Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
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It’s A Fact — The Tom Jones US Band Will Not Be Back
Saturday, November 28th, 2009
This photo was taken Saturday night, August 29, 2009 after the show at the Reno Ballroom. It is the last group photo of what Sir Tom has often referred to “the greatest band in the land” (and, of course, the word “band” includes the singers). They are (from left): Kenny Anderson, Bill Churchville, Ric Fierabracci, Darelle Holden, Tony Reynolds, Brian Monroney, Sharon Hendrix, Kevin Richardson, Frank Strauss, Mike Turnbull and, seated center as he always is on stage, Herman L. Matthews.
But, now TJI can say two things with certainty: First, as we all know, Tom is definitely coming back to Las Vegas in January.
Second: What’s been confirmed recently is that Tom’s European band will be accompanying him to the US, Australia….to wherever he’s going for the next few months. Rumors to that effect have been floating around since the summer, but it was confirmed this week.
I do not ever presume to speak for all the fans but this time will make an exception: I am sure I speak for all of those fans who know these people when I wish them each the best of luck and tell them to, please, let TJI know what they’re up to so it can be posted and the many TJ fans who are your fans can come to see you.
In all fairness, Sir Tom has told people that the European musicians are terrific and we expect nothing less than the best on stage from the Tom Jones organization. But those of us who have come to know the US group will miss them, even as we look forward to getting to know the European group.
The new band is: Gary Wallis (MD, drums); Alexander Meadows (bass guitar); Peter Honore (guitar); Toby Chapman (keyboard 1, guitar and vocals); Chris Papendieck (keyboard 2, guitar and vocals); Abbie Osman (backing vocals); Janet Ramus (backing vocals); James Hunt (saxophone and brass section leader); Henry Collins (trumpet) and Trevor Mires (trombone).
(TJI’s band section will be updated ASAP.)
November 28th, 2009 at 1:46 am
This is a shame,but while one door close’s,another open’s ,so lets wish them all luck!
November 28th, 2009 at 2:13 am
Good luck to all. After reading all the time about the old band members, and dreaming about seeing them for many years, I am sad I will never see them together. I hope I’ll see some of them in various settings here in Europe.
But also good luck to the new band, they all look like really nice people and I had great fun seeing them with Tom.
November 28th, 2009 at 5:00 am
I’m torn on this one. I wish the new band all the luck and success in the world, but why give up such a great thing as the old band too? The group was fantastic. They gelled together. Yes I’m sure his management has their reasons for the change but, it’s like we came to “know” the old group. I hope the members will keep in touch with TJI . I would like to see where their careers go. In January, lets give the new band a big welcome and take it from there. Best of luck to all.
November 28th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Sad news…good luck to the old and the new band on their projects…
November 28th, 2009 at 5:39 am
I am sadden to read this
This band was truly special to me and I will truly miss seeing them with Tom Jones. Wishing them the best and I do hope they keep TJI posted on upcoming future plans they might have. I will for sure love to see them pursuing music carers with other artists. I am truly thankful in seeing their talent with Tom and I loved the Bootlegger Friends after show gig some of them did in Vegas.
On an other note wishing the new band all the bests.
Tom Jones can’t wait to see the show in Vegas
November 28th, 2009 at 6:12 am
My thought of course mirrors Anna’s reflections. Those who have come to know and respect their wonderful talents will miss them very much.Good luck, of course to whatever endeavours they choose to pursue and I hope the new band will be accepted with respect and given a chance with the TJ fans. For me, I will miss the “old” band terribly.
November 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I too will miss the band and hope we continue to see them in other venues. AS for Tom Jones, my days of seeing him are over. I have asolutely no respect left in my heart for him.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Why mess with a good thing! If you have the best, why start over? I am really going out there, but I have felt for a while for some odd reason that management does not always have Tom’s best interest at heart. This new fact today really upsets me, it is not always wise to start over, change things and have a fresh start. I might have to agree with Lynn,this might hurt my level of devotion that has always been there.
November 28th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
Lynn, Mary, All: This was a difficult post for me to write and I am torn about this news. Look, this isn’t the first time Tom’s backing has changed and it probably won’t be the last. It is, in the end, not my business and, even though I am proud to call a couple of US band members “friend” and will continue to do so, Tom and his management are entitled to make any decisions they wish to make. In truth, while some very devoted fans are upset, one told me, “I don’t give a s*** who’s there as long as Tom is.”
