Tom Jones International

Tom played the fabled Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday — now he only plays in Glasgow tonight and tomorrow and his European tour comes to an end. Wembley is one we’re sorry we missed as it’s a venue steeped in history. In addition to all the great footballl (British football, that is) matches, there’s been rugby, Olympic athletics and, of course, music. In 1985, Live Aid, the concert for Africa, was held there. The photo at left is from a 1999 clip of Tom at a Welsh rugby match at Wembley Stadium from the BBC Wales site. Before Tom’s bit, comedian Max Boyce rallies the crowd. It is funny.

Again, we’re so grateful that Inside Scoop was able to catch some of the shows for us. Surely we’ll hear from Scoop when Tom is back in North America.

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The incredible life of the Wembley Complex is an historic one indeed. Wembley Stadium (the original) saw some of the most memorable music concerts in history, including those of the Beatles. The recently refurbished Wembley Arena continues its tradition of hosting international acts. The original stadium was torn down several years ago to make room for the monolith megastructure that now arches high above this part of the city of London. It is HUGE! Controversy has stalled its completion and subsequent grand opening. Organizers say that all disputes have been settled, and that opening will occur in 2007. Tick tock…

Meanwhile the arena, now sitting in the massive shadow of the new stadium, continues to be a place where great artisans come to share their art and music with those who practice the art of appreciation.

Tom Jones’ performance last Saturday night was solid as usual, but not earth-shattering. As expected, fans swayed and sang the old favorites right along with their favorite Welsh friend.

The pace of the show moves along quite swimmingly now. Ladies were throwing their adoration Tom’s way from the very start of the Wembley show. Kisses, cards, signs, flags and of course panties, were directed toward the stage. Few reached their mark, but always received a smattering of applause for the effort.

Another solid TJ performance is a just dessert for yet another night out in the UK, London town.

Hats off to you Sir Tom. You keep us coming, you leave us wanting more. What an insatiable (and quite successful) formula!

Upon the completion of this writing, it is time for this weary, money-deficient one to catch the big bird for the long flight home. Pound for pound (spent) it’s the best trip I’ve taken in many years.

There is much to see and do here in the UK. Certainly far too much to take in, in one trip. However I’ve gained a lifetime of memories and made a few friends along the way.

Now that my work is done here, I’d like to be home already. I wonder if I put on some ruby red slippers and click my heels together three times, can I be in Kansas NOW? Dorothy, Toto… corn fields, here I come!

Thanks for being with me on my journey. I’ll see you and Tom back in the USA. There’s no place like home! Fat Burger, here I come. More ketchup please (hold the mayo). Yippee!

Scoop… out!