Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
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.
An Editorial of Sorts: Barry Manilow and Tom
Monday, July 17th, 2006
Friday night, the 14th of July, we went undercover – posing as “Fanilows” – accompanying out-of-town friends to see Barry Manilow. We didn’t know what to expect. Ticket prices were fairly high; bumping up around $250 each for our seats (we were comped). Our friends paid $1000 each. That’s right, ONE THOUSAND dollars. For this privilege they received a champagne reception with ol’ Barry before the show, professional, as well as casual photos with Barry, a private audience with BM, autographed programs, and (drum roll please) front row center seats. We were told that the proceeds from this go to his foundation. Interestingly, fans are allowed to purchase this package only once in their lifetime. Our friend, Laurie, was giddy from the thrill of it all.
Having never been huge Barry fans — Ursula has one old Barry vinyl and Ellen has one CD — we were skeptical. But, we were extremely impressed by the production value of the show. It flowed. It was funny. It was packed and the audience went wild. We admit we knew more of his songs than we knew we knew and we even liked several of them. Barry had a fantastic orchestra, talented back-up dancers/singers. The whole package.
From a Tom Jones perspective, here are our biased observations — too bad the chances are slim that Tom will actually see this:
Barry does a full-screen retrospective of his career before the show opens. It was great. It would be incredible to see some old clips of Tom sometime during his show. He certainly has plenty to choose from. The overall feeling we were left with after viewing the history of BM was that he’s had staying power. What about Tom? Wouldn’t you love to see clips from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s? What a treat that would be!
Barry has a new album out of songs from the 50s. He integrated them into the show without saying something like, “Here’s my new single.” He did an American Bandstand segment and morphed that into some of the songs from his new CD. Very eloquent. And elegant.
Costumes. Barry wore a black shirt and pants and changed into at least five different jackets. It worked with the mood of the music and was part of the show. Aren’t we all more than a little tired of the navy and black sequined shirts? We are.
Barry acknowledged his fans. Several times. Thanked them for supporting him throughout his career. He even pulled one girl up on stage to dance (a waltz) with him during one of the 50’s songs. It was sweet. Enough said.
Barry acknowledged his band. Several times and by name.
There were actual skits and scenery; writing and directing. He talked about how he started out and got to where he is. It was interesting. Tom has quite the story to tell. We’d love to hear more about it.
Finally, Barry was just 60 years old. He actually sang songs that were appropriate for his voice — which isn’t anything special — and his age. Now, we know Tom is always current. That’s terrific and keeps him interesting, helping him find new audiences. But, admit it, wouldn’t you love to see hear him sing a lovely, classic, Cole Porter tune? Or, how about bringing some of his classics (like Till) back, maybe with new arrangements as he did with I (Who Have Nothing)?
With Tom’s phenomenal pipes (the best in the world), there is a whole universe of choices from which he could take material. There are classic ballads or R&B. We recently viewed a clip from The Right Time which was done in the early 90’s. When Tom sang that Otis Redding classic, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long it brought on goosebumps. Leave Stoned In Love to the club set and come back to us. Yes, continue to sing great music — and, please, do an R&B album — and try new things but, always, get back to your musical roots, to the music you love.
Watching Manilow’s show, an audience member gets a real sense of the man’s importance; a sense that he has a special place in popular music. We’re not going to debate that point, but we must state unequivocally that Tom Jones absolutely does have a special place in popular music — the first “trans-Atlantic” TV show; the first single act to make it here during the British invasion; the first single act to play Madison Square Garden. And so on. Thus, his show merits this kind of ambiance — a frame of reference that, without being stuffy or pretentious, recognizes his incredible voice and his amazing 40+ years of making music.
Editorial over. Barry was good. Tom is so much better and his career is so much more extraordinary. What we would give to see Tom step out of his comfort zone and really produce something that rivals what his contemporaries — not “peers,” because he has no real peers — are serving up. Now, that would be something indeed!
—Ursula & Ellen
July 18th, 2006 at 3:18 am
Hi
I’ve seen a retrospective video compilation screened at Tom’s shows the last couple of times I’ve been (in the UK). When he sings Help Yourself they’d run a sequence of him meeting the Queen in the 60s, onstage in different decades, early TV clips, etc. Only problem was that it wasn’t very long so they had to keep looping it. By the end of the song you’d seen him meet the Queen about six times.
Don’t they use the big screens in the Vegas shows?
