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.
More On Tom’s MGM Grand Shows; Half-Hour Radio Interview
Wednesday, August 11th, 2010
A provocative article from a London tabloid, which will not be posted here because it is way too personal as it treads into Sir Tom’s private life and I, for one, know that’s not my business, did have a provocative point.
The shows at the MGM Grand the last six days have shown a sort of new Tom Jones, It must be said that this is the best show I’ve ever seen him do….and I’ve seen a lot of his shows. The stage looks terrific, most everyone there is talented and having fun. The set list (except for Too Many Lovers and that other song regular readers of this site know I would like to see disappear) is exceedingly well-received, especially he new old version of Green Green Grass that became part of the show in Europe last year.
What’s different is that there is little, if any, eye contact between Tom and the audience. Is this bad? No. It is just strange. Not one person at any of the six shows thus far has tossed one thing on stage. The first night Sir Tom took a birthday card early on from a fan and a gift bag from another as he left the stage. That’s been it for the entire week.
As noted here, on opening night, Tom seemed — after a couple of months of singing only songs from Praise and Blame — elated to be back to the pre-P&B set list. Now he’s added four songs from the album to the show and they are very well-received. In fact, the CD is not on sale with the other memorabilia outside the theater and I was asked twice by people looking for it when it “will be released.”
Sir Tom’s new image has yet to extend to the lobby photo (still dark-haired on the 24 Hours cover) or the video shown (still Live at Cardiff Castle). Surely there are newer, more attractive, photos and up-to-date video.
Anyway, this South African article quoted Robin Eggar, the third-worst Tom Jones biographer. (The second worst are those two women and the very worst is Gwen Russell. It was obvious that none of the last two books were written with any interviews of Sir Tom….Like Eggar’s (and he did speak to Tom during the writing) they’re just gossip and, to be honest, crap.) So, Eggar told the writer of this article that all of this is a “ploy,” part of a plan by his management to see that Tom Jones is recognized for his voice and nothing else. Since a “ploy” may be defined at “a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one’s own advantage,” I think the word is wrong. It is not cunning. It is simply a career decision (like Kiss was a career decision).
I certainly believe we can all agree that Tom Jones should clearly be recognized for his voice……but that doesn’t negate his attractiveness and charisma. And it shouldn’t.
The problem is that one cannot undo 45 or so years of stored memories, impressions or good times with just like that. People have loved Tom Jones’ music, voice and persona for a long, long time and, because those years were pretty much all good, even while embracing the new, people will still be influenced by happy memories of the past.
Tom Jones is a gifted man who has, apparently, loved employing his gift to entertain audiences for more than 45 years. If he wants to change his image, it’s his right. But it is not a necessity.
There was a half-hour radio interview Tom did in London that was played in the UK last week. Click here to listen to the Tom Jones Interview July 27, 2010 by Marsha Shandur of XFM London
The photo above is of Tom singing Never, a song no longer in the show. It is posted here again because I think I heard un amie say she likes blue-toned photos. And, even if it wasn’t she who said it, I’d like to say, “Joyeux anniversaire, mon amie.”
August 11th, 2010 at 1:34 am
I’ve listened to the entire cd, finally. What can I say? A roots gospel album blanded with blues and 1950 rock’n’roll. Fantastic. I’m happy that Tom sings spirituals minds about “hell flames” and “the sky’s reign”. Is still there space in future for another song like “Sex Bomb” or “Sugar Daddy”? I love his new dimention!
August 11th, 2010 at 5:43 am
Change is good!
August 11th, 2010 at 5:48 am
There you go again Ellen, persuading me to make a comment
I believe you hit the nail on the head when you state you can’t undo 45 years of memories. I believe trying to make a career change at this stage won’t change the way people see TJ.
Ever since I was a youngster, it was TJ’s voice and onstage persona that has propelled me into following his career up to this point. I have noticed less interaction with the fans for years now. I’ve accepted this for years now, but when I hear that he has less eye contact, this upsets me.
For many years fans have travelled and spent many dollars, pounds, euros, whatever, to see this man perform. This is a great indication of one’s talent and connection to the fans, the audiences. Now I feel this direction or career move/change is quite sad and a slap in the face of those who have supported him for years — the fans.
