Tom Jones International

There were newspaper reviews of Tom in Budapest, but translation from Hungarian to English is not my long suit, so I can only tell you that the reviewer said something to the effect of Tom’s arrival there was like giving bread to the starving. He couldn’t remember Florence Rawlings’ name and the photo caption translated as “Who’s the sugar Uncle.” What is clear that Tom was a huge hit and will surely be welcomed back.

The photo left is from an interview with Tom done prior to his appearance in Serbia. You can read it under Peter’s review of Tom in Budapest (below):

Here is Peter’s review from Budapest. It is so enthusiastic that the mood is contagious. Thanks so very much, Peter!

I’m still in shock, so I cannot go into small details, but let me tell you, he was amazing, he looks and moves like he’s only 40, and enjoys himself to the fullest. I loved the leather-like jacket and pants, it looked super-cool!!!

Well, first of all, Florence Rawlings was a lot better than I expected and I think she has some very good songs and a very cool voice. I was sitting in the 4th row right to center stage and when we went to our seats we were stunned just how close the stage is! Excitement was growing rapidly and we couldn’t wait until Florence has finished and the Budapest Arena filled to it’s full capacity. After a brief intermission while they rearranged the stage we were waiting with our breaths held back believe me.

For the rest of Peter’s review and an interesting Q & A from Serbia, click here

When the lights went down and the intro was coming on it was like being in Heaven ‘cos I knew exactly when Tom was about to appear. And BOOOOOOOM!!!! There he was! What a presence, what a cool leather outfit what a crispy clear, strong voice!!! WOW, we were hypnotized and couldn’t say anything, just clapping and smiling like idiots! He was so cool and energetic and confident, that we absolutely forgot he’s about to turn 70…

Sugar Daddy was so cool as the intro, I didn’t expect this, to be honest I was afraid of it.. But it was a positive disappointment, it was PERFECT! The audience was mixed, a lot of elder people and many young ones too, during the first half of the show nobody stood up really… But when What’s New Pussycat started, three young ladies went dancing and jumping to the stage, and the security tried to send them back to their seats. Then when She’s A Lady started, about 200 people rushed the stage dancing and screaming, and never left till the show was over! It was pendemonium from then on, especially when the dance tunes came on like If I Only Knew, Sexbomb, Kiss and Take Me Back To The Party! I was standing about 10 feet away from Tom, I couldn’t believe he was singing If I Only Knew and It’s Not Unusual in front of me! WOWW!

He was in a very good mood and he was delighted by the crowd who came to see him. He’s the best, a true artist, a one-of-a-kind! He was in top form, his voice was so strong and clear that it almost sounded unreal. This was my 4th time and this clearly, easily was the best show I attended. I could be watching it from the beginning again and again. Hope that they make a DVD of his current tour, it’s so spectacular that it cannot be told or written or overemphasized enough, youtube videos give only a small glimpse of what it was like being there in person when he’s at full blast and in your face. Really looking forward to a new live DVD… The show was AGAIN: FLAWLESS

EXCLUSIVE Tom Jones talks for “Blic”
I will never retire

Author: Marija Mijatovic | 03.11.2009 – 08:37/Blic Online In English

The legendary singer Tom Jones will have his first concert in Serbia on November 13 at the Belgrade Arena. In an interview for “Blic”, the talkative artist from Wales reveals what he knows about Serbia and a secret of his success and a long career.

This is your first performance in our country. What do you know about Serbia and Belgrade? “I have never performed in Serbia, but I know something about your history from the Second World War onwards. I know that your country used to be Yugoslavia where several nations lived in harmony, but that it disintegrated during the 1990s. I have also heard that your country is very beautiful and I am glad that I have a chance to visit it for the first time.”

What kind of a repertoire have you prepared for the concert on November 13? “I have a new album 24 Hour from which I will sings several new songs, but basically the concert will be a fine blend of my hits. I love to sing my old hits, such as Delilah, Green Grass of My Home, What’s New Pussycat, but I will also perform one Otis Redding’s song Hard To Handle and a lot more. I perform with an excellent band.”

Throughout your career you have tried different music styles, such as rock, pop, country, even techno. Can you define style of your new album? “What makes this album different from other albums is the fact that I am a co-author of the majority of songs, which means that I was much more included in the process of its creation. There is a song Never and for most of the people who hear it, it is only a song about love for one woman. However, the song is about music, about its effect on me throughout my life. That is actually the point of the song. It is interesting to point out that Bono, the singer of U2, wrote one song for me called Sugar Dady, which is a real rock song.”

What is the secret of your long-lasting career on the world music scene? “I think that you first have to love what you do, otherwise you will fail. It has become my way of life and I never wanted to stop doing it. I still have a great desire to perform and I am grateful that God gives me good health and voice.”

Is Tom Jones whom we are looking on the stage the real Tom Jones or not? “The one whom you are looking on the stage is a part of me. I do not turn into another person while I perform. However, I cannot be that person from the stage all day. It simply takes too much energy.”

Do you plan to retire at some point? “I don’t plan to retire at all. I will sing as long as I can. I have been lucky to turn my hobby into profession.”

Do you have a message for your fans who will come to your concert? “I am really happy that I will perform in Serbia for the first time and I love to visit the places where people want to hear me live and feel the passion that I want to transmit.”