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.
MGM Tuesday, August 14: “The Voice” Is Back & In Fine Form
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007Opening night — Sunday — was a bit rocky. It got better Monday and tonight we saw Tom Jones at his best. The crowd loved every minute and, as usual, their reaction energized and already energetic performer.
Tom’s voice was just great tonight, he hit every note with no evidence of the hoarseness that afflicted him Sunday. You knew as you watched you were seeing one of the all-time greats. This man is remarkable. He looks great, too. He’s lost noticeable weight (a stone or so?) and is very trim. That moment — you know the one — in Kiss — is looking better than every.
The fans came bearing gifts, some stuffed animals (a cow and a pussycat) and two pairs of dainties. The first was actually retrieved from the stage where Tom left it by its donor — the first time we’ve seen that. The other was from a Georgia peach who, in a routine Tom has enjoyed for years, made advances to him and showed a substantial diamond ring.
Looking at the jewel Tom, well-rehearsed in the ensuing dialogue, asked, “Are you married, then?”
“Yes,” she answered, “but I’m separated.”
“Separated, you say?”
“Yes,” she drawled, reaching for his left leg and gripping it, moving her hands up and down (after the show she informed us his leg “was very hard”). “He’s in Atlanta and I’m heah.”
The crowd loves it and Tom does, too.
For us, the audience interaction was a bonus. It was just so very good seeing Tom recovered.
The following statement was posted on Wednesday, August 15 on tomjones.com: “On Thursday the 9th of August, Sir Tom woke up with a sore throat. He went immediately to his ENT specialist doctor in LA, who told him he had an infection on the vocal chords and would be unable to sing until it was under control. After taking a culture of his throat, the Doctor’s prognosis was good, it should take about 4 days for the infection to clear. His prediction was correct, as Tom was able to perform at the MGM in Las Vegas on Sunday the 11th, even earlier than expected. It is expected that the infection will remain under control and he will heal according to plan. As you may know, it is ’summer cold’ season and these germs are everywhere! Unfortunately, while most can continue to function normally with a sore throat, a singer can’t and he is taken out of work lest serious damage is done. Sir Tom apologies to all who made plans to see him and is very sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience caused. He was very much looking forward to his time at the MGM in August, and was upset that he was unable to perform for the first part of his engagement. He hopes to see you again sometime soon.”
August 15th, 2007 at 3:28 am
It’s fantastic to hear that Tom is now back on top form and that voice is ringing out once more. I do appreciate the little anecdotes - thanks!
August 15th, 2007 at 6:29 am
What fun! So glad he’s feeling better, he certainly looks smashing. TJ is just incredible, what a Knight! ; ))
August 15th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Someone commented several days ago that, perhaps, it was the airplane travel causing the infection. We have to agree as we’ve had experience with this, always falling ill after long cross-country or trans-Atlantic trips. When we mentioned this to an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat doctor) we know he said, “It the air in the plane. To prevent this, use saline nasal spray and a non-drowsy product like Sudafed.” It has worked and we’d recommend this preventive medicine to Sir Tom, or anyone who gets a throat or chest infection after a long plane ride. Also, do not use the pillows and blankets provided by the airlines as they aren’t too sanitary. (Just watch the flight crew handle used pillows and blankets and you’ll know what we mean.)
Of course, this is absolutely not medical advice, but it’s proven to work.If this is a problem for you, as a doc.
August 15th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Just a thought: does Sir Tom really use commercial airlines for domestic travel within the US? That surprises me — I assumed he would mainly use private jets.
August 15th, 2007 at 9:48 am
Paula: Yes, he flies commercial although we do hear he flies first class. A private jet cross-country that seats 13 people, costs about $20,000.
As for the note about his illness that Tom’s official site posted, we were happy they did it, as such information should come from his official site. BUT…
…on a note about our personal preferance, referring to him as “Sir” Tom really isn’t necessary. The honorary title just serves to put a barrier between performer and the fans served by the website. In the interest of accuracy, we did some research and other “Sirs,” like Sir Elton and Sir Mick mention their knighthoods only in passing. After all, the fans for whom the site is intended don’t refer to him as “Sir Tom.” Most just say “Tom,” and one suggested that if we were to use the title, we should call him “Sir Sexbomb.”
On this site we do occasionally call him “Sir Tom,” but that’s only in the interest of writing style. That Sir Tom Jones deserves his title, will get no argument. But we kind of think that, with all he’s achieved, all he has, he’s still “Tommy from the block.”
August 16th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
$20,000 is worth his voice…time for him to invest in his own private jet or a time-share in one. Sometimes throwing money at a problem to make it go away is worth it. I can’t imagine what it must be like for him to be in the airports so much.
August 16th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
A fractional interest in a NetJet (50 hours of flying time) starts at a mere $412,500, but you can fly 13 or more people each time. (I love spending money I don’t have).
August 19th, 2007 at 5:24 am
I’d rather see him continue to fly commercial and do more preventative care regarding the illnesses. I would hate to hear that he decided to fly in a private jet and then find out something tragic happened - as is all too frequent in the entertainment world. Stick to the commercial flights, Tom, they’re safer.