There was this special and unique connection from Tom to the audiences. In his own words of the past, “I want to move them”. This vital connection was important and still is if he wants to continue to perform successfully for the last remaining years he can sing. This connection has been severed like a baby’s cord to its mother. A bold management move.
Due to the very non-existent of appearances in my area I have to travel now to Vegas or to whatever limited cities on the east coast he visits now. That means dollars spent. The lack of tours to the cities that helped him propel his way to top phenomonon a few decades ago, again is a slap to the face to his fans, and please, I don’t buy the fact that because he is promoting or recording new material is the source of the problem. I don’t know for sure what it may be, but I don’t buy the career excuses. Maybe it’s financial like anything else these days, but surely there are plenty of small venues across the country where I think this shouldn’t even be an issue. Heck, Tony Bennet, is appearing or has appeared recently in the area. What’s his fan base like these days?
I know I may stir some feelings here, but this is my personal view on the less or lack of eye contact or involvement of fans at concerts. This to me is very bad management choice.
Love Tom and always will, but I feel an Arctic Blast coming through the fan base.
Sorry for the rant, now I’m late for work.
Thanks for letting voice my view on this.
August 11th, 2010 at 7:04 am
Well, I think if a total image change was going to happen it probably should have happened 30-40 years ago. I think his sexuality was played up alot then because it made money and he definitely had it, but in some ways it was a mistake. I agree with Keith in that a drastic change in contact with the fans is not wise. Longtime fans, like me accept the fact that Tom is older, we are older too. He has a mature sexuality now, but I don’t think he should just ignore it and not be who he really is. I like the new CD, it’s different than the pop hits of the past, but thats okay with me. It’s a different side of Tom and his voice and the music. I expect to see him enjoy singing songs from it, I don’t expect him to come gyrating onto the stage, but I hope he will still be Tom Jones.
August 11th, 2010 at 7:08 am
I completely agree with Keith and Pam. Something has changed and I don’t think it’s a good thing………..
August 11th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Well if those of you who have been to the shows in Vegas this past week are noticing something different from Tom as far as performing for the fans or to the fans, then I’d like to know how you felt. Aside from being thrilled to be seeing him and listening to the show, it would hurt me to know that he can’t even acknowledge me with a wink or a smile. At this stage of the game, why hurt the fans who stood by you through everything in your career? I definitely agree with Keith and Pam. We still expect him to be Tom Jones on stage!!!
August 11th, 2010 at 9:46 am
I can see both sides of the coin here. On one hand I can completely appreciate that Tom and his management want people to concentrate on his music – especially given the (imho) remarkable material on Praise and Blame. On the other, if you are a fan used to the stage banter and charm of Tom’s traditional performance personality, then you will perhaps feel that something is missing. I’m just grateful he is still performing and by Ellen’s account, sounding better than ever. It seems over the last year they (mgmt) have made some big and somewhat bold choices – ditching the old band in its entirety, changing Tom’s hair, and taking a calculated (but wonderful) risk with his new material. I am sure Tom is thinking of his legacy as he enters his 70′s and that probably plays into these choices. However, I cannot see how a fan can be truly angry here – there is no deception. My ticket says “Tom Jones, live” and that is what I am getting, and in great voice in a professional production. I feel like perhaps this is similar to what the Beatles faced when they went from “loveable mop tops” to more serious musicians.
August 11th, 2010 at 10:24 am
Hi, All: Please let me clarify what I wrote so it is crystal clear to any reader.
This is the best Tom Jones show I’ve ever seen, hands down. It looks great, sounds great and every song is very, very well-received by the audience. Unlike his Latitude shows and the TV he did in the UK, this show contains a perfect balance of music — old friends and new favorites.
It is not my job or the job of any fan to question why certain things have changed. But, as Sir Tom is an ever-evolving artist, it’s likely he will continue to evolve. The trick is really understanding that, most of all, his fans love his voice. Here a comparison to Elvis is quite appropriate. Anyone with a memory of the time or who has read about Elvis as a brand-new performer knows it was his dancing/gyrations/movements that attracted more attention than his music or his ability. Today, of course, we remember Elvis as having a great voice because it is the voice that is always the legacy. I am positive that the same is true of Sir Tom. That magnificent voice will live forever as it is unmatched.
