Show & Venue Reviews, What's New, Pussycat?
Please share your Tom Jones shows with other fans. Setlist? Audience? Energy? What was it like being there? We’d love to hear from you.
And, while you’re telling us about the shows, please let us know what you think of the venues where Tom plays. Clubs, theaters, casinos — Tom Jones performs in all of them. Which venue do you think is the best? The worst?
So that other fans will know what’s in store when they buy their tickets, please tell us a little bit about the venues you know. If possible, try to use the format below so others can tell at a glance what you think. The best venue will merit ****. More than one review of a venue is welcome.
4 Latitude Festival Articles: Sir Tom Will Do Another Show There On Sunday
Saturday, July 17th, 2010
Tom Jones’ intimate gig sparks crowd chaos on eve of Latitude Festival
Fans turned away from midnight gig in the woods
July 16, 2010 |NME
The 2010 Latitude Festival got off to a chaotic start last night (July 15) as Tom Jones’ intimate gig in the woods drew a crowd of thousands, causing the area to be closed and large numbers of fans to be turned away.
Jones was showcasing his new album of blues and gospel songs, ‘Praise And Blame’, though many fans were clearly expecting a hits set, singing It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat? while waiting for the singer to arrive.
Such was the demand to see the singer, who played on the eve of the main musical entertainment kicking off, hundreds were unable to get near the stage, with many stuck on the bridge that provided access to the woodland arenas.
Taking the stage half an hour late at 12.30am (BST), Jones performed his new album in sequence, dressed all in black and backed by a four-piece band, including producer Ethan Johns on guitar.
Jones had been nervous before the show, telling NME: “This is a new experience for me. I’m known as a showman, so when you play unfamiliar material, you’re never sure how the crowd will react.”
In the event the crowd responded well to the new songs, though there were repeated, bellowed requests for more familiar material, in particular Jones’ 1999 hit ‘Sex Bomb’.
At the end of the gig, when it became clear there would be no encore of hits, some low-level booing could be heard, though this turned to cheers when it was announced the singer would return to play the festival’s Obelisk Stage on Sunday (July 18).
Tom Jones played:
What Good Am I?, Lord Help, Did Trouble Me, Strange Things Burning Hell, If I Give My Soul, Don’t Knock,Nobody’s Fault But Mine, Didn’t It Rain, Aint’ No Grave, Run On, Praise And Blame
However, the earlier crowd problems cast a shadow over the performance. Fans who’d been turned away were angry with organisers. Fran Rose, 18, from Ipswich told NME: “This was a nightmare. We got caught in a human crush on the bridge and there was no crowd control. Young kids in the crowd were really scared, someone could have got hurt.”
Tom Martin, 21, from London, added: “What’s the point in putting an artist on a stage where no-one can see him? They must have known loads of people would want to see Tom Jones. It’s not rocket science.”
For the other three articles and another photo, click here to
Tom Jones to play another Latitude show
EMILY DENNIS/http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED16%20Jul%202010%2008%3A19%3A42%3A537″>EDP24/Last updated: 16/07/2010 08:19:00
International superstar Tom Jones wowed the crowds at Latitude Festival last night as he took to a stage in the woods where he performed songs from his new album.
About 5,000 revellers watched the Welsh legend strut his stuff, but there were reports that many had been left disappointed after officials stopped access to the venue after it reached its capacity.
Some festival-goers had waited several hours to see the star whose appearance at midnight was delayed by about 20 minutes due to technical difficulties.
But once on stage Sir Tom got the crowd going, his famously resonant voice drifting through the trees, and fans of all ages started clapping and cheering.
Wearing a purple jacket, his white hair glistened in the coloured lights.
Sir Tom was performing songs from his new album Praise & Blame which are from a repertoire that includes American traditional, gospel and country.
The songs see him return to his roots to create a truly evocative musical work aided by producer/musician Ethan Johns, who joined him on stage.
Sir Tom kicked off the night with What Good Am I?, a bluesy song which perfectly suited his gravelly voice.
This was followed by the more upbeat Lord Help The Poor & Needy, which got the crowd moving.
Later came a John Lee Hooker song, Burning Hell, which again showcased Sir Tom’s fantastic voice, and was cheered by an appreciative audience.
Throughout the hour-long set Sir Tom’s status as a heart-throb was not in doubt, with a number of women hurling their knickers on to the stage.
At one point he shouted “I love you too!” as underwear was flung in his direction.
Sir Tom’s new songs are a sombre contrast to the hi-jinks of his earlier hits, and at times it felt as if the audience was not quite sure what to make of the transformation.
There were cries for Sex Bomb, Sir Tom’s hit from 1999, but he did not play any of his old favourites.
