Tom Jones International

In a statement, Tom’s official site says, “Sir Tom was released from hospital yesterday and is now in very good health. A very big Thank You to all for your concern, your messages and wishes have been very thoughtful.”

Sometimes it’s especially nice to be right. This is one of those times. TJI had this story first (see post below) and I am proud of that.

Please understand, I am a journalist who loves her work and have been fortunate enough to win lots of awards for doing it. Many people and organizations regard journalists as enemies, blindly refusing the understand and acknowledge that journalists can actually be helpful. One reason I’ve been good at my work is because I know how to source (find and verify) information and I know how (and when and if) to use it. This is one of the issues the management team has with TJI, with me. But, in the end, there are some things people want to know and, to a point, have a right to know. This was one of them and if anyone doesn’t understand that, I am sorry. Understand, too, I don’t print or post anything that has not been confirmed by reliable sources.

Your dozens of comments and emails to me about this latest incident are a reflection of how you care and of the feelings people have for Sir Tom. Couple this with the 800+ news stories and you have a man about whom the world really cares. It’s very nice, isn’t it?

Stupid headline/story of the Day: Put this on my FB page but it is so dumb, it has to go where more people will likely see it. It’s from a strange website called TinyMixTapes.com. It carries on old photo and is by Nat Towson. The story says:

Tom Jones cries while praying every night of three-month tour, cancels final date due to extreme dehydration

Iconic singer and sideburn aficionado Sir Thomas John Woodward, known to the public as Tom Jones, was admitted to a Monaco hospital late Saturday, forcing him to miss the final date of his recent “Praise and Blame” tour. Jones, now 71, appears to be in the midst of a phase of repentance, indicated at the very least by the track choices on his 2010 record of the same name (Praise and Blame, not “Tom Jones”). Will the wounded knight be forced to repent for missing his repentance, throwing him into a never-ending repentance cycle? Sources close to Jones say “definitely”.

Jones denied early reports by sneaky members of the British press that he had suffered some form of heart episode, instead attributing his Princess Grace Hospital visit to dehydration. “There are no heart problems,” he declared, in a statement on his official website. “Only a fool breaks his own heart…” he elaborated, decades earlier.

On the other hand, unlike so many who should know better, he did get Tom’s name right. So that’s a tiny point in his favor.

Moderator’s Note: This is all I was told and, until there’s more news or a sighting, it’s not confirmed. But, again, it’s what a reasonably reliable source said. Of course, it might be a planned subterfuge to keep a secret. That’s OK but, really, I hope the source and the source’s news prove to be correct.

Also, a quick look shows well over 800 articles about Sir Tom’s illness in news outlets around the world. If one needed proof, that fact alone is ample proof that he is a superstar.

Headline from E! Online August 29, 2011: Tom Jones Hospitalized: Was It Really a Heart Scare?

According to RumorFix.com on Sunday night: “Tom Jones is OKay and will probably be released from the hospital on Monday…A close friend of Tom’s tells RumorFix, “All is Okay with Tom. He woke up with a sore throat, dehydrated and needed rest.”

IMPORTANT NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT

August 28th, 2011 | By official site

Sir Tom was ordered by doctors not to perform in Monte Carlo yesterday evening, due to severe dehydration. This was extremely disappointing for Tom, the band and all connected with the tour. This was the last date of a very successful 3 month tour, where many of the shows were in locations that were in the throes of high summer heat. There are NO heart problems, as has been reported in the press.

Sir Tom wants to relay his deep regrets for causing disappointment and inconvenience to all who would have come to enjoy his show last night. He thanks everyone for their understanding and support, and hopes to see the fans in Monte Carlo again soon.

Tom Jones cancels concert, cites ‘dehydration’

Associated Press | By GREGORY KATZ

LONDON (AP) — “Sex Bomb” singer Tom Jones was recovering in a Monaco hospital Sunday, saying “severe dehydration” forced him to cancel a concert in the glamorous principality.

The longtime star, famed for his swivel-hipped appeal and soulful voice, apologized to his fans on his website and emphatically denied British press reports that he had suffered a heart scare that forced him to cancel his Monaco concert Saturday night.

