Show & Venue Reviews, What's New, Pussycat?
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2006 Tour — MGM January 21— Great Show & Some Minor Quibbles
Sunday, January 22nd, 2006For this Saturday night the crowd was jazzed. They were ready and Tom Jones — as he always does — delivered royally (as befits a knight?).
He looked great in slacks with almost indiscernable pin stripes and a stunning black jacket under which he wore……the blue sequined shirt he’s been wearing.
No matter. He looked fabulous and sounded amazing as always.
Tom was in a good mood, joking with the audience, accepting cigars and the proffered thongs. He joked after 200 Pounds the he hopes “to get back there soon” but his appearance belied his words. After the finale a group of Welsh fans threw up a Welsh flag banner on which they’d written a message — “Sexbomb Tom Jones — Las Vegas — 2006.” As always loving anything Welsh, he picked it up and showed it to the audience, a wide smile on his face.
Any quibbles we have are, literally, collateral. They’re not with what happened on the stage or the performance delivered. Rather, it’s about the other stuff one associates with a concert these days. Specifically, the merchandise and the promotional material (the “collateral”).
There’s really been no new merchandise for quite awhile. This time at MGM there was none for sale. Opening night, we thought it was just because things hadn’t been set up yet. But, two days later, fans who gathered around the merch booth outside the theater — money in hand — found the display case and t-shirt racks filled with items from La Femme, another show at the hotel.
We can only hope that the lack of merch is due to a delay in shipping new things. People seem really eager to spend their money on this stuff (we know we are) and we hope they’ll be given a chance.
The collateral material — the promo video shown outside the hotel on the Jumbotron that overlooks the Strip and on video screens by the Hollywood Theater and in the hotel lobby, as well as the posters scattered around the hotel — is sorely outdated.
The video is Live at Cardiff Castle from 2001 and the poster photos are of that vintage, if not earlier. (Although the jacket he wore Saturday night looks like the one in the poster). In 2006 Tom’s appearance has changed, as have his band and back-up singers. So both items could use some refreshing.
But, as we said, those are quibbles. He is great, the show is great. And we are very grate-ful that we have the opportunity to see him.
Ellen & Ursula
Thanks to the fan (who wishes to remain anonymous) who sent this photo from the January 21 show. Photos are always welcome.
January 22nd, 2006 at 3:40 pm
I hope he changes back to the white ruffled shirt and suit. We are hoping to go out in April and I look forward to seeing a new stage outfit. Hope they update the merchandise they have for the fans to purchase. But, even with no changes and the same merchandise, he is still the very best. Love you Sir Tom.
January 23rd, 2006 at 5:27 am
I agree — bring back the white shirt. We love him no matter what he wears, but it’s time for a change.
January 23rd, 2006 at 9:44 am
Let him wear whatever he wants and were he feels comfortable in.If he wears 365 days a year the same thing, I don’t care, he looks good and sings wonderful.
January 23rd, 2006 at 2:13 pm
You are so right. He looks wonderful in anything… I just would like to see a change since I have seen him wear that same outfit four times. Tom, you just wear whatever you like and we will always be there.
January 23rd, 2006 at 8:41 pm
I, too, would love to see Tom in the white shirt….but he could wear a hefty bag with armholes and would still look great to me.
The MGM really needs to change their TJ media agenda. It is all so outdated and doesn’t do him any justice. I would love to spend some money on TJ merchandise, and it’s the least the MGM can do to support a performer who consistently packs the house.
The Saturday and Sunday shows were great. His voice still knocks me out no matter how many times I see him. His face is that of a loveable rogue and he is so endearing when he pokes fun at himself. There was a young (late 20’s) couple behind me as I was leaving the Sunday night show and the guy said “He’s the man.” His girlfriend said “He is Tom (Motherf…..ing Jones).” How right they are!!!