July 18th, 2006 at 4:20 am
Great review on Barry. I love the idea of the $1000 ticket and what you get for it, but it is a bit pricey even though it goes to a good cause. I hardly think Tom would ever consider that (he could contribute the money to one of his favorite charities) but I would love the opportunity to have a glass of Don Perignon with him. And, girls, I do agree with you about the navy and black shirt. Enough, already!!!!
July 18th, 2006 at 5:55 am
Good review ladies and you’re right on with Tom being in a comfort zone. We see it in his stage wardrobe and especially in his set list. The only reason I can come up with for this is that at his age, while he still has powerful pipes, they definitely are not what they once were and he probably can’t do powerful songs like Till or Boy From Nowhere every night because it’s too much of a strain. He found songs that are managable night after night and is sticking to them. However, there have to be other managable songs out there!! I’ll be curious to see how Stoned in Love gets done in Atlantic City. I’ll be there for the Saturday night show.
July 18th, 2006 at 9:49 am
No, mharding, there is no retrospective video here. Just that flying sheep thing (that’s a bit old already) as an introduction to Tom Jones International. But, Vince, we think age has nothing to do with this. Tom’s voice is much richer, fuller, today than it ever was so what he lacks in range, he makes up in depth. And that’s a good thing. He did a stunning The Boy From Nowhere last year in Las Vegas and, we’ve heard, he does it in his UK shows. But let us know about the AC show.
July 18th, 2006 at 10:12 am
Well, here goes, I know I’ll get slammed for some of these opinions….however, while I think it’s great that Tom’s “local” touring makes him accessible to fans that may not be able to come to Las Vegas, I do think he and his management are selling him short by in some ways by doing so. Perhaps he could compromise by continuing to tour some to reach those fans that can’t come to Las Vegas, and then when he is in Las Vegas have a more lavish, big time show? Having seen him both ways, I do think there should be a difference in the two shows (and there doesn’t seem to be much of one currently). If I fly to Vegas and pay that kind of money for coming to Vegas, the hotel and the “Vegas experience” it should be different and a bit ABOVE the show I just saw in Podunkville, Ohio.
Given what will be Tom’s place in music history he should be doing a more “professional” and “polished” show (for lack of better words) in Las Vegas. He is a fantastic talent and I would like to see him start to get the respect he has long deserved. I think a more, dare I say it, Barry Manilow-ish type show, with wardrobe changes and, yes, even taking out some of the music that is a bit “age-inappropriate” for him to be singing in Las Vegas would go a long way toward putting him up on the pedestal where he belongs in music history NOW, instead of sometime in the future.
I’m not saying Tom should change entirely and become (God forbid) Wayne Newton-ish or even Barry Manilow-ish. Tom should stay true to himself. But given his many years in the business now and the hard work he has put in, I’d say it’s LONG PAST TIME to have a permanent home in Las Vegas with a big time, lavish Las Vegas show. Tom has the pipes and I believe certainly could draw the audiences once word got out that the show was GREAT and done in a professional and world class way.
July 18th, 2006 at 10:51 am
Tom, or his management, if you ever read this, the devoted girls have a point, just bloody listen to it. If you need suggestions for songs… just call them. I can tell you, they don’t mind. If you ask them gently, they problably will give you some suggestions in person.
July 18th, 2006 at 11:46 am
Hi all…
I don’t normally leave posts, but I feel on this that the term “comfort zone” is absolutely correct.
If anyone who has followed Tom since his touring days realize that there was a time when each music set would change from year to year. The sets he used to do always used to include some top hits that were popular at the time. I don’t know if it’s because now they have to get permission and pay for usage of the song on stage or, as someone mentioned here, that he feels comfortable with only certain types of songs now.
Granted he still has an amazing voice, but I do feel the song selections or the lack of a variety of new songs is contributable to the combination that he has to sing songs that are within his range now and I also think not having to have get permission or pay for use of the song on stage is also key.
Wardrobe? Well, I still not sure on this one. I think it was here that I read he tried some different attire when he started his Vegas run earlier this year and ended back with what he wears now.
I think it’s a nice idea such as a special pre-gathering of the show would be popular with fans. It certainly would be nice as the fan interaction during the show isn’t as much as it was during the 70s and 80s.
Tom is not one to do a traditional Vegas show with dancers and 5 wardrobe changes. His deal is to perform on stage and do what he is a good at — singing your heart out and let everyone know you are a performer. We don’t need to see the Vegas glitz. I want to hear the voice without any distraction.
By the way, Ellen and Ursula, you have a pretty nice sight here. Keep up the good work.