“There are NO heart problems, as has been reported in the press,” the singer’s website stated.

Jones, a 71-year-old Welshman who burst to international fame in 1964 with “It’s Not Unusual” and other hits, blamed his illness on a long successful tour “where many of the shows were in locations that were in the throes of high summer heat.”

The website statement indicated that Jones had no choice but to make a rare cancellation: “Sir Tom was ordered by doctors not to perform in Monte Carlo yesterday evening due to severe dehydration,” the statement read. “This was extremely disappointing for Tom, the band and all connected with the tour.”

Saturday’s canceled show was to have been the finale of his 3-month “Praise & Blame” tour.

A spokesman for the Princess Grace Hospital in Monaco told The Associated Press that Jones was admitted to the hospital Saturday night and was doing well Sunday. There was no word on when Jones would be released.

Jones, whose charisma onstage earned some comparisons to U.S rocker Elvis Presley, made his singing debut at three. He appeared in hundreds of clubs and dance halls before his breakthrough series of hits catapulted him to some of the world’s finest venues, with repeated shows at Las Vegas’ glitzy hotels and casinos.

At the peak of his fame, and for decades afterward, adoring women near the front of the audience would shower him with their underwear as a sign of devotion.

Jones held onto his sexy image for decades, only recently agreeing to perform and be photographed without touching up the gray in his hair and beard.

In his statement, the apologetic crooner thanked fans for their understanding and support.

Jones plans a short tour of central and eastern Europe beginning in November.

Greg Keller in Paris contributed to this report.

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British TV network ITN did a short video segment about Tom’s illness. They certainly did, as noted, use archive video. Kind of old.

Anyway, click here to watch: News Coverage: Tom Jones rushed to hospital with dehydration

Tom Jones cancels £200-a-head Monte Carlo concert after ‘heart scare’

By JONATHAN PETRE | Last updated at 1:23 AM on 28th August 2011 | Mail Online

Singer Tom Jones was forced to pull out of a concert in Monte Carlo last night (Friday, August 26) when he was taken to hospital after falling ill.

Sir Tom, 71, was booked to perform at the prestigious Salle des Etoiles at the famous seafront Sporting Club. He was due to close a festival that has also featured Sting and Bryan Ferry this summer.

But the club confirmed the show for £200-a-head diners was cancelled at short notice.

Theatrical producer David King last night tweeted: ‘Tonight’s concert at the Sporting Club, Monte Carlo, cancelled as Tom Jones admitted to hospital with a heart scare.’

A Sporting Club spokesman said: ‘I received a call at 8.10pm informing me that the event had been cancelled because Tom Jones had been taken to hospital.’

Staff at Monte Carlo’s Princess Grace Hospital said they could not confirm whether the Welsh singer had been admitted.

Only two months ago Sir Tom said he was feeling healthier than ever after losing two stone since January.

He told Radio 2′s Chris Evans he decided to slim after not being able to squeeze into his suits.

With help from a dietician and the U.S. diet book, Syndrome X: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Insulin Resistance, he overhauled his diet.

The book suggests eating as much fresh food as possible including fish, chicken and vegetables, rather than processed carbohydrates such as pasta, pastries and cereals.

‘It tells you to get back to what we used to eat when we were hunters and gatherers. Eat anything that’s natural – meat, fish, veg,’ he said.

He also gave up drinking for two months. ‘The dietician asked, “how much do you drink?” I told him I like a bottle of red wine with my dinner. “To yourself?” he said.

‘What I didn’t tell him was I’d started off with a martini, had a cognac and a bottle of champagne too.’

Sir Tom, who has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide in a 50-year career, showed no signs of discomfort when he performed at the Sporting Club on Friday night.

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The article said the hospital wouldn’t confirm that Tom is there but I have good reason to believe he is/was. Sources say Tom’s still in the hospital — not sure about that — and, of course, Saturday’s show was cancelled. When we hear more news, we’l let you know.

If you’re in the northeastern US, please know that people everywhere are thinking of you and hoping that Hurricane Irene’s visit is a quick and quiet one.