January 24th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
To Julia: I understand what you mean. If you have seen him wear the same outfit for four times on a live performance, then it would be nice to see a little change of the outfit. I have never seen him on a live performance, only in pictures, so it is a bit different for me.
But nevertheless, everybody agrees: He was, is and will be the best to us,whatever he wears.
January 29th, 2006 at 8:23 am
January 22, 2006: My friend and I were eagerly anticipating the show…especially after the “knight” announcement from the Queen. Tom was in truly fine form, as usual but had a special persona about him. A few more twinkles in his eyes and a punctuation of those “special body movements”. Hot, hip and truly living up to his “ULTIMATE SEX GOD” status.
We were luck to sit right behind Ellen and Ursula. They are great! When TJ sang Help Yourself I heard a distinct Carribian/Latin sound in the instrumentation. The band was out to please!
Of course, my kiss on the lips from TJ during the show was a highlight. He has the softest lips!!! The encore had just as much enthusiasm as the show. I love that boogie-woogie and the way he handles Kiss. We’ll be back as often as possible!!!!
January 29th, 2006 at 9:58 am
Saturday night Sir Tom was “ROWDY” and the audience was rowdy too. He gives 150% but he seemed particularly in good form on the 21st. TJ looked great in a suit but I for one will never complain about anything he chooses to wear. The band and back up singers were hot. I detected some slight changes in a few arrangements…all good. The horn section has a few new dance steps.
No matter how many times I see TJ perform I leave wanting more…Can’t wait until I can see him in March!
February 1st, 2006 at 9:12 pm
Hello! I just got back from Las Vegas where I saw Tom on Jan 29 and 31. Ellen, I can’t tell you how great it was that you and Ursula were sitting at the next table! Before the show I was telling my friend, Cindy, about your site. What a cool coincidence you ladies were there. The show was great, as ever, and at our table we had the most darling young British couple. The girl was celebrating her birthday. They were delighted that Cindy and I know all the words to every song; and as a little impromtu birthday gift, we gave her a pair of panties to toss. She was very thrilled.
I don’t know how to start a new topic, but I must tell you about the show on the 31st. Tom changed up the set! He added four songs…the first of which was ‘Baptism by Fire’!!! I was so happy, since this is my favorite of his recent songs. I could hardly believe he was singing it…and it was incredible. You could tell he was in a great mood that night and the audience really appreciated it. The other songs he added were: ‘St. James Infirmary Blues/One O’Clock Jump’, ‘Love Leters’ and ‘Glory of Love’. As far as what he dropped from the set to add these new numbers, all I could tell was ‘Hanging Up My Heart for You’, ‘Who Will the Next Fool Be’, ‘Mom & Dad’s Waltz’ and I think ‘My Babe’. It was a fantastic show and I can’t wait to get back to Las Vegas soon.
February 3rd, 2006 at 1:51 pm
New songs, old songs, there are very few I dislike, if sung by our Mr. Jones. If I were ever so lucky to see consecutive shows, I would love to have the change in setlist. I don’t think there is a female alive who didn’t fall in love with Tom Jones after hearing I’ll Never Fall in Love Again, or the lesser known, Only Once. These ballads were the best of the best and, in my opinion, made Tom Jones what he is to his gal fans….and it will never change, will it, girls?? However, I must admit I can get into his newer music quite well.
February 6th, 2006 at 12:17 am
Once again, me & my gal-pal saw Tom at the MGM on Jan. 30th & 31st. The shows were great. Tom looked & sounded wonderful. I liked the new wardrobe and song line-up. On the 31st, an older couple at our table complained whenever Tom did newer songs, but enjoyed the ‘classics’. We like them all. Definitely liked the new lighting on stage. My only gripe was during either Sexbomb or You Can Leave Your Hat On the bright white lights flash on the audience repeatedly, right in peoples eyes, and are very annoying. Can’t wait until Tom comes up to Milwaukee for 2 shows in April.
PS - saw the ‘bra & pantie’ incident you spoke of — they were nasty !!!