Things We Like
Here you’ll find all the random stuff we love!
Bono on Tom
Thursday, November 3rd, 2005In an interview with Bono, Rolling Stone editor Jann Wenner discussed the U2 frontman’s musical influences. Tom was among them:
Read more at RollingStone.com
November 6th, 2005 at 9:12 am
Last night, after years of listening to the U2 music blasting from my duaghter’s room, I finally went to see the group. And I can honestly say that, at last, I know what the fuss is about.
I also understand Bono’s mention of the Beatles and Tom Jones as influences.
That entire sense of Beatles-like camaraderie between the members of U2 is so evident you can almost touch it. And, speaking of “touch,” Tom’s influence on Bono is equally clear.
Like Tom’s performance when the eight year-old Bono first saw him, Bono’s onstage presence is amazing. Not the same kind of charisma as Tom, but charisma nonetheless. And, like that Tom he first saw, Bono onstage is “sweating, and he’s an animal and he’s unrestrained. He’s singing with abandon.” Literally and figuratively, like Tom Jones, Bono reaches out and embraces his audience and they respond overwhelmingly.
While the songs are very different and Bono and Tom Jones appear to be very different people, the line from Tom to Bono is as clear as if it were drawn with a new black Sharpee.
And, for what it’s worth, U2 should be added to any music-lover’s “must-see” list although, after the show, everyone — including two people who work with U2 — told me that I’d seen the best show they’d ever seen after years of following the band. “You might as well not go again,” one said. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”
Try to go anyway.
Ellen
November 7th, 2005 at 9:16 am
It is information like the Bono statement and review as well as the tidbit about Jesus Christ Superstar that sets this website head and shoulders above so many other fan websites! Keep up the great work! I’m really enjoying your efforts!
November 9th, 2005 at 4:46 pm
I couldn’t have said it any better, Bono. It’s like I’ve always said, they don’t come any better than this man with the BIG POWERHOUSE VOICE! Tom Jones is indeed a singer’s singer.
Terry B. http://www.terryb.ca
November 17th, 2005 at 7:59 am
We saw Tom last night for a one-nighter in Elizabeth, NJ at a 100-year old refurbished theater. He was wonderful as ever; the place was packed and women were dancing in the aisles (security just couln’t stop them). We travel all over to see him and I think I like him better in a casino atmosphere. He seems to have a better time with the audience. We were lucky enough to see the singers and band get on their bus to leave after the show (they were off to Delaware), but Tom was no where to be found. Looking forward to seeing him in Las Vegas in Dec. at the MGM. Just can’t seem to get enough of that man!!!!!!! (Right girls?)