Show & Venue Reviews, What's New, Pussycat?
Please share your Tom Jones shows with other fans. Setlist? Audience? Energy? What was it like being there? We’d love to hear from you.
And, while you’re telling us about the shows, please let us know what you think of the venues where Tom plays. Clubs, theaters, casinos — Tom Jones performs in all of them. Which venue do you think is the best? The worst?
So that other fans will know what’s in store when they buy their tickets, please tell us a little bit about the venues you know. If possible, try to use the format below so others can tell at a glance what you think. The best venue will merit ****. More than one review of a venue is welcome.
Tom At The MGM, Opening Night, September 20
Friday, September 21st, 2007
In a word: WOW!
It is difficult for us to recall any show better than this one. It was just outstanding.
Where to begin? Well, first, Tom looked terrific. Rested and very happy to be performing. We noticed that he (wisely, we believe) didn’t kiss anyone but, rather, blew a kiss at the women in the audience who gave him gifts. Maybe there’ll be fewer throat infections.
The show was amazing. The audience was on fire and it energized this most dynamic performer even more than usual.
Tom was having a bit of trouble with the earpiece in his right ear (a new one that looks to be metal as you can see in the photos from the show, rather than the older plastic one). He jiggled it and then took it out, explaining to the audience how it is used as part of the sound system, that it is new and he had it fitted the other day.
“The lady who did the fitting said, ‘You know, your ears are different,’” he told the audience.
“Yes, I told her, one is on the left side; the other on the right.”
He took the earpiece out, breathed a sigh of relief and continued, “It’s too tight. There’s no sweating room here.”
As he put the offending object back in his ear, he uttered a prolonged “ouch!!” Then, when it was in, he noted, “It’s very tight.
“Now I know how that feels.”
OK, then…on to the singing. Tom was in great voice, the band was cooking and the singers were, too. We again had the opportunity to admire the people who back Tom up. As fortunate as they are to play for a performer the caliber of Tom Jones, he’s pretty damned lucky to have them. Really, it’s worth taking a few moments to appreciate (in no particular order) Brian, Herman, Frank, Mike M., Mike T., Kevin, Pete and Kenny, as well as Darelle, Sharon and Tony. Maybe all eyes are usually on Tom and the others onstage with him don’t get much notice, but they should all be recognized and appreciated…..They’re terrific.
The setlist is the same as it’s been. No Stoned In Love or The Reason. We really miss the latter. There were some requests shouted out for I Bet You Look Good On the Dancefloor (Arctic Monkeys’ spelling, not ours.) But that will have to wait for a new show or a new CD, we guess.
It is really difficult to explain what happened in the Hollywood Theatre tonight. All those adjectives we who work in PR, marketing and as writers toss around constantly just seem inadequate. The closest we can come is “electrifying.” And “amazing.” And “dazzling.” Don’t forget, “brilliant.” Well, you get the point.
Now, though we’re slightly embarrassed to notice these things, much less report them, Tom has a new, stunning gold and diamond bracelet. He once again defines “bling.” He’s also changed his shoes. He was wearing oxfords. (Cannot believe we actually wrote that.)
In all, as wonderful as Tom is almost without exception, this was an exceptional performance. We’re happy we were there and hope some others who were, too — like the two couples from Brisbane sitting behind us who were all TJ virgins and who all had a ball — take a few moments to comment about it.
—Ellen & Ursula
Finally, we have to add this: Tom needs a dresser or wardrobe manager. He’s too good, and too important, to appear in ill-fitting, wrinkled clothing and his suit was a mess. The people we sat with — fans for a very long time — commented on it and others we spoke to after the show mentioned his clothing before even discussing “The Voice.” It’s all about image and his should be top-notch in every single way.
September 21st, 2007 at 1:35 am
What a wonderful review and pictures, thanks.
September 21st, 2007 at 5:41 am
What a wonderful way to start my day. He is so fabulous and funny. I’m jonesin’ BAD ; )))
September 21st, 2007 at 6:21 am
He does seem to challenge the descriptive constraints of the English language, doesn’t he?
Thank you for this wonderful review; it made my morning. He was clearly on fire last night. Rock on Tom….
September 21st, 2007 at 8:25 am
Thanks for the review and a wonderful start to my weekend! The man is a marvel. I know, we could call him SuperTom. He can bring people to their knees with just the power of his voice!!
I’m with Fay, I miss seeing him too!
September 21st, 2007 at 9:53 am
Thanks for your great review, Ellen and Ursula. You really make my days waiting for the coming dates of next week seeing our Tom extra hard and extra long. Hope to see both of you there too!