The rest of it? The tossing onto the stage of dainties, stuffed animals, etc? That was all part of the mystique, of the legend that is Tom Jones. But, in the end, it is the voice.
So, change may be good (or it may not, depending upon the circumstances) but in the case of Tom Jones —who has evolved, moved on and reinvented himself, change has always proven interesting.
Hopefully, he and the people around him know that, in the end, it is absolutely the voice that keeps people coming back.
(PS: Not one thing being tossed onto the stage is very, very strange, isn’t it? If anyone got the memo about this, please send it to me. Perhaps it was only sent to people — and I am not one — who are regular “tossers?”)
August 11th, 2010 at 10:52 am
It’s definitely strange to have not seen one thing thrown on stage. Keith has a good point about the lack of interaction for years which was always something I looked forward to at concerts as well. He’s also right about certain venues here on the east coast needing more attention. I don’t mean to sound sill here, but, as far as Tom’s lack of eye contact on this trip to vegas goes, what exactly is he looking at?? I would think he’s still smiling and acknowledging fans during his bows and when he enters and leaves the stage. The lights always play a factor in what a performer sees, but I was just a little confused by the observation. I don’t think, in my heart of hearts, he’s trying to abandom them interactively in some way in his final years. He’s always stated how important they’ve been to him and is always gracious should one be lucky enough to meet him offstage. If his team of people want that, then shame on them.
August 11th, 2010 at 11:17 am
As far as I’m concerned, I was always very aware of his voice. Some of the things thrown on stage in the past were pretty raunchy, but let’s face it, Tom is a sex symbol. He would walk out on stage and reek sex. I really do understand why management has steered him away from all that…but here we are talking about an acknowledgement to his fans. They after all, did help guide your career when those hit records weren’t coming. He toured constantly and all of his fans did everything possible to be there and support him. Yes, he owes us nothing, but…….and Ellen I do believe when you say that this was the best show ever, but there have been many shows I’ve been to in the past that felt the same way to me. I’ve been to over 250 concerts in the past 30 years and have never seen any one else that can even come close to Tom’s performance on stage. Whether I see a show or hear one of his records, it sends a chill down by spine. Hearing a record only reinforces the strenghth of the voice.
August 11th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I must admit that until last January, I hadn’t seen Sir Tom in concert in many, many years. I’ll admit that my friend and I were very disappointed in January, because he seemed so disinterested in the audience. It appeared as though something was really bothering him, or that possibly he wasn’t feeling that well. In spite of this we did enjoy the concert and found ourselves up dancing in no time. As for last week, we felt that Sir Tom was so totally different. We were only two rows from the stage, on opening night, and could see that he seemed extremely happy, relaxed, and was ready to enjoy himself, and he did. He even appeared to look our way a few times, although not directly at us. Sir Tom gave it his all, and we thought the concert was absolutely fantastic. I know most fans spend a lot of money to get to LV, me included (being unemployed), but I go to hear that man sing his heart out, and it doesn’t matter whether he looks my way or not, I go to hear that voice, and to see him enjoy doing what he does best, and I’m never disappointed. People do change, just remember you can’t please everyone. Lastly I thought the lighting was wonderful and much improved over January.
August 11th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I disagree with Keith. We (his fans) may all follow Tom primarily because of his voice, but for most everyone else here in the states, all they associate him with is the women throwing their underwear at him while on stage.
Tom has mentioned how this has overpowered his talent and it obviously frustrates him. It frustrates me! This underwear throwing also takes away from the actual show. It’s breaks the mood when this happens during a ballad. In my opinion, Tom is the greatest singer with the most astounding voice, and very few in the U.S. give him any credit outside of his true fans. He sings his heart out, and this silly underwear throwing reduces him in the minds of most in the U.S. to a cartoon.
So, whatever Tom can do within reason to stop this annoying distraction, I am 100% in favor of. So what if he doesn’t make as much eye contact? I have no doubt he will always be warm and show his appreciation to the audience; and, most of all, he will always give us his all.
As far as the venues…Tom does about 200 shows a year, and he travels around the world. I’m sure his management works this out the best they can. This man at 70 is travelling and performing at a pace most 30 year olds would struggle with. On top of all that, he still records, has to reherse, promote his new album, etc.
