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.
Rumor or Reality? Tom’s European Musical Director; Also A Guinness Video & Interview
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009Don’t forget the Question of the Month which you can find two posts below this one! Please take some time to answer!
Here’s the little bit TJI has gathered from all sorts of sources about the musical director and guitarist who will be with Tom in Europe:
Gary Wallis is the MD. He is the drummer who organized the band for The Right Time back in 1992. He was born June 10, 1964, in Westminster, London and trained at the London Symphony School of Music. He’s been Pink Floyd’s tour drummer. From 2002 and 2004 he toured Germany with the German band, Schiller. Wallis also played on the European hit I Feel You. In 2005, he toured with Marianne Rosenberg. In 2004 and 2005, Wallis was musical director for girl bands Girls Aloud and Atomic Kitten and in 2006 and 2007, he was musical director and drummer for the classical crossover band Il Divo. Since 2008, Wallis has been the drummer of the band Westlife. Wallis was also the drummer at the very memorable 1991 Amnesty International concert of which David Gilmour was MD.
Remember, this is mere rumor and remains rumor until he steps onstage or you read it on the Official site.
This story — not new — was all over the place today. This version is from MSN.UK.
Tom Jones’ Killers collaboration
Tom Jones hopes to record something with the Killers
Tom Jones has revealed he is in talks to collaborate with The Killers.
The 69-year-old Welsh singing legend is a big fan of the American rock band and they hope to get into the studio together.
Tom said: “I went to see The Killers a couple of weeks ago in Hyde Park in London and they were saying that they live in Las Vegas and that they’ve got a recording studio here so they said if we’re ever in Vegas at the same time perhaps we could do something in the recording studio.”
He added: “So I like things like that – that a young band that would want to do something with me, besides shoot me! But that’s great that they would want to do something – it’s very flattering that that happens.”
Tom is performing at Guinness’ 250th anniversary gig in Dublin on September 24.
He said: “I think it’s great – I enjoy a pint of Guinness so I couldn’t think of a better thing than to be connected to the celebrations. I mean 250 years – that’s a long time for any drink, isn’t it?
“I would think it’ll be a good party. So I’ve got to take my time, I’ve got to remember that I can’t drink too many of those Guinnesses before I sing!”
To win VIP tickets to the live gig, text ‘Arthur’ to 81759, or go to www.guinness.com
And here’s Tom’s 15-second Guinness promo. (And “cheers!” in Welsh is “lechyd da!”) The quality is surprisingly excellent. As usual, if you cannot view it, just send me an email and I’ll send it to you.
Photo at left: pa.press.net; at right is promo screen shot.
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:05 am
I am sure they are both excellent musicians but I still would have preferred to see Tom with his current (now old?) band
Still praying most of them if not all will be back with him next year
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:08 am
Interesting info but I’ll miss the old? band. Hope to see them all back again in Jan. in Vegas doing their thing.
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:28 am
Oy! I don’t even drink Guinness, but seeing Tom in that video makes me want to hoist a pint! That man could make anything look sexy and desirable! His new watch is rather prominent isn’t it?
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:56 am
First, Renn, if you missed it, there was a post Tom’s watch on August 22. And, I should have noted in this post that his musicians all have stellar backgrounds and always have. The band with him now (I am still refusing to call them the “old” band) just fits so well that if they go, some indefinable quality one finds when singer and musicians fit so well together that they are almost one, will be lost. Lots of people may not notice it, but it will be gone. The shows will still be good — Tom Jones, after all, is Tom Jones — but something will be missing. Need proof? Just look at the pictures from Outside Lands that will be posted here (hopefully tomorrow). And, Renn, to ease into Guinness, try a Black and Tan — it’s Guinness and Bass. Very good. Very fattening.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
No one can replace Herman!
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
No one can replace any of the band members. They work like a well-oiled machine.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Any thoughts as to why Tom’s not using his regular band? Money?
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 pm
My wishes are coming true!!!! The Killers are the greatest alternative rock band at the moment and thery’re my favourite. I saw them in concert on last July 14th in Rome…what a show!!! Tom Jones, for a singer like me, is one of the greatest performers of the entire music story!!! Could you imagine how can I feel reading that new? Hope well!!!!
September 14th, 2009 at 4:52 am
If Gary Wallis is playing, you guys are going to hear one of the most incredible drummers on the planet. I wish I were you…unfortunately, too long a plane ride for me, but I’d go to the concert just to hear him drumming, seriously!
September 21st, 2009 at 9:53 am
I dont’ think is about replacing his band, just doing something with the Killers. It would be great.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Pam: I’m not sure what you mean….A recording with The Killers would probably involve The Killers as musicians and, since they’re based here in Las Vegas, one would have to make the assumption that they’ll record in The Killers’ own studio here. So it has nothing to do with Tom’s band.