Some of his new material is sombre, contemplative, while other songs are fiery, blues-drenched or tinged with rock n roll.
There is a spiritual awareness that has perhaps come as the singer, now in his 70th year, reflects on his life.
It seems Sir Tom has given up the gimmicks and gone back to singing his heart out to the sort of music he really likes.
And for those who were disappointed at missing out it was announced at the end of the set that Sir Tom will be performing again on Sunday on the main obelisk stage at midday.
Latitude festival off to storming start
16 July 2010/Lowestoft Journal
The festival vibe was in full swing in north Suffolk last night as the first acts got under way at Latitude.
Revellers headed to Henham estate, near Southwold, for the much-anticipated music and arts festival which is expected to draw 35,000 people over the weekend.
A steady stream of cars and caravans made their way throughout yesterday to the beautiful parkland venue.
The blustery conditions caused some problems for campers who battled to pitch their tents in the wind.
Last night the first acts were taking to various stages and setting the mood for the weekend.
More than 700 artists will be taking part in the four-day festival and last night’s highlights were expected to include performances by world renowned violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy and Welsh superstar Tom Jones.
Headline acts over the weekend include Florence and the Machine, indie pop band Belle and Sebastian, New York rock quartet Vampire Weekend and Australian electric music duo Empire of the Sun.
Other big names include popular indie band James and pop band The Feeling.
The festival’s iconic coloured sheep were grazing on the parkland and there was a laid-back vibe as campers made their way around the site checking out the various stages and stalls selling a range of clothing and refreshments.
There were giant floating flowers on the lake and rows of bunting and coloured flags billowed in the breeze.
Many revellers were enjoying the late afternoon sunshine and taking in the sights and sounds.
Caz Stephenson, 20, from Alnwick in Northumberland, said: “I came last year and decided to come back because it was brilliant. We assume it will be the same.
“We had a bit of trouble with our tent in the wind, but it is ok now. We are really looking forward to the festival.
“It is really chilled and nice.”
Her friend Charlotte Thompson, 20, from Clapham, in London, added: “We had a really good time last year. I have done some other festivals and I would say this is superior.”
Tickets for the festival which is now in its fifth year have sold out and organisers have advised people without tickets not to travel to the site.
Sir Tom Jones Causes Crush at Latitude Festival
Posted on Jul 16th 2010 7:15AM by Simon Jay Catling/Spinner.com
The fourth Latitude Festival got off to a shaky start as thousands flocked to see veteran singer Sir Tom Jones perform an intimate midnight gig in the festival’s woodland area, causing crushes when security were forced to turn away many who had turned up to for the Welshman.
Local source the East Anglian Daily Times said that “many [fans] had been left disappointed after officials stopped access to the venue after it reached its capacity;” and this confirms various Twitter reports from last night, including NME journalist Luke Lewis who tweeted “the Tom Jones-gig-in-the-woods stunt has caused a massive human crush, hundreds trapped on the bridge, unable to move.”
The festival organisers have moved quickly to quell the disappointment of those who missed out, however, by announcing that Jones will perform again on Sunday, July 18, on Latitude’s main Obelisk Arena Stage at mid-day.
Those who managed to catch last night’s set — which was also delayed twenty minutes due to technical problems — were met with cuts from the performer’s much-publicised new album ‘Praise and Blame.’ The war of words between Sir Tom and his record company Island had no bearing on the reception the material received last night, the crowd accepting his decision to leave out long time favourites such as Delilah and It’s Not Unusual with fervour.
July 17th, 2010 at 2:03 am
For those who don’t know about Tom as we do(others that don’t visit this site)I expect they will be surprised by Tom,s new direction with “Praise and Blame”and prehaps it will take some time for them to like it as much as the past hits.However; it just go’s to show what pulling power Tom still has,that crowds were turned away.Also;Tom has a couple of days to reflect over the first gig and may decide to put in songs that everyone knows!
July 17th, 2010 at 6:46 am
I imagine the same thing must have happened when he started singing country. The audience wants all the originals, but his fans will accept Sir Tom with whatever he chooses to sing because we love the voice and the man.