It’s about time Tom be recognized in the U.S. for his incredible talent and voice. Hopefully the underwear throwing is history, and Tom will start to get more of the respect he so greatly deserves.
August 11th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I was at Tom’s show last night and almost immediately noticed the disconnect. At one point during the show a audience member carried a poster to the front of the stage. This poster was signed by many people in the audience before the start of the show. The person with the poster was well dressed and was presenting in an appropriate maner, this person was ignored. This small venue is unique in that during past shows there seemed to be a connection between audience members and audience members and performers.
A few years ago I was with a friend of mine, who was one of the top stars in Pro Wrestling, we were back stage during a Pro Wrestling T.V. event. This was huge venue, the roar of the crowd was deafening. My friend pointed out toward the crowd and said to me, this whole business comes down to one thing, how well you can connect with those people out there. Keep in mind this a multi-billion dollar world wide entertainment industry. This is something, Tom, has known for years. With out a doubt, Tom’s voice is legendry, but it has not just been his voice. It is the fact Tom has always been able to integrate his vocal ability with his unique personality to connect with the audience.
Tom’s singing last night was, to put it mildly, magnificent. But certain characteristics that helped to make Tom, not a star or a super star, but a legend, were not apparent.
My opening statement about the poster is just an example as is others metioning lack of eye contact. This is a much more complicated issue, it is about perception. When the band fires up and for instance the song is ‘She’s a Lady’ the house erupts. People are perceiving the Tom Jones they know and came to see.
What ever the reason for the change is not my concern and I do realize at times some change is necessary. However at this time things seem to be a bit more mechanical. The show was very good and the new musicians are great. All things into consideration the right perception just was not there.
August 12th, 2010 at 12:34 am
Great post Stewart, totally agree with everything you say,
August 12th, 2010 at 5:38 am
I agree with you too Stewart. What makes Tom’s performances stand out, is not only his great voice, it’s how he makes you feel when he sings a song. You become totally wrapped into that song and that happens because he sings with emotion. You can actually feel what he is singing. When I go to a concert of his, he wraps me into his songs and his interaction with the audience (and I don’t mean panty throwing), wraps me into his world – even for 2 hours. This is what makes Tom’s performances stand out. If someone says to me, “oh he should pack it in, is he still alive, how can he perform now-he’s 70, etc.”, I tell them they have never been to a concert unless they’ve seen Tom perform on stage and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. But part of that great performance is the interaction he has with his audience. There was one time when he only called on little girls in the audience – as cute as that was, the little girl was there with her mom, so there we go! His great performances, voice, interaction with audience, sexual innuendos, Dom Perignon, is what sold out his performances over the years. You can eliminate everything now except the voice and the interaction with the audience. A glance, wink, smile towards some of your fans would only enhance his performance.
August 12th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Thank you Patricia and Harriet.
I am just so tired of having people snicker and sometimes actually laugh when they find out Tom is my favorite singer. I have been a huge fan since the late 60′s, and I have literally been ridiculed for this. Usually, those who react this way mention the underwear throwing, and as I mentioned in my previous post, refer to his performances as if it were some type of cartoon. And, the song they will generally associate him with (besides “It’s Not Unusual”)is “What’s New Pussycat?”, which because it’s a silly song (I like it, but I do think it’s a silly song)only reinforces this false perception that Tom is basically a joke.
These people have no clue as to the very wide range of music Tom can sing and has sung. They don’t begin to know how this man can sing blues, gospel, R&B, soul, country, or any type of music. They have no concept of his great love of music and how he pours his heart and soul into every lyric and every note. They have never REALLY listened to his unbelievable voice.
I recall one time getting into a “heated debate” with someone who had the usual reaction regarding Tom. Then one day, we were driving somewhere, and I was playing a home made variety tape (many different artists on this tape). After about a half hour of this tape playing, he heard “Rock and Roll Medley”)from Tom’s “Live at Caesar’s Palace” from 1971 or 1972. I knew this person liked Rock & Roll. anyway, I didn’t say anything, until he said, “That is great. Wow. That guy can sing!” I then said, “That is Tom Jones”. Then, all of a sudden, he changes his mind and said he didn’t like it. It was as though he couldn’t allow himself to like something by Tom because of the negative perception he had had for so long.