July 18th, 2006 at 4:43 pm
Tom could come onstage wearing a brown paper bag for all i care. i’m just glad i can still listen to the magic of Tom Jones
July 18th, 2006 at 5:00 pm
I agree with everything the girls have to say. Tom, we all love you. There is no other way we could convince our sweet husbands that Las Vegas was the best vacation ever. I do wish Tom would change the songs up at bit. How about adding a little Marvin Gaye? Like Distant Lover? Tom would bring down the house with that song. I would just love to see Tom in black jeans and a black tee shirt. Keep it simple. Show off that beautiful shape you work so hard to keep and we all love to see. Your fans love you and we all would like a little variety and spice now and again. You do know what we mean. Keep it fresh and you will be there as long as you wish. I will end with, I do love you Tom Jones……
July 19th, 2006 at 6:05 am
Hmmm…interesting to read mharding’s post about a retrospective video compilation screened at Tom’s shows, especially considering over here in the states we’ve seen nothing but that flying sheep intro which was probably inspired by the movie “Twister” (we’ve got rain, we’ve got wind, we’ve got cows!)…
To be able to see the man live and then see highlights of his long, varied, and tremendous career behind him or on the sides would be awesome! I would be glued to my seat in total awe!
Although I agree the $1000 price tag for the champagne and such is a bit much - maybe that’s why the fans are only allowed to do it once, so as not to send them to the poor house - I would be willing to shell out $500 for the chance for a meet and greet, especially if the additional money would go to charity or something. I don’t think any of us want Tom to prostitute himself .
As for song set, I love all the songs he does in his shows but even changing the order and some of the dialog would be nice.
Now, regarding the changing of clothes, I don’t mind seeing him stay in the same outfit for the entire length of the show…he should spend his time on the stage doing what he does best - not expending unnecessary energy to show off his wardrobe.
HOWEVER, it would be nice to know that he actually has something else in that wardrobe besides that worn (and ironed sheened) shirt that he has been wearing for the past how many years???
Black jeans and a black Tee would be great…black jeans and a white Tee would be wonderful…in the summer, perhaps some white linen slacks and coordinating top…in the winter, a black sweater on top some nice black slacks…even the brown paper bag suggested by Beverly would be an interesting change…the visuals are dreamy
Bottom line, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Tom and/or his management actually read and acted on some of the suggestions from this great website???
Keep up the great work, ladies and all you other fans!
July 19th, 2006 at 6:33 am
I saw an interview with Tom last year - he was asked then why only black shirts and he said we tried different colors - its because of the perspiration.
July 19th, 2006 at 8:05 am
Hi, All: This is definitely not about what Tom wears. It’s about an ambiance, a sense of occasion, a feeling that this is an important, special artist whose unique place in music should be celebrated by a unique show. The mention of what Manilow wore onstage was just to illustrate the point that his show is an “event.” We said how we feel about Tom compared to Manilow; compared to anyone. But the same setlist and the same stage clothing contribute to a sense of…..well…..sameness. If we gave the impression what we said is about costumes, forgive us for not being clear. Again….this isn’t about shirts and jackets. It’s about a larger picture.
July 19th, 2006 at 9:32 am
Moderator: You certainly DID NOT give the impression that what you said was only about costumes, but do we not have the right to express our opinions and feelings about this man that we respect and enjoy so much. We are not being rude or implying that Tom should in any way be “glitzy” but out of respect to his fans that notice EVERYTHING, I think a new shirt might be refreshing. That’s all I were trying to say!!!!! I guess in the future I will frequent another website to express my opinions.
July 19th, 2006 at 9:45 am
I don’t give a darn what he wears…or doesn’t. The man can sing and that’s all I care about (OK, I admit I like the moves too!) I would love it if he did “meet & greets” for charity or whatever. Heck, even Pavarotti did them.
July 19th, 2006 at 10:13 am
Personally I feel it’s such a privilege to actually get to see Tom sing live and in person, that what he’s wearing means next to nothing to me. I, too, would love to see him in a tux (just the visual is enough to make ME sweat!) but I really don’t mind the same old suit and black shirt. Even the set list, be it the same almost every night, is fine with me. Because Tom is so talented and blessed with that incredible voice, I don’t mind hearing the same songs. It’s a credit to him that each time I see him sing I get goose bumps during certain songs no matter how often I’ve heard them. There is no other singer I can say that about, past or present. I consider each concert of his a gift because we never know when he’ll decide to stop performing. I’m going to see Tom next weekend in Atlantic City and am already counting the days. One can never get enough of Mr. Jones. And Ellen & Ursula, I just want to thank you for this website. I look forward to logging in every day for updates on Tom’s career, concerts, TV appearances etc. The photos and info you have here are terrific and I really enjoy the comments from the other visitors to your site. Scoop is always a great read. Keep up the phenomenal work. Hope to meet you in Las Vegas during one of Tom’s shows some day.
