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.
U.S. Tivo Alert: “An Audience With Tom Jones” On BBC America Saturday Night
Wednesday, March 28th, 2007
In 2000, to promote Reload, Tom did a concert in the UK that was recorded and released on DVD and VHS (only in PAL format) in the UK.
Thus, a majority of fans in the US didn’t have the opportunity to see it.
Now, (promo at right) BBC America is correcting the situation. This Saturday, March 31, at 10 p.m., they’re broadcasting An Audience With Tom Jones.
The show features Cerys Matthews (Baby It’s Cold Outside and What’s New Pussycat), Mick Hucknall from Simply Red and others with whom Tom worked on the Reload CD.
An interesting, amusing part of this DVD are the awkward, obviously scripted “questions” from the celebrity audience (many of whom non-Brits undoubtedly will not know).
But, all involved are great sports and it’s a treat. Be sure to let us know what you think.
NOTES: This is not the “greatest hits” Reloaded CD released in the US that had old stuff and a few things from Reload. This is the original with some terrific, interesting duets. So, after you see the show, you may want to pick up a copy of the original Reload
And, another note: He looks better on the show than he does on the DVD cover.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:52 am
I have this DVD and it is simply wonderful. The quips between him and the audience, particularly the man who was tipsy, are so funny. On the musical side, Tom singing Motherless Child took my breath away. It is well worth checking out.
March 28th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
I would like to get that DVD.
March 29th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Laura beat me to saying Motherless Child was amazing in this show. Good show all ’round too.
March 29th, 2007 at 10:00 am
What channel is BBC America on?
March 29th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
Val, BBC America is on different channels depending on your cable provider. Cablevision on Long Island, for example, does not carry it at all. In fact, I searched all of Cablevision (NY, NJ and CT) and couldn’t find it. When that was my provider and Tom was on The Kumars it was very frustrating. Someone from Texas finally sent me a DVD of the show. So, if you have a friend in another area, see if they get it.
Laura and mharding, you’re both right. Tom’s voice is perfect for that kind of song that was originally a spiritual. It’s an amazing song sung by an amazing singer. Try also to hear versions by Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson.
March 30th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I have cablevision NJ I hope I can find it. Thanks, Val
March 31st, 2007 at 5:31 pm
What channel is BBC America in Charter Communications in southern California?
March 31st, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Sorry, David, we saw your question too late to answer. But we did try to find out and couldn’t. Maybe someone can help?
April 2nd, 2007 at 4:20 am
My friend and I watched it Saturday in N.J. on Comcast. He was wonderful and he sounded great, as always, but it was too short — too many commercials and not enough Tom. It was nice to hear his stories that he told, especially the one about the phone booth. It was very touching and showed the “fatherly” side of him.
April 2nd, 2007 at 7:37 am
We agree with Carol. Of course BBC America is a commercial station, so there will be commercials. But the DVD was edited so badly that the show was choppy and annoying. It would have been better to put all the ads in the beginning, middle or end as they often do here with special programming. The actual DVD was so much better. If you can get a copy, by all means do so.