Fan Fare
Here’s where you’ll find TJ photos and stories that don’t fit into any other categories. It is, as its name says, just for fans — and, hopefully, for fun.
From IC Wales/Look for TJ on TV This Month in the UK
Friday, December 2nd, 2005Emyr loves Pop life Dec 2 2005
Karen Price, Western Mail
He started off as a TV researcher but now he’s a respected director and runs The Pop Factory, which stages its big awards bash this weekend. Oh, he’s also a friend of Tom Jones. Karen Price catches up with Emyr Afan
LESS than 48 hours ago, Emyr Afan stepped off a plane from America after visiting his friend Tom Jones. Despite a rather difficult journey back to Wales (there were delays and he lost his luggage) and a touch of jet lag, the music mogul is positively buzzing as he finalises plans for one of the biggest events in his calendar - The Pop Factory Music Awards.
The fifth annual event takes place at The Pop Factory in Porth - the music venue he transformed from a former Corona factory - tomorrow night.
Pontypridd-born superstar Tom is being honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
Emyr and Tom have built up a great working relationship since the singer officially opened The Pop Factory five years ago by smashing a bottle of Dandelion and Burdock pop against its walls.
Earlier this year, Emyr’s company - Avanti Media Group - produced Tom’s 65th birthday homecoming gig in Ponty Park.
Last week Emyr and his wife Mair, who runs Avanti with him, flew to America to catch up with Tom and to record an interview with him for a TV profile on the superstar, which will be screened on BBC1 Wales this Christmas.
He also recorded an acceptance speech for his award which will be broadcast during the Pop Factory Awards as he is unable to return to Wales to receive the honour.
“He was genuinely grateful when we told him about it,” says Emyr, who is from Cwmafan.
“He carries his Welshness wherever he goes and he really enjoys doing things back at home when his schedule allows.”
Emyr and Mair spent Thanksgiving with Tom in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was switching on the Christmas lights before performing. Highlights of the concert will also be broadcast on TV in Wales this Christmas.
“We spent about two hours talking to him and he was very relaxed. In the TV profile he explains why he had to move to America and talks about what it felt like.
“He was very pleased to see the Welsh crew. He’s exactly the same off the camera as he is on it.”
Emyr says that Tom enjoyed performing at Ynysangharad Park - near the home in Pontypridd where he grew up - so much that he would love to do more projects in South Wales in future.
“The gig was really emotional for him and he found it difficult to sing at times.”
