Sir Tom In the News, What's New, Pussycat?
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Video Of That TJ Interview Shown On “60 Minutes Sunday” In Australia
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
As noted in the March 1, Tom was interviewed by reporter Liam Bartlett for 60 Minutes Sunday in Australia.
The interview, recorded in London, lasts 11:43 and, like the transcript posted Monday, is still kind of rude and intrusive and, like the interview posted yesterday, shows a photo of Tom’s sister and identifies her as his wife. Again, too, he gets Tom’s real name wrong.
The thing is, he got several hours with Tom and wasted the time asking silly and — worst of all — obvious questions. Absolutely nothing is new or revelatory. What is nice, that isn’t in the transcript, are the clips vintage video clips. My favorite was Tom singing with Johnny Cash.
In fairness, Tom is clearly having a good time. I love when he points out the limo’s window and states the obvious — “That’s Buckingham Palace.”
Anyhow, have a look and, join me in thanking Sean for sending it from Down Under.
You can watch it in the TJI.com Video Library.
March 4th, 2010 at 4:01 am
I have to be honest, it was nice to see something other than the usual puff pieces. We all love Tom the entertainer but, at the end of the day, he behaved in a way that a married man should not. The interviewer put him on the spot and Tom, as usual, handled it with extreme grace and class. Nice to see a bit of “realism.”
March 4th, 2010 at 4:09 am
Talk about poor journalism, there was nothing new or current. But Tom’s people need to teach him how to say I don’t want to discuss that, it is old news, when it comes to questions about the women in his life. I think this is the most uncomfortable I have seen him in an interview, obviously the reporter gained his trust and then pulled a dirty trick. Maybe that is what you do when you have no self respect, or talent.
March 4th, 2010 at 6:15 am
I actually found the interview to be quite entertaining! Having read the article I was ready to be defensive and upset over the personal references but the clip puts it in perspective. I didn’t find the questions to be mean spirited but rather playful. This is the Tom Jones you’ll meet and talk to in a local pub as I have done a couple of times. He’s very grateful for having lived his extraordinary life and isn’t too proud to admit to transgressions along the way. Tom apologizes to no one..and that is one part of his character that makes him enviable.
March 4th, 2010 at 9:12 am
Greg, Betsy: As noted in the post, Tom is clearly having fun and the interview is better seen than read. Sometimes, of course, the reading takes away the “pretty” — scenery, voice, smiles — and the words become crystal clear. And the words of that interviewer weren’t good reportage. He wasted his time and Tom’s with really stupid, sometimes nasty, questions. As for not apologizing, we don’t know that for sure and I, for one, find enviable the fact that he has no regrets. And, if he does have some, why should he discuss them, unless they’re professional (perhaps missing out on The Long and Winding Road may be a minor regret)? And I’d bet that Tom has apologized at times and, like many, doesn’t care to discuss those times.
As for the “Tom Jones you’ll meet and talk to in a local pub,” many, many people I know have had that experience, if not in a “local pub,” then elsewhere. (Maybe that’ll be the Question of the Month for April.) When those times are discussed, Tom is unfailingly characterized with such adjectives as “fun, funny, pleasant, nice, interested” and so on. Ask anyone who’s spoken to him and they’ll say that. And some people have had several chances and had long, long discussions. He’s a terrific storyteller and has been known to tell a joke or two. But I doubt any fan meeting him will discuss his personal life because, to do so, is rude. Again, that’s my objection to the reporter. The questions and his tone when asking weren’t polite. That doesn’t mean don’t ask probing questions, but ask them like a professional, not like a voyeur.
March 4th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
What a great interview, LOVED it! Loved it when Sir Tom laughed at some of the questions. Shows his human side. Long live, Sir Tom!
March 4th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I certainly enjoyed some parts of this interview (I especially loved the video clips – there are some really great vintage clips there!), but at times I believe the reporter crossed the line. I’m not so sure that the reporter was going for the “playful” angle – I think he crosses the line and, to use Ellen’s description, comes off at times as a bit of a voyeur..and perhaps a jealous voyeur at that! It’s one thing to ask tough questions…I certainly don’t expect every interview with Tom to be a soft puff piece…but I had the distinct impression that this reporter was enjoying making Tom feel uncomfortable (especially with his double-entendre joke at the end of the interview). And the thing that really upsets me is that this reporter was given such a wonderful opportunity – if I was given that much time to spend with Tom, I’d certainly use it to much better advantage. This could have been a fantastic interview, but the reporter wasted a golden opportunity. With that being said, though…Tom does appear to be having fun at times and, as always, I just love listening to him speak. He’s such a great storyteller!
March 4th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
As Tom Jones fans, we may not learn anything new about his career and life in these types of news segments. But then again, not everyone is a Tom Jones fan. Therefore, these interviews are packaged for a broader, more general audience who may only have a cursory knowledge of TJs career. Sure, I’m disappointed I didn’t hear anything new. But the vintage clips are always a pleasure to watch. In addition, listening to Tom speak is always cool. As for the journalist, he’s not a very good one. But Tom handled himself relatively well in answering the uncomfortable questions. I don’t think it really changes anyone’s perception of who he is and what exceptional talent he has as a master showman. You can’t change the past and unfortunately some journalists – no matter how bad – will always want to capitalize on the indiscretions. It’s the reporter’s loss for not making better use of his time with a legend.
March 4th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
3 things to say, and the best saved for last:
Very entertaining, and excellent for business. It would make almost anybody want to go see Tom’s concert.
The set, and lighting were magnificent. The clips both audio and video were fabulous, the production superb. (for Australia)
The interviewer however, both loved, and hated Tom. That’s what did it for me. It was Tom’s black magic, that kept the guy from exploding. The guy was clearly jealous of Tom’s fame, money, image, voice, fans, popularity, success etc. etc even of infamous his philandering. But, Tom’s gregarious personality won the dude over, ….but… Tom bragged a lot and that fueled the guys jealousy all the more. Pure magic!! Tom oblivious to the guy’s real thoughts, just loving every minute of it (life). In a word SPECTACLUAR… Bravo Tom!!
Oh yes, there was something new, ya just have to read between the lines a little.
March 4th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Jim: You do make a solid point. Sharon: You should share what you found new. There wasn’t anything I could see. But, this is nothing! Wait until tomorrow:)
March 5th, 2010 at 1:48 am
Greg! I have to agree with you.As much as we all love Tom, we cannot take away his past and he has be quite a boy ,and some reporters will alway try to sneek these things in.Maybe,they think as it as one up on him!
March 5th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Tom look as if he was enjoying himself most of the time . did’nt he look well