And, if you’re in Monte Carlo, have a grand time!

More from Newbury Racecourse, Saturday, August 13. Thanks to the fan who sent the photo. It’s a nice one.
Tom Jones at Party In The Paddock, Newbury Racecourse

Bracknell News | Julia Crosthwaite | Published 25 Aug 2011 09:30

Following the final race of the day at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday we were given an excellent show by the veteran entertainer Tom Jones.

With calls of “We want Tom” a lone guitarist opened the proceedings to a raucous welcome for the man himself.

Dressed all in black with distinguished greying hair and beard he had lost none of his charisma, despite being 71. Accompanied by a band with keyboards, vocals, brass and guitars – acoustic and electric – his voice remains as powerful and moving as ever.

He introduced many of his greatest hits as well as some gospel numbers, sometimes with a bit of name-dropping – “This is one Elvis and I sang in his suite in Las Vegas”, ” I asked Jerry Lee Lewis about the recording of this one”, and so on.

The crowd joined in many of the songs especially Delilah (with rather manic laughter at the appropriate point), and danced along.

As it had been Ladies Day at the course there were also a fair few pairs of knickers being thrown towards the stage. M and S (Marks & Spencer Department Store) must have done good business that day!

This was the final Party in the Paddock for 2011, and we look forward to seeing some more class acts next year, together with the racing.

TJI has video of Tom at Newbury. Finally (after discarding the all the bad video) found a nice BBC promo of the concert (silly, but typical of local TV news shows all over the world) and some good footage of Tom singing Delilah. The Italian fansite posted a nice bit of of Tom greeting singer Laura Critchley’s family in the audience, but the quality — like most of theirs — is so poor, it wasn’t worth posting. On this one, the lighting is awful. Stil, it’s nice to know he took the time to do it, as he doesn’t often.

You can watch it in the TJI.com Video Library.

Wednesday night in Las Vegas Rod Stewart began a two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, where he’ll alternate with Celine Dion and whomever else (Elton?) they bring in. His show, played before a capacity crowd of 4,100 was — in a word — spectacular. Now, I wasn’t a big fan of Rod Stewart’s music but the evening made me realize that I know just about all his songs and that I really like them. He sang only the hits (after all, the show was called Rod Stewart: The Hits) — none of the standards he’s been doing over the last few years.

The last time I saw him in person, several years ago at Jones Beach on Long Island was, in truth, the last time because I found it off-putting that he didn’t sing Do Ya Think I’m Sexy. I went tonight only to review the show. Didn’t expect too much. But, tonight, he did all of them, including the very moving, wonderful The Killing of Georgie that begins, “In these days of changing ways, So called liberated days, A story comes to mind of a friend of mine, Georgie boy was gay I guess, nothin’ more or nothin’ less, The kindest guy I ever knew…” He left the stage.

After the curtain (left above) fell, he came out for an encore. A friend recorded it on an iPhone. The sound could be better, but you’ll get the point. Click here to listen to the encore. I went home happy.

You can read my review of Rod Stewart here.

If you want to see the show, tickets are $49 to $250 plus tax and fees. You can order them here. Pricey, yes, but also well worth it.

On August 16, Sir Tom went to the Hasselblad Studio (Hasselblad is the classic camera that many professional photographers will tell you is the very best ever made) in London to be photographed by Italian portraitist Daniele Barraco.

The photo shoot was written up on the Hasselblad website in the blog:

Daniele Barraco photographs a living legend

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Claire

Daniele Barraco came to the studio with his Hasselblad H4D-40 and photographed a living legend… the one and only Tom Jones!

The Hasselblad Studio, conveniently situated in central London, was the ideal place for Italian photographer Daniele Barraco and his beloved H4D-40 to meet up with the legendary Sir Tom Jones.

“Honestly, I had imagined Sir Tom Jones as a person would be rather bashful and reserved,” says Italian photographer Daniele Barraco of his meeting with the legendary Welsh singer at the Hasselblad Studio in London. “However, I was surprised to meet someone who had such great charm and humility. He even performed a few dance steps to a reggae song that was playing in the studio.”