There are many other stories I can recall, but you get the point. This negaqtive image which has been to a large extent fueled by this stupid underwear throwing, has prevented so many from ever really hearing Tom. I’m thrilled that “Praise & Blame” is getting so much praise from the critics and is so far doing better on the U.S. charts than anything else he has done for a very long time; but, let’s face it, he should be a lot higher than #79 on Billboard. When Johnny Cash or Neil Diamond for example put out there stripped down, heart felt albums, they immediately shot to the top of the charts. So should Tom!!!
So, again, I am all for Tom interacting with the audience, but if there are some changes that discourage this underwear throwing and Tom can gain more of the respect he so much deserves, then I think that is a good thing. Like Tom, I want him to be remembered for his voice and as a great singer, not some joke.
August 12th, 2010 at 11:28 am
Stewart: We’ve all had experiences with people not liking — even denigrating — entertainers, films, shows, books, etc., that we’ve liked. The underwear thing is a distraction but it does not detract from Tom’s gift.
It may, for those who find it intrusive, detract from his shows. Please remember that even when they are not the person who is connecting with an entertainer, many audience members you can enjoy the connection vicariously.
Praise and Blame is by no means the only work for which he’s gotten excellent reviews. (Remember 24 Hours? And, these days, the “usual reaction” I’ve been getting is one of awe, that Tom Jones is still doing his thing.
I do not like the knicker-tossing one bit. But it has slowed down. Last night was his seventh show here and it’s happened one time. So, probably time for fans and writers who dwell on it to move on.
However! I’d like to see people come into the 21st century about Las Vegas.
Tom Jones is not a crooner or a lounge act. For those of you who haven’t been here in a while (or ever) or only see Tom and no one/nothing else when you are here, it’s time to look around. Except for opera and legitimate theater, Las Vegas has it all. The entertainment and the audiences run the gamut, from sophisticated to unsophisticated. Just about everyone who is anyone plays here and the audiences — coming as they do from around the globe — are also probably more sophisticated than they likely are in Wales or Wichita (no insult intended).
Playing Las Vegas is great for any entertainer. Very respectable, very huge acts play here all the time. In addition to the resident Cirque du Soleil show, Phantom: The Las Vegas Experience (which must be seen!), Jersey Boys, Human Nature, Barry Manilow (gorgeous show and I was one who would snicker or laugh before I saw it!) and lots more, you find people coming through here that, like Sir Tom, bring lots of fans. Those include — in the next several weeks you have Bob Dylan, Chazz Palminteri in A Bronx Tale, Lady Gaga (tomorrow night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena)….there are lots more.
Las Vegas is a very special place for entertainers and audiences alike. Sinatra was here all the time and is never denigrated as a “Las Vegas crooner.” Neither is Tom and anyone who does that is doing him a grave disservice that, in the end, is more harmful than tossing anything onto his stage.
August 12th, 2010 at 7:56 pm
I just got back from Vegas, and have to take a few minutes to rave about Tom’s Tueaday night show. How can his voice get better? I honestly think he sounded better than he did in January. I, too, feel Tom does not get the respect due him in the U.S., and I just don’t understand it. The man has the looks, the charisma and more importantly the VOICE. I certainly don’t miss the panties and stuffed animals being thrown, but it would be great if he interacted a little more with the audience. I don’t mean kissing the entire front row like back in the Caesar Palace days, but a little more acknowledgement to those of us who have been there for him for close to 40 years would be nice. But, having said that just having the opportunity to listen to that voice and see his passion for performing is enough! Long live, Sir Tom!
August 13th, 2010 at 3:39 am
Stewart, I know what you mean about the US chart position, and unfortunately I read in Music Week today that Praise and Blame has dropped from No 79 to No 134 on the Billboard chart this week. I am really disappointed about this, as I really thought this album would do much better there as it has had very good reviews and I thought was selling well.
I would love to see Tom have a big hit CD in the USA, the same as he has here in the UK, where it is still selling really well and will still be in the Top Ten this coming Sunday.