September 21st, 2007 at 10:00 am
Mucho thanks for the speedy review and photo…though its like a dagger to my heart that I couldn’t be there too. He looks fit, sexy, and ready to rock. Good to hear the voice was back and in top form too. TJI’s the best!!!
September 21st, 2007 at 11:53 am
No need to apologize for the jewelry and shoes.. it’s small details like these as well as your commitment to a certain standard and value regarding this website that makes TJIntl.com THE BEST! Thanks for the incredible review from those who weren’t there. Now come on… any responses from the audience to Tom’s remarks? “Enquiring” minds want to know.
P.S. I just had the thought, how about another section titled “Bling” with photos of Tom’s jewelry collection! Of course y’all can’t do one titled “Wardrobe or Stage Clothes” because he’s only got TWO sets!!
September 21st, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Quoting TJ, “I, too, know how it feels,” or felt, but it’s been so long, that I bet Mr.Jones is the only one who could make it feel like that again. TMI?
September 21st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Wonderful review Ellen and Ursula - especially the details - never apologize for it!!!!! I’m so glad that TOM is fit and happy to be on stage - can’t wait to see him AGAIN - I hop on the plane tomorrow - See you in VEGAS!!!
September 21st, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Oh almost forgot - “Now he knows how that feels”??? lol - NAUGHTY TOM
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Great review. Were Stoned In Love and The Reason replaced with other songs?
September 22nd, 2007 at 2:15 pm
The Reason was replaced a couple of months ago with the updated version of With These Hands. Stoned In Love,/em> wasn’t replaced, so the show is one song shorter. But it’s still great.
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Why won’t he come back up to Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, or near there??? I really miss seeing him.
September 23rd, 2007 at 5:23 am
Ladies, what was your impression of the updated version of With These Hands? To me, it just didn’t have the same meaning or feeling. I prefer the original version. Do you think he took out The Reason because of the possible strain on his voice at the end?
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:12 am
Lori:
We really miss The Reason, as Tom made the song his own. And, to us, the new With These Hands doesn’t have the power of the original but we do know someone who says that’s her favorite Tom Jones song ever and she loves this version. The new arrangement probably serves to accommodate his voice today and, like the standards he does, was placed in a more modern arrangement. Not a favorite of ours, though.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:39 pm
With These Hands has been my #1 favorite song for many,many years. I even have one whole CD dedicated to the entire song;sung over and over again until there is no more room on the disc. It plays 23 times in a row!! So if anybody knows this song, it’s me. Recently I was lucky enough to hear Mr.Jones sing it live. It is not exactly the same as the recorded version we all know and love. But, let me be quick to say: I am so pleased it is part of the program and I for one hope he will not be taking it out any time soon.
Thank you Tom Jones for sharing your beautiful voice and singing this lovely ballad. I love to hear it and many times, I have to admit, I have been guilty of driving under the influence of Tom.
—A Fan in Culver City,California
September 24th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Wow! That is an AWESOME review of that amazing night! Thanks! I was blown away and couldn’t put it into words. Now I can just forward your review as I am still speechless days later :). All I have been able to come out with is, “He said something a little dirty about his right ear which excited me, I screamed a lot, and he STILL gets better EVERY time….voice, energy AND looks!” Tom’s powerful voice blows me away each time and I swear he sounds even BETTER each time if that is possible. I won’t even start talking about his looks as that could become unpostable (is that even a word?? My IQ drops a bit when I start thinking about Tom! LOL!!!) The only thing that bummed me out was that he didn’t do The Reason or Stoned in Love. I never got to experience either of these two live, just on YouTube. I was dying just watching YouTube and couldn’t imagine the live experience. I can understand that he needs to take care of that amazing voice….I’d rather keep seeing him than hear a song that would turn him hoarse. I just wish I was able to experience it at least once. I was unable to see Tom for a year and a half due to finances and health reasons. The finances and health still aren’t good, but Tom is my medicine so I finally justified using the plastic :).
—Jennifer from Oregon
September 24th, 2007 at 11:19 am
We were there on Sept.21. I love With These Hands. It was so powerful. I can’t wait to see him again. I think this was the best performance ever. Tom just keeps getting better.
October 1st, 2007 at 7:00 pm
My husband and I saw Tom September 24th at the MGM. It was our second time. The first was almost 2 years ago at MGM.
It was wonderful! I do think the first show a couple years ago was a bit longer. But, the recent show had some new tunes.
My husband was getting worried about the lack of undies being thrown. He said he was about to “throw his up there!” LOL! That would have been a hoot. But, once Tom sang Leave Your Hat On a couple were tossed.
I only wish I could get some of the songs Tom sung in downloads for my iPod. Git Me Some would be a first pick. LOVED IT! Hopefully it will be out SOON!
Thanks for the GREAT time and I look forward to seeing him again!