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.
August 5, 2010: Opening Night, MGM Grand Las Vegas
Friday, August 6th, 2010
It was, as mentioned here yesterday, a sold out house. That was wonderful to see. Tom looked great, the stage looked great (the lighting is terrific!) and the band was in great form. But, you ask, what about the set list?
First, please understand that this will be a short post…..It’s after midnight here and I have to be up early to do an interview. More tomorrow and, perhaps, a photo or two.
The fans TJI has known for awhile were divided. Some wanted Praise and Blame and others said they’d be just as happy if it was left out — as long it the reason for any omission was not that fans in Las Vegas (who tonight came from many states and several nations) couldn’t appreciate the music. Of course, that’s nonsense.
So, what happened?
Sir Tom entered to a roar of approval. Dressed in black pants (er, trousers), a merlot-colored — later changed to blue shirt — and black leather jacket, he looked fabulous. From the first notes, those of who knew the the song, were sharply aware that we were about to hear Sugar Daddy, “holy Schmoly” and all.
There were, in short, no songs from Praise and Blame. Why?
Well, you moderator was told several days ago that, since his regular show band hasn’t been promoting the CD in the UK, they’d need time to rehearse the new material. It seemed eminently reasonable to me.
So, the set list was not new. (I’ll detail it tomorrow.)
No one has told me this — really — by I’d guess that, since the CD will at some point soon be promoted in the US, they might take a few days to rehearse and, maybe slowly over a few days, add some of the new material and, hopefully, some of it will be performed at the MGM Grand. We’ll have to wait and see and those of us who look forward to it, can continue to hope.
BUT! Gotta tell you that Sir Tom Jones looked as if he was having at least as much fun as the opening night audience that showered him with love. After all, for three months or so, all he’s been singing in concert, on TV and having played during interviews, are gospel and spirituals. He looked like it felt very gooooood to return to such as Sex Bomb, You Can Leave Your Hat On, Green Green Grass of Home and all those others. Perhaps because of his age (how old?? can’t remember) he changed one move in Kiss. No more shirt lift. Instead there was a very brief pantomime of an appropriate action for the line, “I know how to undress me.”
Opening night he just sang….and sang….and sang with only one brief interlude to chat with one person in the audience. And, for the record, not one article of any kind of clothing was tossed on stage.
August 6th, 2010 at 2:41 am
I think Tom will add the new songs in time,and it was good to hear that nothing was thrown on stage. To all of you over the pond enjoy THE VOICE,while he is there!
August 6th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Glad Tom’s keepin his old stuff on.Probably stop doing 24 hours songs and replace them with the new stuff or do a stripped down piece including his new stuff!Who knows!!!!
August 6th, 2010 at 8:51 am
This is just my opinion, but i think he should sing all P&B songs, and if needed, take some biggest hits away. Its maybe disappointment, but thats how i feel at this point of his career. Delilah, Shes A Lady, Sexbomb… But never should take I Never Fall In Love Again, Green Green Grass Of Home, Its Not Unusual, i respect those works alot. I mean those sounds are unique and the vocals are perfect, imo by far his finest singing as we all know, few others tried those songs, never could reach the top!
Funny, but Praise&Blame is perfect for the *!BAND!* he had before. less brass section, yes sometimes it fits, but sucks if used too much!
August 6th, 2010 at 9:51 am
What a great opening night! Vegas loves Tom and Tom loves Vegas. Lets hope he’ll change his mind and add another MGM gig for later this year.
August 6th, 2010 at 9:59 am
I don’t really care what he sings. It will just be great to hear his voice live. Looking forward to seeing him next week!
August 6th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Reading this reminded me of how much I miss seeing Tom live. It’s been many years now since I’ve seen Tom perform…hope he’ll return to the New York area someday soon! In the meantime, I’ll keep coming back to TJI for my daily Tom “fix”…thanks, Ellen!! Can’t wait to read more reviews of the Vegas shows…and perhaps a video or two?!? (A girl can dream, can’t she? LOL!!)
August 6th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
OMG it was one hell of an opening night. The room packed with excited fans was a great welcome home for Sir Tom. My friend Patricia and I sat next two a couple from England who were in Las Vegas celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary. They’d been fans for some time, however, had never seen Sir Tom in concert, and were truly amazed. Was there ever any doubt that Sir Tom couldn’t deliver????? Not in my book. What a thrilling performance. He looked rested, and very happy, not to mention hotter than ever. A little disappointed that “What Good Am I” and “Burning Hell” were not added to the set list, but hopefully next time.
August 7th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
My sister in law and niece are in Vegas. I’m jealous jealous jealous!!!!!
August 12th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I saw Tom last night on my birthday. It was awesome. 90 minutes of music, INCLUDING 3 songs from Praise and Blame. I have always wanted to see him in concert, and I’m glad I finally did. I was blown away.
August 21st, 2010 at 11:38 pm
My wife and I took in the August 17th show at The MGM grand in Vegas an he was awesome it was his best show.
May the lord keep blessing you and your family TOM