July 19th, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Many thanks to Ellen and Ursula for the above post which has resulted in this constructive dialogue. I echo many of the comments made, especially about putting Tom up on the highest pedestal, and recognizing his greatness NOW instead of after the fact. There is no other singer alive today with more talent, charisma and show biz history. A Tom Jones show should be presented as an event celebrating this extraodinary man and his equally extraordinary career.
July 19th, 2006 at 7:32 pm
Ellen & Ursula, Again, kudos to you for your great site and all the work you do to keep it up and looking so great!!
I totally agree and understood that your comments (and “editorial”) were not about “costumes” or clothes. For me personally it is more that SIR Tom should be elevating himself a bit above the fray. As his fans we all KNOW that he is the BEST already. I for one would like to see his show (in Vegas at least) reflect that a bit more; as you said, more of a sense of occasion and an EVENT!! In terms of talent and singing ABILITY, he is far and above Barry Manilow and othere similar singers (sorry, Fanilows).
Maybe we are barking up the wrong tree. Maybe none of this is Tom’s “cuppa” anyway. Perhaps he is the one making these decisions. Could be he likes his show the way it is, likes touring locally still and, yes, even likes that same “outfit” (because it works so well due to sweating).
I agree with Audrey… if nothing else, we’ve opened this up to some new ideas and constructive dialog. If only someone in a position to bend Tom’s ear (or his management’s ear) would read this or listen to us…THE MONEY PAYING FANS!
I’d gladly pay more to go to a show that was more of an event, as discussed above. I’d pay for a dinner package even. I’d pay the $500 or $1,000 for the meet and greet. I think his fan base is there. The potential is LIMITLESS if only someone, anyone in his management would tap into it. I am at a loss as to why this isn’t happening. Maybe Tom has so much money he just doesn’t care any more??? Maybe he’s been at it so long he’s worn out with meet and greets???
I’d love for someone to share some insight on this if they have any REAL direct knowledge.
My big concern is that we should be appreciating Tom now (and by now, I mean while he’s still performing. Not waiting until he retires, or God forbid until after he dies) and treating him with more dignity and respect (especially here in the US). He should be up on the pedestal NOW !!!!
July 19th, 2006 at 9:42 pm
Audrey, Renn & All:
We of course aren’t privy to the decision-making process on the part of Tom’s management team and have no idea of what kind of thought goes into designing and mounting a show.
But we are positive of two things —
First, we’d bet anything that Tom Jones performs because he loves to perform. We’re pretty sure that, for him, it’s not primarily about the money. Really. Don’t you agree?
Second, while meeting fans must at times be tiresome, we’d be hard-pressed to find a fan, a journalist — anyone who has dealt with Tom Jones on a personal level — who did not have a positive experience when with him, be it for a moment or an hour.
—Ellen & Ursula
July 20th, 2006 at 7:38 am
I agree Tom performs not for money but because he loves it. And, remember, he’s not out there singing to himself hes singing to us the fans so i think he loves us too! Thank you Ursula and Ellen for your website. I enjoy it very much
July 20th, 2006 at 8:53 am
There are a lot of valid points in these postings. I finally have had the opportunity to see Tom live for the past two years. I wish I could have seen him in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s. I try to see him every time he is in Las Vegas and have seen him outside that venue as well. I feel grateful to experience a true legend. He gives us 100% and more when he can. As evidenced in An Audience With Tom Jones, when most men this age move one leg suddenly, it is an event in itself. No one can be all things to all people. I simply love Tom Jones. However…..if he and management were to kick the presentation up a notch, and create an event vs. a show (and a good show at that), I would be there to celebrate as well. For now, I will enjoy the MAN whenever I can.
July 21st, 2006 at 7:28 am
Dear Tom,
We love you just they way you are. Don’t change. The meet and greets are a great idea! I have another great idea! A permenant show in Atlantic City, NJ. Move to New Jersey. All that traveling the country can take it’s toll on the body. And we don’t want anything to happen to that body! It is much closer to Wales in more ways than one. Also your Lady Linda could go back and forth to Europe on the Queen Mary and skip the planes. New Jersey and you: Perfect Together!