Barraco chose his regular kit for the shoot, a Hasselblad H4D-40 with 120mm, 80mm and 50mm lenses, and he worked with his favourite Rembrandt lighting, a technique that guarantees the photographer technically impeccable results despite working conditions that are often complex. It’s not unusual for Barraco to find himself shooting against the clock backstage or in hotel suites prior to concerts or important interviews and yet still being expected to come away with images that have great emotional impact. The pressure of working in this way has allowed him to perfect the skill of getting the shots he wants quickly.

“When you’re fast everyone is happier and when they see the result that I’ve managed to obtain in such a short time they are often speechless,” he says. Barraco’s ability to work at speed meant that even though he only had around 20 minutes to take his picture of Tom Jones he was able to get what he wanted and still have time for a relaxed cup of tea and a cookie with the singer at the end of the session before he had to go.

For Daniele, much of the success of this shoot was down to being able to work in the Hasselblad Studio, which is centrally located in the district of Hoxton in London. The venue has first class technical back up and is fully equipped with lighting, backdrops, changing facilities and rest areas. “I have worked in many photographic studios around Europe and have never found a place so well organized and managed by people who have been so helpful and friendly and yet so highly professional,” he says.

Barraco is no stranger to photographing famous names. Amongst the stars who have been in front of his camera are Christopher Walken (see video), James Blunt, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Brian Molko of Placebo, Maceo Parker, Pierfrancesco Favino, Eugenio Finardi and many others, and he also photographs ‘ordinary people’ that he finds interesting. “I love photographing people,” he says. “I love their eyes, their skin and the wrinkles of a face, and my photographs are produced in a very democratic way.” No matter who they might be, famous or not, all of Barraco’s subjects are treated equally, both to ensure consistency of style and also because people are always the undisputed protagonists in the photographer’s eyes.

“The photographic portrait for me is tied to the feelings and the interaction between the subject and the photographer,” he says. “It’s a silent language recognized by both that, if in tune, can make the shoot really special. It’s a kind of mutual respect for one common goal”.

From about a year Daniele has used Hasselblad cameras and in his opinion there is nothing better in terms of quality, construction, technology and pure aesthetics. His current camera is an H4D-40, and he’s been particularly impressed with the True Focus technology that it boasts. “I would feel lost not having this camera around,” he says. “It’s the perfect tool and if I didn’t have it with me it would miss all the fun!”

You can, if you wish, still comment on the August 19 post below. Be sure to remember the site rules if you do post. An honest difference of opinion is fine. But I don’t get paid enough to referee the kind of nastiness that took place yesterday. So, please, have some respect.

Tom will be playing several dates in Eastern Europe: We’ve already (August 19 post below) covered Tom’s date in Sofia. He’s also playing in: Zagreb Arena, Zagreb, Croatia, Monday, November 21. Tickets aren’t available yet. When they are, you can find them here.; Budapest Arena, Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday 22nd November. Tickets are 9,900 HF ($52.75) to 26,900 ($143.32) and are available here; Brno (pronounced “Bur-no”), Czech Republic, Wednesday, November, 23. You can get tickets here; and in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, November 28, Oktyabrsky Hall (The Big Concert Hall). There are 12 (!) price options, ranging from 1,650 RUB ($56.99) to 13,200 RUB $455.89). Tickets are available here. For that money there should be a champagne meet-and-greet like Manilow and Enge do. His site promises more Eastern European dates to come……Cold there that time of year. Meanwhile, the calendar at the Hollywood theatre is filling up. TJI will keep you informed.

Sadly, Jerry Leiber who, with his songwriting partner Mike Stoller, died on Monday. He was 78. Their catalog includes: Hound Dog, Kansas City, Smokey Joe’s Café, Yakety Yak, Poison Ivy Charlie Brown, Ruby Baby, Stand By Me (with Ben E. King), Jailhouse Rock, Love Potion No. 9, Searchin’, Young Blood (with Doc Pomus), Is That All There Is?, I’m a Woman, Lucky Lips, On Broadway (with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil), Spanish Harlem (Jerry Leiber and Phil Spector), There Goes My Baby, Along Came Jones and Searchin’. His music will surely live forever.

