Fan Fare, What's New, Pussycat?
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Tom’s Management Responds To A Legitimate Issue Brought Up By A Fan
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008We all know that Tom’s management team gets a large volume of email and regular mail from fans and it’s nice to know that they pay attention. Here’s an example:
On February 18, Tom did a show at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. The evening was well-reviewed and our posting of that review elicited 20 comments, including one from a fan named Sandy.
She had seem Tom before and, this time, was disturbed by the sound quality and by the lights and, as we suggested, she contacted both the venue and Tom’s management. She emailed us the other day and noted that, even though several messages to the venue went unanswered, she did receive an email from the other Sandy. That is, Sandy Battaglia, Tom’s road manager.
As we suspected it would, his response showed how much the quality of the show matters to the production crew and, as fans, we are always appreciative. Sandy wrote:
“I am sorry that the experience was not an enjoyable one. As you know from your attendance at other shows this is not the norm. I can assure you the lighting designers and the sound engineers are the best in the business and we have all been with Sir Tom for a number of years. These are the same operators that run the show at all of Sir Tom’s shows including MGM Grand.”
“Sometime we play in venues that are less than suitable for amplified music and have acoustic factors that need to be overcome. This is not an excuse but a challenge. I am sorry that from where you were sitting we did not meet that challenge. We strive to provide a comfortable and entertaining background enhancing Sir Tom’s performance.”
April 15th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I was very happy to see this. Thank you tji.com for posting it. When I read tomjones.com I get the impression Tom’s management doesn’t listen. Now I know they do if it’s something important.
April 16th, 2008 at 2:13 am
Good to hear that Tom’s management is taking notice.
April 16th, 2008 at 6:05 am
I am shocked that mgmt took the time to respond…May be they aren’t as inept as I thought.
April 16th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Rick E.: We hesitated about responding to you, as we totally do not want to be perceived as kissing up to anyone. But, in all fairness, we must say that whatever gripes one may have with Tom’s management, they are clearly concerned with the quality of his shows. The technical aspects of the show are very important to them.
April 16th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I don’t think any of us has a gripe with Sir Tom’s performance but my complaint was with the lights & sound, so I was both surprised & pleased that Sandy Battaglia (who is responsible for both) e-mailed me personally. To take the time & trouble to do that shows that someone does value the fans opinion.
“The other Sandy”
April 16th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I never questioned the mgmt’s concern for the quality of the shows. My questions about the mgmt are how they promote TJ. An example would be the old promotional materials and videos that are never undated. How long has Tom had the goatee? Do you ever see a picture with that in any promotions for any shows? I suppose they still use the old pictures and videos at MGM? I just think the mgmt could be more proactive . Just my opnion.
April 16th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I agree with the thought about mgt using updated pictures for his shows-I have seen the one they post outside of the mgm and it is from the eighties I believe He is so much more manly and attractive now than then . My obsession with him was such that I was secretly hoping he was really obese and a little worn out looking but, boy was I shocked when he came out looking like he does,sounding like he does and delivering it like he does. So my obsession remains intact as always!
April 16th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
totally obssessed - hahaha maybe that’s their plan and when TOM come on STAGE we get blown away not only by his VOICE but also by his looks ;)- hooked for life
April 17th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I agree. Those pictures & videos should be updated. Moderator, who do we contact about that? Maybe if enough of us complain they will make the needed changes.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Sandy: You would of course write to Tom’s management. On the other hand, let’s look on the bright side: with those photos from eight or nine years ago that they’re using, Tom’s actual appearance is always a terrific surprise to those who haven’t seen him before or in several years and only know him today from those photos, right?
April 17th, 2008 at 9:49 am
But does the general public know the pictures are from 8 or 9 yrs. ago? Are they trying to attract the young ones & then win them over with the phenomenal power of Tom Jones. That is what happens but I really prefer the way he actually looks now. You have to admit, he’s kinda cute now.
April 17th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Sandy: Cannot answer that. We know that the photos should be updated and there are several photos that would do (one spectacular can be seen on the right side of the page for May in our 2008 calendar). Again, all we can say is, write to the people who have the power to make decisions. As you said, he’s “kinda cute” now and in great voice. Guess we just have to be grateful for that, as we all are. As for the general public, from watching them pose for their own photos as they stand by those outdated photos after his shows, they don’t seem to care. Really.
April 17th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
I agree that Tom has aged very well and he is still very sexy. In the 70’s his look was very HOT! He’s HOT now, but in a different way from back in the day, you know? I do agree that promotional materials should reflect his present appearance.
April 17th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I agree moderator. There were several of us at different times who posed with Tom’s outdated photos following his show. We were on a high from the show and still having a great time.
April 18th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Dorothy Jean C. - I did the same the first time I saw TOM in VEGAS - posing with his photo in front of the Hollywood - I still got the pic and I love it because I was bursting out of my seams being in VEGAS and seeing TOM live - I don’t think that I noticed how he looked on the picture, hahaha - but I agree please update the mgm photos and the video clip over the check in and the way to the signature - they should film him in the Hollywood and show those clips and pictures - or maybe a collage from all his year in VEGAS
40 years in VEGAS should have been a REASON for some changes 
April 18th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Did the MGM even acknowledge the anniversary of his 40 years?
April 18th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Sandy: No, the MGM did not and we got several emails suggesting that we contact the hotel about it, but we did what we did to, hopefully, represent Tom’s fans and it wasn’t our place to ask. Of course, the venue works with what it is give in terms of promo material. We would, for example, like to see the Cardiff DVD footage that plays in a seemingly incessant loop replaced by footage from the 2007 Chile concert. It’s current and readily available. Maybe some day soon?
April 19th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
BeBe. Just loved the picture of Tom and you. You could tell you were having a great time. Unforgetable picture of Tom and you. Hope to see you in Vegas some time.
April 21st, 2008 at 5:56 am
Dorothy Jean C - thank you from the bottom of my heart that was so sweet of you to say - and who knows maybe our paths will cross one day in VEGAS - See you there