July 21st, 2006 at 11:20 am
I have been a Tom Jones fan since 1969. I have a lot of his records and tapes. I do agree. I wish Tom would do some rhythm and blues like the Stevie Ray Vaughn song, Pride and Joy. Now, that’s a classic. Or the Eric Clapton song, I Shot the Sheriff. Cool stuff like that. PS: I hope tom reads these feedback comments.
July 21st, 2006 at 12:32 pm
I agree, it isn’t about the “stage outfit.” But, if we wore the same thing each day this would become a bore to us as well. Tom is such a handsome man ad a marvelous entertainer. Wouldn’t you think he would like just a little variety. For those of us that convince our husbands to take us to Vegas for a vacation, we would like to see a little change. Don’t get me wrong, Tom as he is will still keep me coming back, but a little change would make me want to see him that much more. We all love him and appreciate his gift to us or we wouldn’t respond and offer our ideas for a future show. I would love to meet Tom but I am just happy to see him entertain us. Tom, just wear whatever, I will be there.
July 21st, 2006 at 12:39 pm
I’ve read this several times over as many days and I’m finding it difficult to articulate what my opinion is on this matter, for a number of reasons. I’ll try and break it down. I think what Barry Manilow is doing is fabulous. I am not a “fanilow” by any stretch of the imagination, but, like the reviewer, I must admit I could probably sing along to most of his songs, purely from “childhood exposure radio osmosis” from driving around with my mother. He is indeed a contemporary and not a peer to TJ. Would I spend money on Barry? No. I don’t have $1,000 to spend to buy some time /w TJ and support a charity, but, if I did, would I? In a heartbeat. Would I want to exclude those with less money, like me, no. This would need to be carefully considered and excecuted to ensure a win/win for one and all. So, let’s move on to what it is that Barry is doing that we’d like to see Tommy be inspired by and put his own spin on? Well, that truly is the BIG question. The fact that it is being asked, by not only this group, but by a lot of his long time fan base, proves that there is indeed room for growth. I truly believe that Tom’s son and manager, Mark, has been successful in expanding the catalogue of his father’s songs and the audience reception, old and new, has been phenomenal. His work with Wyclef Jean was really groundbreaking and opened up a whole new audience to his work. Now with Stoned In Love with Chicane, it further proves that Mark is still pushing his father to evolve and grow to attract a new audience. On one hand, while TJ is undeniably reaching out and recording this new music, there is seemingly nothing to keep them there once they arrive that can back it up and round it out, for example, renewing his stage show. He’s getting the new audience but not keeping them and growing with them. Why? Fans are begging for new and exciting video yet they are not delivering it. Why? What IS the disconnect? I think it deserves circumspect consideration. I know it may be hard to believe it might be Tom himself, but is it that far fetched? While he takes his manager’s advice and records and collaborates with the new styles of music and musicians, is he really likely to completely abandon his tried and true act completely? He’s been at this gig for four decades and he LOVES it. He is of the generation that abides by sayings such as “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. You can’t argue with success and pehaps this is a common middle ground, an agreement as it were, between TJ and his management: I’ll record the music but don’t mess with my stage show. I don’t think for a minute he’s digging his heels in and saying NO, I’m just suggesting we consider ths possibility. Another possibility may be indeed, that his management just doesn’t need to do it. How motivated does one have to be when you’re all raking in the dough, doing something that you love, and it is really easy because it’s something you’ve been doing over and over again and it works? Also, how much is one willing to change, at risk of one’s huge inheritance? It may be this simple, and I’m afraid we may never know the real answer. One thing we cannot argue with is that TJ LOVES performing. He absolutely loves it. It’s Tom’s oxygen, his lifeblood, it’s what keeps that twinkle in his eye, that bounce in his step and the joy and hope in our hearts. My hope is that between the performer and his manager, one of them takes the proverbial bull by the horns and makes some small changes to close that gap, to move closer to connecting that disconnect that is clearly there. I don’t think any of us want them to move mountains, we just need a refreshing change of the tide, a new perspective and some true commitment to deliver what the fans want while not giving up what is important to Tom. Talk about a win-win for everyone ; ))) Have an awesome TJ filled weekend everybody!
July 21st, 2006 at 12:50 pm
A small note from the moderators:
We want to thank all of you for your comments since we launched the site.
Fay’s comment above was #1,000 and we are so appreciative of your support. We know most visitors do not comment and of course we welcome those visitors, too.