Rafael kindly sent TJI a review of Tom’s August 20th show in Cap Roig, Girona, Spain:

Sir Tom on stage in Marbella.

Yesterday I went to the concert in Cap Roig – Girona (Spain). The last concert was in Juny, 15th 2003. This week has been the first concerts in 8 years in Spain. A long time for me and more people. The photos I made are not good quality because the light was poor.
First of all, Tom Jones is better than 2003. I liked a lot Mr. Jones Tour in 2003, but the record was very strange for the people, I like the Wyclef Jean production, but I think Praise and Blame and the Jools Holland collaboration is the sound which Tom Jones sounds very well.
This concert and the songs are perfect. Praise and Blame songs, old “Dixie land”, “Look at grany run run”, “Let’s have a ball” and so on. But for me the best song of the concert was the new arrangement of Delilah. Ellen, I think this version is better than original, it is more intense and sensible, and the spanish guitar and tempo sound well.
I think Tom Jones should record a CD+DVD with this tour 2011. The sound is perfect and I think people would go to the shop to buy it.

Tom Jones Marbella Concert Review

Things To Do In Marbella | Posted by: Paul Bell | Friday, August 19, 2011

Had an excellent night at the Tom Jones concert at the Puento Romano hotel in the centre of Marbella last night. My first time at this venue and what a great intimate location this is. Great for a concert. It is basically a tennis court, the Puento Romano’s centre court with its seating both on the court and around the court, with the stage set up over the seats at one end of the court.

So no matter where you sit you are no more than a tennis courts length away from the performer. And Tom, despite his 70+ years did not disappoint. Coming onto the warm open air stage around 10:30 he played until around midnight, starting with a few evangelical songs and songs from his days in Vegas, where he sang after the shows with Elvis, and then moving on to the old favourites which got the crowd to their feet – Sex Bomb, Green Green Grass of Home, Delilah and many more were performed superbly.

His strong voice is still very much present.

The performance of Delilah, done with a local twist with strong excellent backing on Spanish guitars was the highlight for me!

Great venue, great night, great performance – will be back!

Been seeing and lots of movies. There are several good ones, including The Help and Fright Night. Both highly recommended.

If you haven’t done so, please check out the post below and join the conversation.

On August 16, we marked the 34th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Any fan of Tom Jones knows the two were good friends.

I’ve been meaning to post these audio clips and thought this is as good a time as any: So, click here to listen to Elvis at rehearsal singing a bit of Delilah

And click here to listen to Elvis singing Tom’s great hit, written by Lonnie Donegan, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.

(I chose this photo of Elvis because that is what he wore when I saw him perform. I’ll never forget it. Did you see him? If so, please share your memories.)

These Are Fans? A Note From The Moderator Who Is A Tom Jones Fan: Let me first state clearly and emphatically that the more websites promoting and paying tribute to Tom Jones, the better. And, of course, not everything with every entertainer is perfect. As has been noted here many times here, a bit of constructive criticism should always be welcome. This site exists to serve the fans, lives on your feedback and tries to respect Sir Tom and his management. If, as has happened, Tom’s management has a problem with TJI and its moderator, that is unfortunate but, believe me, it cannot be helped. However, there is an Italian TJ website that has Tom’s official logo plastered all over the place and that says the site is “sanctioned” by his management — “sanctioning” is apparently intended to be an honor. Yet, one of that site’s newest youtube videos — a link to which was emailed to me today by several people — shows Tom forgetting lyrics and messing up royally on You Can Leave Your Hat On. Now, Tom and everyone who performs can and does occasionally mess up. But, really, if these are fans, I’d hate to see what people who aren’t fans put up. In fact, it’s worth mentioning that the quality of most of their videos is terrible — badly lit and too often unfocused. These people, surely aware that Tom’s management has decreed a change in image, still label their youtube videos as “sexy” Tom Jones.” I’ve posted the same videos but, since it’s about the voice, not the body, I don’t say such things. It’s inappropriate to mention this nonsense and, really, anyone who can see is able to see all of the many virtues evident in good video of Tom Jones. I am not — absolutely not! — upset that they have the stamp of approval. I am pleased with what’s been built on this site. It is pathetic that such is what his management sanctions — if they do. If they don’t, the TJ logo and/or the word “sanctioned” should come down. (That site is, from all the evidence, run by friends of his management who, thus, should know better.)

