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.
Tom’s “24 Hours” Tour Continues At the MGM Grand In Las Vegas — Lots Of Familiar Faces & A Slight, Nice Change
Monday, January 25th, 2010
Each night, it seems, this 24 Hours Tour is more fun. Sunday night more fans from out-of-town arrived in Las Vegas, all seemingly at the tables next to the stage. There were friends and relatives who hadn’t seen each other — or Tom — in a long time. Not only did Tom know all of them, but they all knew each other. And, because of that, the show going on in front of the stage was almost as fun as the show on the stage. Among those who arrived tonight was the famous Georgia Peach. She and Tom really amused the audience, taunting each other as they danced.
With only four days gone and three to go, more fans are staying in Las Vegas for the full run. They’ve come from Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico and across the USA. Again, there were a lot of empty seats but, again, it was no different than at any other show in town. When Cirque du Soleil — some of whose productions are famously difficult tickets to get — is offering locals a $25 tickets with the purchase of a full-price ticket, you know things are tough.
A small change in the show comes at the end. It’s subtle, but definitely there. They all sing (the ever more-wonderful) Take Me Back To The Party, bow and, then, Tom steps downstage by himself to thank the audience and tell them that, as he pretty much does these days only in Las Vegas, he’ll see them “all again…tomorrow night.” So, we have the best of both worlds — the entire group doing what they have done but, still, leaving space for Tom to get props on his own. Just terrific!
For me, a minor highlight (just a “light?”) of the evening was when I was chatting with a couple from California who was sitting next to me. They said they are fierce fans and, of course, I asked if they ever visited any TJ websites. “Only one,” the husband replied, “TJI.”
Please note: I am sorry. I forgot to post the “official” name before but this is the first time in almost forever that Tom’s tour has a real name. They should make it a tradition.
One of my favorite local journalists was there to see the show. His story will be posted tomorrow and I’ll pass it on to you. He looked like he was having a grand time. But, who wouldn’t? And, tonight, who didn’t?
January 25th, 2010 at 2:27 am
I personally love the group bow in the end. Maybe it’s because I’m European or maybe it’s because I come from a universe (opera) where the group bow is not only usual but actually mandatory but I do love it. My only regret is that they didn’t start that tradition with the former band: they did deserve the recognition too. As for Tom having a salute on his own too before or after that group bow that’s what he did when I saw him in October and November so it sounds like that’s the right combination.
I’m happy to hear he is in full shape and you’re all having a great time enjoying his performance
January 25th, 2010 at 2:28 am
I forgot to say: nice pics!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:46 am
So glad to know that Tom is in such good form. Who is the blonde with Tom in the picture? Is she part of the band?
Sure wish I was there. I wonder how he keeps up all the travelling etc he does and still stay in such good voice. Doing what he loves I guess
January 25th, 2010 at 4:04 am
Gail, that’s Abbie one of the backup singers.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:08 am
I really like the group bow… I always do it with my band after our shows!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:41 am
You know, liking or not liking a group bow at the end of the show has nothing to do with being “European.” Opera, ballet, theater (musical, drama and comedy) — the stars always get their own bow at some point at the end of the performance, even when they take a curtain cal with the entire cast — and that is done at every show I’ve ever seen. It’s not worth an argument, but I’ve been to the opera in Paris, all sorts of plays, operas and ballets in London, New York, LA — lots of places — and that’s how it is. What I don’t understand is why people expressing a preference for Tom getting a solo bow is a point of contention.
January 25th, 2010 at 8:53 am
Moderator is right. Tom just gets better. One thing that made me laugh was at the end of the show.When Tom sings Take Me Back To the Party (tremendous finale!) the backup singers come down from their perch to stand with the other musicians in a line behind Tom. They are each playing a rhythm instrument that is a hollow wooden tube. They strike it with what looks like a small drumstick kind of dancing in place. I heard someone say as I was leaving the show that it looks like they’re stroking a sausage. Looked at that way, it is very funny.
January 25th, 2010 at 9:27 am
I’m not arguin Ellen, just answering some comments I’ve read here
I was just expressing my feelings about what seems to be a quite controversial detail of the show. To me it’s only a detail and I can’t understand why it’s so controversial. But again it’s only my humble opinion LOL
January 25th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Nathalie: I know you weren’t arguing. You don’t do that (which you could if you wished to) and your opinion is always — always! — valued. But this has been a bone of contention since European tour videos began showing up and I was surprised at the passion the issue aroused. I, personally, was pleased to see Tom get a few seconds in the spotlight alone and know that, in attending all sorts of theatrical events around the world, the star does get that kind of attention.
January 25th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
I agree with Ellen. Who cares who the band are???? They have changed over the last 45 years and I’ve seen a lot of them. Who remembers ‘Big Jim Sullivan’?? He was one of the more famous.
Tom should take a bow on his own. The group bow is ok. When he was in the uk (Liverpool at any rate) they did the group bow and then the band stepped back and Tom stepped forward and the audience AND the band applauded Tom. Any that’s the way it should be.
I’m really pleased that the new show is going down so well in the US. I agree with a prevoius post’s that it’s better that Tom has dropped some of the old standards in favour of the more modern material he did in the UK (again I agree with Ellen shame about ‘A Boy Fron..’ hope it’s not the voice….).
I also think it good that Tom is touring outside the US and UK. He always comes back rejuvinated!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
I remember “Big Jim Sullivan!” He was with Tom when I first started going to his shows in the 1970′s. Yes the bands have changed over the years and will continue to. I’m looking forward to seeing Tom and the new band in Vegas later this year!
January 25th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Yes, Big Jim was rally something. Check out his website and read what he told TJI on our Back In The Day page.
And, Norman, I don’t think I said I don’t care who’s in the band. I do. But the tickets are bought to see Tom. And Tom is great! This band helps make his show so much fun.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Any fan who hasn’t seen a live TJ concert in awhile will be very pleased with all the updates ~ new set, set stage clothes, new stage lights, new band, etc.
After the opportunity of viewing a few more shows I must confession I like the new band very much. They seem like a great group of talented chaps. Not only do they play, they do much of the back up singing and do it quite well. Gary, Toby and Pete seem especially talented. Still, the show is all TOM JONES.
January 26th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Bowing is a thanks sign… It doesn’t depend by nationality, european or american, (look up chinese and japanese people) or by different kinds of music one does. Naturally, who makes shows does bows. Moderator, I agree with you indeed!!!