The discussion on this thread is clearly illustrative of the thoughtfulness of most fans, their intelligence and ability to discern issues. As fans ourselves, we are so proud of this community of Tom Jones fans. (And all this “thoughtfulness” and “intelligence” does not mean we forgot how hot Sir Tom is.)
Thank you so much.
Now — Tom Jones’ show……Please continue to discuss.
—Ellen & Ursula
July 23rd, 2006 at 10:57 pm
“The boogie-woogie piano from his 10-piece band is great, and Jones is, of course, the consummate performer - but his manner is very workman-like. How can it not be, when you’re churning out half a century’s worth of well-known material like a human jukebox? Whether it’s Botox or boredom that have robbed him of his smile lines, there’s something rather stony-faced about Jones’s delivery. Despite the quips, he is strangely humourless.”
Quote above was from a writer in the UK. Have been weaving around this topic, reluctant to add any additional thoughts that could or might irritate Sir Tom, his band, backup singers, management. Have only been seeing Sir Tom since 1998, but have often wondered if other artists do not change their setlist within a long stint, or tour. Tom must have to get terribly bored with the same songs, same monologue, same outfit…night after night. I don’t even like to bring up other artists’ concerts, but…Rod Stewart goes through several changes of outfits, cools off, lets his bandmates take up the slack. And…the huge screens in the backdrop…are phenomenal to watch. Just think how much more phenomenal Tom’s lifework on screen would be!!! No matter how great Tom’s performance and dedication has been, surely a few productive/creative changes would be great for HIM and his fans. Surely his management is aware of what other artists are doing in their stage performances.
July 30th, 2006 at 2:11 pm
You said it all. We all need to be proactive and look to the future. Tom, as we know him, is great… What about a few changes to improve? I would enjoy a new change for songs and stage outfits. “Tom” we love you so. We would love to add a little change. We pay a lot to get there to see you and you do give us your all. Variety is the spice of life. I know that you know that……
August 1st, 2006 at 6:41 pm
Ellen and Ursula — love your website. It’s informative, insightful and fun. And Fay, you’ve got it down. We love Sir Tom’s show. It could only be performed by him. The “Voice.” The eyes. The pelvic gyrations. The dancing. However, we all know the show, because it’s …consistent. A different song here and there; that’s about the only change. I’ve seen Sir Tom in 4 different venues in the last 2 years plus 4 x at the MGM, and I’ve loved every show. But I can’t recall anything that was different at any of the shows except a different song here or there, which is exciting, because Tom’s voice is still ultra-fabulous, and he should be singing more of his huge library of songs. As far as the show goes, I can reliably tell my friends before the show, “Well, he’ll be wearing a black or blue-ish shirt and black pants. The show starts out with a an outer space-type video, the theme is ‘TJ International’, then he comes out singing that song about himself (which is DYNAMITE!!!), and during the show he does his shtick about Jerry Lee Lewis “drinking champagne and feeling no pain,” “the memory’s the 2nd thing to go,” being “180 lbs…,” etc. And during Kiss he’ll do a bunch of sexy moves and lift up his shirt to show his 6-pack. There’ll be one encore, and that’s it. He doesn’t shake hands with the audience,. and that’s it. It’s reliably and comfortably the same moves, the same pace, the same everything. You fans that have been to a few shows know too well what I’m saying. BUT he’s the ONLY SIR TOM JONES. He’s the only one to whom we still throw, in fun, our lingerie or boxers. He is one-of-a kind. But, I sure would be thrilled to see some variety in Sir Tom’s shows, especially in the song list. He’s got , what, 40-plus albums? There are FABULOUS songs on those albums. Perhaps a duet with one of the fabulous back-up singers? Taking a request from the sudience? Wouldn’t we love to hear Black Betty, or If loving you is wrong? Also, on my wish list — I’m being selfish — more audience interaction. It’s obvious the man puts 101% of his energy into the show, but the something’s missing, and that’s also some connection with the audience that adores the man. I just went to my third Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons show, and Frankie, who also puts on a terrific show (he doesn’t dance, but the Four do), will shake the hand of anyone who comes up to the stage at the conclusion of the show. (Tom might be pulled off the stage, but he should try it.) I’d love an opportunity to be at a “Meet & Greet” with Sir Tom. Would contribute to his charity. I would love…something different. And, yes, Sir Tom, some videos, PLEASE. See y’all in Las Vegas on August 19th. I’ll be by the stage, dancing!