Personally, I feel very bad that I won’t be seeing my favorite musicians but am very curious to see and hear the new band.
I do hope they don’t applaud Tom as they’ve done in Europe because that looks phony and I hope, too, they don’t grandstand and try to grab attention as the videos from Europe show they do. Tom always gives the musicians their due and that’s enough.
Of course, we have to realize that Tom’s band — like bands that back every star entertainer — does exactly what they’re told to do when it comes to arrangements and how the music is played and how they behave on stage. I am pretty sure that Tom’s band has always done the same.
But, in the end, Tom seems pleased with this group and I believe that we fans owe it to him to check it out. As one fan — Shirl, the Rhondda Valley girl — just said to me, “time will tell.”
November 28th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
I have seen 3 shows in Europe with the new band and I think it SUCKS!!!! like a bunch of children on the stage ……my age 32 hahah …but the US band who I have seen also many times ..were more professional
Don’t understand they try to change change everything. That is what the drummer told me — not the old songs anymore etc…Hope they will take out the stupid ending also and just put kiss back as last song……
November 28th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Point well taken Ellen, I guess I just don’t like change in things that I think just work beautifully together already. I will try to keep an open mind.
November 28th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Ohhhhhh I am so saddened.I feel like a part of me has died.My memories of seeing Tom in Las Vegas with his band are etched in my memory.I don’t know why he would do this.I even spoke to Darelle when she was having lunch with Herman once at a restaurant at the MGM.She said it was an awesome gig for her to be a part of.I’m sure there is great loss for all of them Sharon has been with him for s very long time and their voices complimented Tom’s to the nth degree.They are all show people and I don’t know if I can ever go to another show after this.It just seems like a betrayal.Sorry for my babbling I am just in shock
November 28th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
I am so sorry to hear that none of the band will be back with Tom – I was really hoping they would but change seems inevitable. I wish the new band success – I truly hope Tom will not be cutting down on his North American gigs – keeping my fingers crossed
November 28th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I am really sorry to hear this. I have been going to Vegas to see Tom since the early 70s, and never really paid much attention to his band. However, since Tony, Sharon, Darelle, Herman et all have been with Tom, I have looked forward to seeing them almost as much as Tom. I already have my tickets to see Tom in January and, of course, am looking forward to the shows, but what I have seen on the videos of the new band does not excite me. I don’t think they compliment Tom. But, as the other fans have said, I will try to keep an open mind. It is certainly going to be different! I, too, wish all the members of the former band much success, and I hope I have the chance to see them perform again.
November 29th, 2009 at 12:19 am
Moderator, I agree with the grandstanding and trying to grab attention. I have noticed that the guitar player seems to have his own show going on. He wanders all over and is often downstage from Tom and sometimes with his back to him. I have noticed other band members talking to each other while Tom is singing! The backing vocalists are at best average singers. I would guess that most probably feel this change happened to reinvent the show, however I am suspicious that economics might be involved here. If this is an economic situation then it is time to start looking at the whole picture.
Overall this was a very bad move.
November 29th, 2009 at 6:50 am
worst move of his career!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 29th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Lots of nice comments…
This is what we can call “true fans”
This was like the hair thing “Im not fan anymore cos he has grey hair now”, RIIIIIIGHHHTTTT…
Whats next, sorry i changed to Engelbert cos Tom changed color of his shirt…
Good luck to the new band, and Tom is the best..!
November 29th, 2009 at 7:40 am
I agree with every word Dave that!! I am very saddened by this and I will not comment further
but one thing: it is Sir TOM’s loss!
November 29th, 2009 at 7:59 am
oqi you must have commented the same time as I – please understand there are many broken hearts in this matter – we are all fans and no doubt TOM Jones is the best singer and showman….maybe that’s why I am so “confused” by this change!
