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 Jones In San Diego: Extraordinary Talent, Terrific Audience At A Lovely Venue
Monday, July 14th, 2008We happily left Las Vegas for a quick trip to San Diego — comparatively cool weather, humidity, frizz and — oh, yes — Sir Tom Jones. If you were there, please let us know what you thought of the show and, please, if you see him this week in California or Reno, do so, too.
You can easily see from the photo at left that Tom Jones was hot in San Diego — not just the unusually prodigious amount of sweat you can see in the photo and that was after he removed his red jacket, which was also soaked through. We felt really bad for him when he came out for his encore in the same shirt — it just looked so uncomfortable. Back in the day when he would sweat like that there was always a fresh shirt or (remember?) a fresh black t-shirt. We don’t think he should be Rod Stewart or Cher changing with every song but even Barry Manilow changes throughout he show and he doesn’t break a sweat.
No matter what, the crowd of 1,000+ was clearly — and vociferously — happy to be there. We found it a refreshing change from the shows we usually see in a casino because every single one of those people in the audience was there because they wanted to be. No casino comps to high rollers who were there because it was a free show. Here, women, men — all were standing, cheering, smiling, singing, dancing. And Sir Tom lapped it up, responding to the crowd with one of the most enthusiastic and joyous performances we’ve ever seen.
Then there was the venue. Humphrey’s By The Sea is, obviously, right next to the water. In fact. people who chose to dock their boats there got to see and hear the show for free from their boats. Performing outdoors on a beautiful night, Tom looked skyward, gestured and commented on the “beautiful moon.” And it was.
Unfortunately, the band and singers were level on the stage with Tom, rather than standing on the risers usually in place. That made them difficult to see for people sitting further back. And, because they’re so terrific, a good part of the audience missed out on a good part of the show.
We arrived early and got to meet some loyal and lovely fans who are regular visitors to this site and several who were new to Tom. For that we are very grateful. And, as we said, this is a beautiful venue and a lot of fun. Except….
We understand the rule against cameras and it’s good to be aware of the people around you when you are standing and dancing. But security at the venue was — shall we say — overzealous. They shined flashlights in the eyes of people who walked down the aisle toward the stage to, it looked, toss some knickers there. When the flashlights (which, of course, naturally also shined brightly in the eyes of people just sitting nearby in the audience) didn’t work, they were seen to push the fans.
When Tom came on for his encore and fans thronged the stage, the security guards fought and, sadly, fought hard. They pushed and grabbed fans, telling everyone loudly and incorrectly “the people standing next to the stage are all from the front row. They’re allowed to be there.” Nonsense.
There were not 100 people in the front row….yet that’s how many were allowed near the stage. When others approached, they got to the stage by spotting a guard who was fighting with a fan and skirting the action. People were actually taking turns baiting the guards so their friends could get to the stage. This was all staggeringly unnecessary.
Tom is precious, but he’s not the crown jewels. And this wasn’t the crowd at Altamont or a European soccer match. We didn’t see anyone with a ladder or step stool brought for there for the purpose of ascending the stage which, in fact, was more than five feet high and no one — no one! — tried to climb on it. This audience of people of all ages just wanted to get close, to cheer, to reach out and share the joy with Tom and each other. And Tom, loving it, did reach out to those who got near the stage. It is a miracle that no one was hurt.
So, yes, do try to see Tom at Humphrey’s in San Diego. It’s a really terrific venue. Arrive early and have a drink and a bite to eat in the Backstage Bar (or dinner in their very nice restaurant). Enjoy the casual, relaxing atmosphere. We highly recommend it. But, we also recommend the venue do something about the security guards. That kind of ugliness has no place at this kind of event.
A man we know — also named Tom — heard about the show and the venue. He simply said, “What’s more beautiful than Tom Jones under the stars?” This man sure knows whereof he speaks. In this case, at least.
—Ellen & Ursula
July 14th, 2008 at 2:46 am
The security situation reminds me of the time I saw Tom 2 years ago at Cardiff. It was as bad there. Can’t they understand that we all love him so much we just want to be close.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:56 am
Sounds like it was a brilliant show. Makes want to see him so badly I can almost taste it .
July 14th, 2008 at 9:40 am
How big of a venue is Humphreys I had heard his performance was sold out
July 14th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Ed: We know they said it was sold out, but there were a few hundred seats in the back that were empty.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Hi. My name is silvia i was at the concert lat night. I love TOM JONES when he comes to SAN DIEGO because he puts on the best concert. I always see him in SD and in Vegas. I am looking forward to seeing him in Vegas.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I for one would love to see more pictures from the San Diego concert the one you posted is awesome
July 15th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
My husband and I were sitting next to a young couple, early 20’s and they seemed to love the concert as much as we did. This is the 3rd time we have seen Tom perform. It really was the best, he danced much more than before and talked with the audience. What an inspiring individual , his talent is endless.
July 15th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Thanks for the review ladies. Can’t wait to see him tonight in Costa Mesa and hope the security isn’t as tight!
July 15th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
I was one of the 100 hundred people that ran up to the stage on Sunday at Humphreys. It was as if a Tom Magnet pulled me there. He is absolutly MAGICAL!!!! And I’m so proud that my 4 year old daughter, Vicki learned “What’s new pussycat?” today. She’s been singing it all day today along with me. Congradulations Tom, you got a brand new fan today. We’ll both see you next time you come to San Diego
July 15th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Oh, how I wish I could have been there…the setting looked beautiful, and those lucky people who had boats dockside. I do love to see Tom at outdoor venues such as this. Sorry about the security….
July 20th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Ed,
I have more pics from the San Diego concert if you would like them. Note: They are not great as cameras were not allowed and I was trying to take some w/o flash…Please write to the moderators at this site, they’ll forward your email to me and I will send them to you.
Hey Angelica,
I loved “rushing the stage”,too! That same “Tom Magnet” pulls me up everytime! (Well, he does always say, “come on up girls’ or something like that). Glad you had a good time!