Tom Jones International

TJI has a special post today. In addition to a review from his gig in Birmingham (UK, not US) there are five photos. They were uncredited in the newspaper, otherwise I’d have given credit to the photographer.

There’s also a brief story and very small photo of Tom at a tree-planting ceremony at the LG Arena’s “Celebrity Wood.” Tom’s is the first tree (almost said “wood,” but that would be rude) planted there.

But, what makes this post special is that just below here are two small audio clips. Any songs that have only been performed on this tour thus would be of special interest to fans who cannot hear them in person are, unfortunately, too large to post (and I’m sure posting them would be frowned upon) on this site but these clips give an idea of what those TJI friends who reviewed the Cardiff show of October 9 were talking about. And I sincerely thank the person who sent these.

The first clip is from the time right after the third song when Tom — as he always does — greets the crowd.

Next, he gets a laugh out of the fact that something was taped to the stage in “Cardiff, Wales.” And, I’m sure you agree, that his is an infectious laugh.

Tom Jones, at the LG Arena, Birmingham ****

Oct 19 2009 By Ben Goldby in the Birmingham Mail

SILVER-haired superstar Tom Jones christened the newly opened LG Arena with a barnstorming performance last night.

The welsh warbler was on fine form as he brought the expectant crowd along on a tour through his life in music.

For the rest of this review, four more photos and the picture and story of Tom planting the tree, click to

Encompassing everything from stripped-down country versions of Green Green Grass of Home, to a rocked up Delilah and the dance beat of Stoned In Love, Jones rolled back the years to offer something for everyone.

His performance did justice to the impressive surroundings of the LG Arena, which on this evidence could prove to be the top draw concert venue Birmingham needs to attract the biggest international stars.

Visitors to the venue are greeted with a modern, spacious entrance hall, packed with food bars and coffee shops, all arranged in the style of an airport departure lounge.

The seating was comfortable and the leg room ample, as Jones cleared his lungs for a rousing set of tunes.

Opening song Sugar Daddy, penned by U2 frontmen Bono and The Edge, was a welcome addition to the live set, though several other tracks from his new album 24 Hours failed to reach the sleazy, sumptuous heights of this amplty-titled track. [Moderator's Note: I think he meant "aptly" titled." One clearly doesn't have to pass a spelling/grammar/usage test to be a journalist at this paper.]

But with a voice that could power a tugboat from Newport to New York, Jones carried this weaker material with plenty of charisma, and won the crowd over with a return to the classics that have seen his popularity endure for almost 50 years.

At 69, the crooner had no trouble sizzling his way through Sex Bomb and You Can Leave Your Hat On, while Kiss and It’s Not Unusual brought the rapt audience to their feet.

Despite looking a little greyer and a little less polished on the dancefloor, Jones has lots left to give, and his personality still shines as bright as one of his trademark suits.

Just like last night’s venue, he has plenty of big nights left in him.

From the audience:

Amanda Booth, aged 20, Stourbridge said: “We had a Tom Jones CD on in the car before we came. I’d have to say my favourite song is sex bomb.”

Penny Amatt, aged 21, Quinton, said: Delilah was my favourite tonight, it’s such a massive tune. Even though he’s a pensioner he still looks good.”

Welsh crooner Sir Tom Jones has become the first star to plant a tree in the recently transformed LG Arena’s Celebrity Wood, moments before he took to the stage last night (18 October).

The LG Arena ‘Celebrity Wood’ is a project to encourage every performer to plant a tree at the venue, which recently underwent a £29m transformation.

Jones’ concert was part of LG Arena’s Opening Season 2009, which will run until 31 December.

“This was a very important milestone marking the Opening Season of the new LG Arena, which is set to become the ultimate entertainment destination following this major refurbishment,” said NEC Group director of arenas Phil Mead.

“We hope throughout Opening Season and over the years to come, other stars will follow suit and plant a tree as a lasting reminder of their performance here.”

The Celebrity Wood is near the arena’s VIP entrance, which concert goers walk past.

The LG Arena also has its very own Living Wall, featuring 15,000 shrubs. The installation is linked to a dedicated recycling centre on the NEC site.