As Ellen said before TOM changed his band before and we all know he changed his style in music over the years and goes different ways…I guess that’s what keeps him going and different to other performers…
November 29th, 2009 at 8:36 am
OMG, I don’t like those comments about “true” and “not true” fans. You can disagree about some decisions of your “favorites” and that doesn’t make you an “unloyal” fan, as long as you do it with respect I don’t see the problem.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:17 am
It would be very nice to have some kind of explanation from someone responsible about why the old band had to go. Could it really be that they were too expensive? It sounds silly if that’s the case. They were a bunch of professional people who had great backgrounds and were so diligent and respectful for Tom. In comparison this new band is a bunch of young lads on stage and the only heavyweight professional of the group Gary Wallis trying to keep things in order. I think too that time will tell how it will work overall. I believe it will show trough if the band members are there to play with Tom because they really love and appreciate it or just trying to grab attention for themselves. I think they play well with Tom but not sure yet about the attitude they play with, I would very much like to know them better to know what they think about music and Tom. As from the old band I knew they were onstage with Tom because of the right reason.
I’m still looking forward for the next time I get to see Tom live onstage even with the new band. But if I could decide which of the two bands Tom would use I would still go with the old band because they were something special. From the 3 times I saw Tom with the new band this autumn I were a little bit confused about how much they are ready to “adjust” the show with electrical adds here and there. But I don’t know, maybe I’m getting old and it’s just the way things are done today. I’m looking forward for the US fans analysis and reactions on the new band when they get to see them.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Sigh…It seems that not only have the faces and personalities we knew and were familiar with have changed, but also the fabulous “sound” that we loved so much. Even though I am still very sad about the change, I will try to learn what positives this new band will bring to TJ’s performances. Maybe, as Mika says, the new band is going through ‘adjustment’. But I think that not seeing the old gang on the stage will be strange and uncomfortable, at best.Will see in January…
November 29th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Hi, All: Yes, an explanation would be nice, but isn’t owed to fans. And, no, Mika, you are not “getting old” but this is show biz/music biz today.
I am sure that, were they to see what everyone has written here, Tom’s Management would certainly have to recognize that people responding to this post do so because they care. The depth of that feeling is what they might find surprising.
And, Oqi, I agree about those who said they couldn’t be fans because Tom stopped dying his hair. But this is different. This group of musicians has fans themselves and, more important, friends, among Tom’s fans. Of course, these fans are upset. It’s only human.
As for any economic questions about this change, I recently went to the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand to review a show. I asked how ticket sales for that entertainer were going and the response was, “They’re very good. About 400 tickets a night.” That venue seats over 700 people! Since when is “about 400″ good? It’s been good since theaters around the world are not selling out. Very rare is the sold out showin Las Vegas for the last 18 months or so. Tom was averaging 400 tickets or so….and that’s considered good. Times are tough and, perhaps, people in every walk of life and every business need to find ways to save money. We might not like it but, if this was an economic move, it cannot be criticized.
I am not Little Mary Sunshine, always looking for the bright side. But I am certainly willing to wait and see. A European friend told me that, just as an opening act is standard there (and, apparently in Australia and New Zealand), so are these kinds of stage antics expected from the musicians.
As noted yesterday, time will tell. We shall see.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Yes, nothing is owed to fans. Huh? What is up with this site? Suck up to Tom Jones and his management or else? Editing comments? I said, Tom isn’t getting any younger, and he is not.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:49 am
First of all, Camille, rudeness is not welcomed here which is why that crack about Tom getting old was deleted. (In fact, it’s a good thing Tom is getting old, as it is for all of us. Just consider the alternative.) Second, if you knew some history you’d never presume to even imply that this site is a mouthpiece for Tom’s Management. (You’d even know why I capitalize the word “Management.”)
But, like it or not, Management does have the right to decide what’s happening with his show. Fans do not.To think otherwise is stupid and, even, delusional.
As moderator, I have the right to edit any comments. If you want to know the criteria, check out About TJI.com. Under the section there called “Site Rules,” it says:
“Please treat the readers and the moderator of TomJonesInternational with the same respect you would show them were you to meet them in real life, because one day you might. Discuss, debate and communicate in a civil manner. No shouting, no flaming, please.
“On this site the moderator decides what is published and what isn’t, just like editors do in printed publications. Keep in mind that this site is privately owned. Thus, “freedom of speech” does not mean you have freedom to say whatever you wish. This site is not about individual fans, but about the public life and career of Tom Jones.”
The only thing I can add to that is that you, as a fan, are welcome to visit. But, as when you visit any person or place, you have to abide by the house rules. If that displeases you, I am sorry.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:50 am
I agree with ralph and terry. It’s like a schooloy band and – sorry to say- I can’t stand a barefoot drummer ;-(( Like Mika says, maybe I’m getting old and so I’m not very much into this electronic stuff. At least I’d like to say: At the moment and with this new band- in my opinion- it looks like Tom is just “the singer of the band” Hey- they are a backing vocals and support band and not “a band of school boys with a singer” -yes- grabbing for attention…Looking forward to the comments of the US fans and their insight
November 29th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Wow I am not surprised with the comments on this subject. While I will miss seeing Darelle, Sharon, Herman and Brian, this is not the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last. I also miss Big Jim Sullivan, Michael Morgan, Cynthia Woodard, Fanita James (who started with Tom in 1971) along with Darlene Love and the late Jeanie King. Some were with him until 1992 when it was decided he needed a band change. This happens. I first and foremost go to see Tom Jones. I rememeber many fans reacting the same way when the other band members were let go but with time these fans came to get close to the new members who replaced many of the ones who replaced the others and so on and so on. Give it time. — Friends Thru Tom, Ed
November 29th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Well sorry,
Yes ofc i understand that people are big fans of the band too, and yes the band was perfect for him, this new band looks like these boy bands around, but still maybe im stupid, but i cant understand someone to stop being fan of Tom because of this.. Sorry…
This happend before, so why not again? i mean it wasnt that “big” suprise.. And i hope Tom makes the right moves, maybe this has something to do with new album and so on…
I still think most important thing is that Tom is there…
November 29th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
Tom is the most important reason for anyone to be going to a concert,to be honest only Darelle,Sharon,and Brian have been with him since 1992 he has had many different brass players, different keyborad players and Herman is his 3rd drummer since 1992,not to mention bass players,like I said it is not the first time he has changed bands and hopefully not the last I am one who is anxious just to see Tom again in 2010 no matter who is backing him.
November 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
While change is sometimes difficult for many to accept, I support Sir Tom’s decision, because I am his fan. I have tickets to the MGM in January and can’t wait!
November 29th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
So I’m just having a little trouble grasping this…does this mean the Brian isn’t Tom’s musical director anymore?
November 29th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
This is disappointing news, but I guess Tom’s management team has decided what is best to keep him relevant in the current music world. The U.S. band is the only band I have ever seen him with and I thought they were pretty terrific. I hope they all go on to perform for headliners who deserve their talent or develop solo careers with stellar results. I also hope this new band will find their way to showcase Tom as best they can. Best of luck to everyone touched by these recent events.
November 29th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
We don’t know the reasons why sir Tom has taken this choice about the band, but for me is a question of sound!!! You americans should listen to how thw new band play. Other stuff!!! Better sound than US one. I saw Tom playng with the new band and the old one too, and believe me when I say that there is another sound. I’ll maybe wrong….
November 30th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Please Ralph don’t be so upset with the new band… It isn’t true that they sucks! You can’t say this thing! I say this because new stuff needs “new stuff”… I think that Tom is an artist that every time “you” listen to him trough the years you can taste something different from the previous Tom (talking about albums)…ok? Live set must be the same…when I saw Tom last March in Las Vegas, I saw great musicians playing wonderfully but THEY SOUND OLD!!! When I resaw him one month ago in Milan…well everything was fresh! Fresh like 24 hours album, fresh as his new look!!! This is called…EVOLUTION!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 9:35 am
I haven’t seen the new band and I liked the old, but change happens, so I guess we’ll have to see. I liked Tom’s performance with the Roots band on Jimmy Falon, I thought they sounded great on the song, “Never”. But, I hope the show hasn’t gone to the light show and gimmick type thing.
The American Music Awards was on TV last week and I saw two performers who actually just came out and sang instead of going through all this routine that to me, took something away from their performances. I would hate to think Sir Tom is doing that. His voice and him are the show.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I loved the old band, but saw the new band in Ahoy Rotterdam this year and it was a knock out show, just give the new band a chance.
December 1st, 2009 at 12:05 am
[...] Matthews read the post and subsequent comments about Tom and the US band and sent the message below to us at [...]
December 1st, 2009 at 3:33 am
The US band is the best, I don’t like the new one