I think it’s a shame that the release of the album coincided with Tom’s Las Vegas dates, so he has been unable to promote the CD there and perhaps this is why is has dropped in the chart this week. Hopefully it will rise again if he does some promotion work there. I really hope so.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Ellen: The underwear throwing doesn’t detract from Tom’s gift for me, you and I assume the rest of his fans. But I beg to differ when it comes to the rest of the folks in the U.S. Now perhaps this doesn’t apply to people who live in Las Vegas, but I can tell you that on the east coast, it applies big-time. You are correct that Tom has received some good reviews before “Praise & Blame”, such as “24 Hours”. Many reviewers are recognizing Tom’s gift, however, for most Americans, this underwear throwing along with the whole image that accompanies it has been a serious distraction from his amazing voice and talent. I would just love to see Tom get the respect that he so deserves, and the more this underwear throwing can become a thing of the past, the more likely it is that people will start to pay better attention to his great voice and talent.
Patricia: I agree and I too am hoping that once Tom is able to start promoting the CD in the U.S. that P & B will rise on the charts. I wish one of the singles from it would take off…that would help tremendously.
August 13th, 2010 at 8:33 am
Patricia: From what I’ve heard, the CD will be promoted properly in the US. As for him playing Las Vegas, he’s working with his band to polish the music to prepare for promotion here. And, from the way it’s been received, it looks like a good promo season. It is the record company and their PR machine that usually handles public relations/promotion/promo appearances. And, by the way, Las Vegas — as noted here yesterday — is an excellent place for an entertainer like Tom Jones to try out new material. He draws well, people from all over the world hear him (and many of those, BTW, did not come here with any intention of so doing) and the material can be polished and perfected. Remember, please, in the UK he had the luxury of promoting with musicians who recorded the album with him. Not here. So, allow for a learning curve and, please, recognize the value of appearing in Las Vegas. Don’t buy into decades-old stereotypes of the place and performers who play here. In every way (worldwide exposure, worldwide recognition even when not on charts and, probably, earnings) playing Las Vegas has helped Tom Jones and many other entertainers. Yet, lots of people — most glaringly the British press and public — denigrate the city and those who appear here. (For the record, I am absolutely not a Las Vegas zealot. When someone today asks me where I’m from, without thinking too much about it, I tend to say I live in Las Vegas but am a New Yorker. But, if you haven’t been here, haven’t seen it in this century, please don’t judge. Not everyone likes Las Vegas but carrying a normal dislike too far is damaging.
(I know a woman named Jenny who cost a new magazine she edited its potential success because she “hates” Las Vegas. She decided to bury everything about Las Vegas in the back of the book and advertisers in Las Vegas were not pleased and it was impossible to sell a second issue to them. Thus, a huge advertising market was closed to the publication. This woman, like everyone else who speaks without any real knowledge, is an idiot and is guilty of professional malpractice. She hadn’t been here in many years and spoke out of ignorance.)
August 13th, 2010 at 8:56 am
Ellen, Sorry if you thought I meant Tom should not have done the Las Vegas dates, I did not mean that. I personally love Las Vegas and have been visiting there for more than 20 years, and have had some fantastic times there seeing Tom, and I hope I will do that again in the future, I most certainly do not buy into that stereotype of the place, I think it’s a fantastic place for a holiday. I just meant that perhaps it was a bit of a shame that the release of the album coincided with the Las Vegas dates and it held up the promotion of the album on TV, radio etc. Tom actually said that here in an interview, but said he had a contract there that would be fulfilled and he would get back to promoting it after.
I really hope that these dates have helped the sales on Praise and Blame both in the US and worldwide. I really do want to see Tom have a huge selling album in the USA, just has he has here in the UK
I do also agree that Tom did have the luxury of promoting the album in the UK with the musicians that recorded the album with him, and it worked very well giving him a No 2 album, which is fantastic in this ageist world.
Apologies if my earlier post was taken the wrong way
August 14th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I first saw Tom in a concert in 1976, and have seen him live every 5-6 years. He never ceases to amaze me with his talent, and I always walk away wanting more. He has evolved as he has matured, and so have I! I appreciate his willingness to adjust to the times. I was at the opening night of his Vegas show, and he was in excellent voice. After the show, we ran into him in a restaurant. I approached his table before his food arrived, and engaged him in a short conversation. He was friendly, courtious, gave good eye contact, and made a homorous comment. He happily signed my ticket stub, and I went away floating on a cloud..what a gentleman! That was an exciting night!