Tom Jones to Make First Visit to Bulgaria in November
Bulgarian News Agency

Legendary British singer Tom Jones will make his first live concert in Bulgaria in Sofia on November 18.

The show will be held at the newly opened Armeec Arena Sofia, with a starting time of 8 pm. It is organized by Sofia Music Enterprises.

Tom Jones is one of the most productive and sold artists in the history of modern music. Among his most well known hits are songs like It’s Not Unusual, Kiss, Delilah, What’s New Pussycat, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again and If I Only Knew.

Although his songs have an unmistakeable pop catchiness, they retain a deep rock and blues sensibility.

Tom Jones’s career spans over 46 years, his latest full-length album being 2010′s Praise & Blame.

Tickets for the Sofia show will be on sale August 22 at prices of BGN 50-130. ($36.6193 to $95.2102)

The press release from the people who presented the concert in Gandia:

TOM JONES’ CLOSING SHOW AT GANDIA, BY THE SEA UNDER THE STARS IS A ROARING SUCCESS!

AUGUST 17, 2011: The Welsh artist went over his greatest hits and introduced his latest album Praise & Blame.

Julio Iglesias and Tom Jones, two top-class international artists achieved two sold-out evenings for their respective concerts. If Julio Iglesias rendered an unforgettable evening on August 14 for a crowd of over 7,000 people, Tom Jones followed suit singing for 8,000 people last night.

ëWe truly thank the audience that has given these two international artists such a warm welcome and, of course, I thank the citizens of Gandia for their support for this first edition of ëGandia, el mar donde se unen las estrellasí (Gandia, the sea where stars come togetherí), explains Arturo Torro, Mayor of Gandia.

Sir Tom Jones started off his Spanish tour last night in Gandia. He went over the main hits of his musical career and he introduced his latest album Praise & Blame (Alabanza y Culpaí). To the rhythm of Burning Hell, Sex Bomb, Delilah or It’s not unusual, the Tiger of Wales made everyone stand up with his powerful voice and his natural Rock & Roll essence. Arturo Torro had the chance to meet Tom Jones before the show started and thanked him for coming to Gandia.

The Town Hall of Gandia, the official organizers of the first edition of Gandia, Where the Sea Meets the Stars, feel very satisfied with the outcome and they comment that ëthis event has placed Gandia at the forefront. It has been so successful that we wish to make it a continuing reference as a tourist destination that has much to offer in terms of leisure and culture.

The New TV Season: The first episode of Glee, Wednesday, September 21 on Fox, will feature Blaine (Darren Criss) and the Cheerios doing It’s Not Unusual. A very nice mainstream mention of Tom and his music, sort of like his appearance on American Idol last year.

At left is your first look at the portrait of Sir Tom by Welsh artist Steven Samuel. It will be auctioned off in March, 2012, to benefit a cancer research charity in Wales. (Love the blue background!)

The auction will be held at Cyfartha Castle, Merthyr Tydfil. It looks to be a very lovely, very interesting venue for an auction or, simply, a visit, as it houses a collection of art and artifacts relevant to Welsh history.

When posted here, the response to the original portrait by Steven Samuel was terrific.

Seeing his work posted and reading your comments, the artist wrote TJI: “I just wanted to say thank you for all your kind comments regarding my art work of Tom Jones. It is one of three pieces I am hoping to do for the exhibition next March at Merthyr Tydfil. Tom Jones is an incredibly talented man and a great ambassador for the UK. He is also very proud of his Welsh roots. I really was a great honour for me do create this image.”

TJI.com will keep you posted about the auction event.

Below: Tom performs at Newbury Racecourse on Saturday, August 13: