Show & Venue Reviews
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.
MGM Grand, Friday, December 16, 2005
Saturday, December 17th, 2005One of the advantages of being a long-time Tom Jones fan is that you come to learn through the years that every show has its own unique flavor and style. This is largely dependent on two elements – Tom’s frame of mind and the audience’s reaction.
Friday night was outstanding. Tom was in a playful mood. He was (as usual) in excellent voice. He was chatty. Richard Marx, who is performing this weekend at Mandalay Bay, was in the audience. Tom introduced him and then launched into a monologue (right before he performed What Am I Living For?) about a song that Marx had penned for him years ago that never made it onto The Lead album that he recorded with Interscope Records.
He made light-hearted, but pointed, comments about the whims of record producers and how he didn’t have the final choice of what ended up on an album. Those of us in the front attempted to get him to sing the deleted song, but soon realized that he probably didn’t remember it, as he demurred.
Still relaxed and chatty, Tom next told the audience about how he had his nose broken by a friend in the early days and had it straightened out later. He also made sure everyone knew his teeth were capped.
He realized he was rambling and seemed to blame it on the full moon. He and the audience all howled (“Ah-OOOOO”). This is not the first time he’s referred to full moons. This time he made a joke about how he was clean-shaven earlier in the day and the goatee and growing incisors were a result of his howling at the moon.
One of the other joys, for us, is meeting new people who have never seen Tom perform. There was a young couple, Jeff and Lisa (left) from California who sat at table five (dead center stageside). Jeff was so psyched about seeing Tom. They had lucked into the seats that same night and he was excitedly us about how he used to sing What’s New Pussycat? as a child in the bathtub. He had never seen our singer in person before.
Watching Jeff’s face as he watched Tom perform added to the thrill of the concert. Pure delight. He was lit up from within. When Tom sang What’s New Pussycat? there were tears welling in his eyes. All of this was in sharp contrast to the elderly couple sitting behind them in a booth. The woman was nodding off and was finally fast asleep until Tom belted out 200 Pounds of Heavenly Joy. That woke her up and she was with him until the end of the show with a sweet smile on her face.
Bass player Les King sported a new look, having cut off his dreads. He almost looks corporate, but handsome nonetheless.
Tom hasn’t changed the show or the wardrobe in two years. And it would be nice if he did.
Now, please note that, although we wrote this review together, we did it separately, each on her own computer in her own home. Yet, oddly, we had the same thought at the end (maybe it was the full moon?).
We are constantly surprised that just listening to that amazing voice, even though we know what’s coming next in the show — even though we even have the between-song patter just about memorized — he still grabs us and gives us so much pleasure.
This is especially strange since both of us will only rarely watch a movie more than once. We don’t reread books and rarely listen to the same CD more than a few times (unless there’s a favorite song in it or it unless it is a Tom Jones CD). But, put us in front of a live Tom Jones performance and we just don’t care that we know what’s coming next. We don’t care when he sings songs we have heard hundreds of times and don’t particularly like (Kiss, please, enough!).
Because, no matter what else is happening or what we know is on the horizon, we’re in the vibe and in the TJ Zone and all is well with the world.
Ursula & Ellen
December 18th, 2005 at 12:38 pm
Hi,
Glad you enjoyed the show, however I am a little surprised that you say Tom hasn’t changed his act in 2 years.
The Jools Holland songs were not introduced until Autumn 2004. He introduced them on his UK Summer Nights tour in July 2004 and the album was released in the UK in September 2004. I actually went to the show he did at Hammersmith Palais in London that he did with Jools in September 2004 to promote the new album.
The songs he was doing in 2003 and part of 2004 included: Younger Days, Holiday, Whatever It Takes, Heaven’s Been A Long Time Coming, Black Betty, The Letter, I (Who Have Nothing), 16 Tons, Working in a Coal Mine, Why Get Up and Venus.
The only songs that remain from the Mr. Jones album are TJ International and We’ve Got Tonight. Hope you all have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Pat
December 19th, 2005 at 10:25 pm
I attended the MGM shows on Saturday, December 18th and Sunday, December 19th.
First of all, I have loved Tom Jones’ voice for over 30 years and plan to see him as much as I possibly can until I am laid out and candle lit. These two shows were the 5th and 6th shows I have seen this year. I was fortunate enough to have front row seats for both shows.
The Saturday night show was odd. It seemed that Tom was straining a bit to hit notes that normally seem effortless for him. The band looked like they had all lost their best friends. The three back up singers, however, were their typical, outstanding selves. I don’t know if the somewhat sedate audience had anything to do with it, but it was just weird and not an “on” show. Despite it all, Tom Jones at 80% is still better than most singers at their very best.
On a different note, the Sunday night show was great. Tom was in full and robust voice. The band was energized and the audience was into it. Tom was in good humor and it was quite an experience to watch him so closely. This man is absolutely amazing. His face is so expressive and his body is hot! His legs looked so muscular from where I was sitting. Aside from all the eye candy, it is a thrill for me to watch and listen to a singer who has never been given the credit he is due. I am looking forward to seeing him again in January. It won’t come quick enough!!!
December 22nd, 2005 at 8:28 pm
I saw Tom twice while in Vegas: Dec. 17th & closing night Dec. 20th. BOTH shows were great — although the same (time for a change). I, too, have learned all the jokes and banter that Tom repeats at every show. He looked and sounded GREAT. We had a front table (both nights). On the 17th, my gal threw a pair of panties with ‘kitty kats’ that Tom picked up, talked about, and said he would save for later. On the 20th - he was given a gift bag with a stuffed “Pussy Cat” and ‘Sexy Mints’ from Victoria’s Secret. Tom read the note enclosed on how we have sen him 9 times this year. He always seems quite the gentleman… maybe being Welsh? A great time — great seats — great shows. Tom is truly — a living legend!!!
January 2nd, 2006 at 2:35 pm
My husband and I are planning a trip to Las Vegas in February. We LOVE to see Tom each time we are there. I do wish he would change his stage outfit. He would be so sexy in a black tee shirt and black jeans. Let us see those abs and the muscles you work so hard to keep. You have this all covered and we want you to show off to us ladies.
I am hooked and will continue to see him at every opportunity.
Tom,you have so many fans of all ages. Please stay fit and continue to keep us begging for more in 2006. My wish for 2006,that I will be able to meet you in person this year. I am sure I would be speechless but that would be OK. You are our STAR.
January 21st, 2006 at 12:23 am
Oh PLEASE TJ….don’t take out KISS!!!!! I know that he does it every time, but I wait months to see him, “think he better dance now”! WOW! I am NEVER disappointed and he is ALWAYS HOT! Keep it going TJ!!!
January 21st, 2006 at 7:46 am
Don’t worry, Jen, he didn’t. See the review for January 19 and be happy.
April 13th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
Just thought I’d drop a note and say how much I’ve enjoyed Your TJI site. I ran across it by accident earlier, and now I’m a couple of hours behind in my work, but it was worth it.
As someone who toured with Tom (Sir Tom now!) for 10 years, it’s interesting to see the show from a different viewpoint. You’ve made my night.
By the way, I’d be willing to bet money that Tom knows every word to the Richard Marx tune, but the band has new members since it was last played live. I don’t think Herman has ever played it for example. Brian would not want to risk a train wreck to find out, and I can’t say I’d blame him when the guy who wrote the song is sitting in Kings Row. Just my guess.
Thanks again,
LtheC