep our fingers crossed.
August 29th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Thanks for your comments! Hope we all get to see Sir Tommy again soon..with our favorite band………………………
September 1st, 2009 at 7:01 am
I just saw this morning that Vegas in December is no longer on the tour schedule on tomjones.com. Ellen, you have some very good sources! I am so grateful for all your hard work you do for this website. At the moment, there are no tour dates listed for 2010.
September 1st, 2009 at 10:35 am
Anna W: No, there aren’t, but it’s been announced that he’ll be in Dallas January 31, so that’s a start.
September 1st, 2009 at 11:36 am
BUMMER!!! NO Tommy in December. Calling the airlines now..Hope we can get a refund!!