July 17th, 2010 at 7:05 am
I was thinking the same thing, Gill. He’ll add some of his old hits–he just about has to. Fans expect it and are disappointed if he doesn’t, and he knows that. They just have to hear “Sex Bomb”, you know, because every one wants to sing along with him. I know I would. And “It’s Not Unusual”—he’d have to sing that one, too. And “Kiss”. that would be enough for them, surely. Oh, and “Delilah”—they just want to sing along. Very soon, they’ll be singing along to songs from Praise and Blame. I know,– I have already started it! LOL
July 17th, 2010 at 8:53 am
I agree Gil & Sandra! I think his hits have got to be worked into the set list. Just like with “new material” of the past, Tom has always found away to work his new stuff into the show without neglecting his established hits. I think this is why Tom has always been new and fresh without alienating his fan base. I remember when “SexBomb” was considered new and now it is a hit. LOL. But I was wondering about this – in a few interviews Tom has said that he was only doing the August Vegas gig because of a contract. He let his old band go and the European band was for the world tour. Being that Tom wants to focus on more intimate venues for this album and it has only been Ethan a few accompanying on this PR stint, how could Tom work in his old hits if he might tour with a “less-is-more” band. Anyone know who the band was that played with Tom at Latitude? And I will be curious to see what band Tom brings to Vegas
July 17th, 2010 at 9:04 am
But, remember, this gig was advertised/promoted/defined as a showcase for Praise and Blame and, while I wouldn’t miss Sex Bomb, Kiss, It’s Not Unusual and She’s A Lady, if they’re going to do hits such as those (or others that would be ice to hear again), they have to find a way to make the entire set fit together seamlessly so that it is a cohesive whole, each included song fitting with the others in tone or mood. And, did you notice, that this is a very rare set, in that he sang every single song from the CD, rather than picking the few that are targeted as being hits? And, wouldn’t it be great if Ethan Johns were to accompany him to Las Vegas?
I am afraid that the MGM gig will be treated as a kind of “leftover/must-do contractually” gig that will not focus on the new CD. That would be a pity, as the audience deserves the newest (and best) and Sir Tom deserves the very positive reaction that will surely come if he includes new material. I just worry that Las Vegas and the worldwide audience he will be getting there will be treated as not being musically worthy.
July 17th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Joe, I haven’t even thought about this, but I would say that his fans expect so much more than 4 instruments to accompany Tom on tour. Now just to promote Praise and Blame, yes, the less is more band is fine. Vegas? He will have to have a bigger band, no doubt about that! I think the “less is more” band was just for the Praise and Blame CD. Surely, the band that has been playing for him, the European band, or another bigger band, has musicians who can handle the instruments used in the Praise and Blame CD. I thought the European band was great!
July 17th, 2010 at 10:43 am
I want to hear everyone of the new songs live on stage. However, Tom Jones fans & others come to hear Tom Jones hits so hopefully they find a middle ground. People go to Vegas to get away from their problems so shows there must always be upbeat so the audience will leave in a happy mood.
July 17th, 2010 at 1:55 pm
I really do love Praise & Blame. I have not stopped listening to the songs and tomjones.com and think a Grammy is warranted and possible
But I guess the lawyer in me has been trying to piece together something from all the interviews. The fact Tom has lamented about the panties, the “obligation” stand to Vegas, the need for a small venue, the desire to re-image his persona, the coming to grips with mortality pr approach, and the band situation has just led me to conclude maybe Tom is doing a total transformation. I am especially curious about the band situation because the band change was explained by the fact Tom wanted a new sound. He did get a new sound and I did like the new band. I loved the new take on Kiss, etc. But I cannot see the “new sound” of the band meshing with Praise & Blame. I guess I am thinking that after Vegas, Tom will embark on a number of concerts modeled after Latitude. It should be interesting 
July 17th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I understand what you’re saying, Joe— I try to figure every thing out, too, but looks like we are just going to have to wait and see. I agree with you, it should be interesting. Latitude doesn’t sound like something I’d be attending, though. Sounds to me a little bit like a Glastonbury type thing, but young people would love it, I’m sure. However, he would have to do more than just Praise and Blame–or the “festival attendees” would get restless, wanting Tom to sing “Sex Bomb” and his other hits, too. LOL Looks like Tom will be singing “Sex Bomb” when he’s 90!!
July 17th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
I believe we can all agree that — like it or don’t — Praise and Blame is an important album for Sir Tom, if for no other reason than he deems it important so, clearly, it’s important to him. I hop he does lots from it in Las Vegas and I hope, too, that this album of American music is promoted in America. I’ve found it amusing (in a nice way) that everyone is talking about Tom Jones going “back to his roots” and those roots are firmly planted in uniquely American music which, given what was on the airwaves when Sir Tom’s taste was being formed does make sense.
I’ve been told by some people in California who’ve tried to book him that no engagements are being accepted this year. So, perhaps there are some surprises in store. Tom Jones fans are a loyal bunch, wiling to go along and support his endeavors. We’ll find out what’s up soon enough. For now, perhaps we should just hope that the stalker fan behaves when she’s in Las Vegas next month. Aside from that, it can only be all good.