TJ Questions, What's New, Pussycat?
Here’s where we post our “Question of the Month” and where you can send in a question about Tom and we’ll do our best to answer. To submit a question, please click on “Ellen” or “Ursula” in the “contact” link on the right of the page. Looking forward to hearing from you!
August In Tom Jones Land: Rejoice And Flip The Page…And Please Answer Our Question of the Month — Venue?
Friday, August 1st, 2008It’s August and all of you who have the tji.com calendar can finally turn the page to what you tell us is your favorite month. And, we are very pleased (almost thrilled) to note that on the goac.com calendar, where they list Tom’s appearance at the Taj this weekend, they categorize his music as “Rhythm & Blues, Rock.” It’s about time people stopped putting Tom in the vanilla “pop” category, isn’t it? So, hooray for goac.com!
Now, for the question of the month:
Tom is about to play a big venue, 5,200+ seats. Many fans don’t care where they see him, as long as they see him. But most fans have favorite places. So, our question is:
What is your favorite venue in which to see Tom? And why?
August 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am
For me it would have to be Westbury because each seat is equally distant to the stage making no seat a bad seat. Plus, it always seems like Tom enjoys playing there being in the middle of the crowd. I don’t know if he’ll play there this year, but I’m on my way in a couple of hours to see him open at the Taj, which should be interesting with that many people there. This time, I’ll have row 27 so I can get a better perspective of the whole stage. Can’t wait!!!
August 1st, 2008 at 10:03 am
P. S. Westbury was the first place I saw him as a little boy when my parents surprised me for my birthday at around 5 or 6 , so it holds special meaning.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:48 am
Well, I’m a Jersey girl and will be seeing him this weekend in Atlantic City. Wherever he performs in A.C. is different. Some venues are a joy to go to and others are a hassle. Even though I purchase assigned seat tickets, one never knows where you will wind up because if you “tip” you can get up close -other times, not so lucky. So I would say that I prefer Las Vegas because I always get front row seats with no hassle and I love the town itself. I’ve been going since 1983 and have seen it grow to a beautiful place. I have seen him in probably 20 others venues and Las Vegas has them all beat. See you in August. Enjoy everyone !
August 1st, 2008 at 11:08 am
Vince & Carol: Please be sure to send a review and any photos you may get. Have a great time!
August 1st, 2008 at 11:12 am
Las Vegas, The Four Seasons has accomadated me with front table seating each time. I am never disappointed with a performance by TJ!!!!! His next release will be on my birthday, guess what I’ll wish for??
August 1st, 2008 at 11:18 am
I like the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, especially because it is an outside venues. I don’t know if it still happens now, but during one of the concerts I attended there in the 70’s I noticed people climbing the trees which were on the outside of the fenced area. I later learned that this happened quite often when a show was sold out and these “tree people” could get a free concert by sitting in a tree!
Caesars Palace was special as is the MGM for its intimacy. Vegas and Sir Tom are magic together!
August 1st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Moderator - sure will and thanks!
August 1st, 2008 at 2:29 pm
I’m a California girl, so to me Humphrey’s By The Bay in San Diego, Ca. is the best venue. It’s very cozy and intimate. It’s also outdoor and over looking the ocean. Very romantic.
August 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
The Hollywood Theatre because it’s so up close & personal even though we couldn’t get front row seats this August. Does anyone know if the Taj was sold out?
August 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I also like the MGM since it is up close and personal and the vibes are very strong there since it a small venue. I have been in the front row,second row, fourth and 6th I think the second is the best since I am afraid I will jump up there and do something dumb and embarrassing if I am closer!!!!! And you can still him sweat from there just as much!
August 1st, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Definately my first choice is the Hollywood Theatre in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas because it’s an intimate venue
and TOM seems to enjoy his engagements there very much and looks very comfortable and relaxed. They also have a great Box Office with a very friendly staff who are always helpful to get everyone the best available seats. Yes there are tables for the “High Rollers” but everyone is able to get great seats in this venue if you call when tickets are going on sale!!! I like to visit Vegas for a fun adventure away from the ordinary…oh and last but not least meeting other fans from all over the world who make this joyful TOM experience complete 
August 1st, 2008 at 6:34 pm
The Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand,Las Vegas. The seats I get vary a lot depending when I book my reservations. I like to get seats by the stage and 2nd row back. Also have been back to the third and fourth row. Its always nice to meet the other people sitting with you to find out where they are from and how many times they have seen Tom. So glad August is here so we can all go and see our Tom in Vegas.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:35 pm
It has to be Vegas. The Hollywood Theater is intimate and a great venue, but I think my favorite is, or should I say was, the Circus Maximus at Caesar’s Palace — probably because it was the first place I saw him in Vegas. It was back in the mid-70s when he was kissing all the girls, and yes I got mine!
August 1st, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Humphreys By the Bay in San Diego is our favorite. His last visit the moon was full, a beautiful night and next to the ocean. We had seats on the 4th row, what could be better, except a back stage pass. I haven’t figured that opportunity out yet and we have seen him 3 times at Humphreys.
August 1st, 2008 at 7:17 pm
My favorite is the MGM for many reasons……great friends, wonderful employees that treat you as though you are the most special person in the room, and a spectacular casino host. What more can I say??
August 1st, 2008 at 7:47 pm
For me, it will always be the Westbury Music Fair. No matter where you sat, you were able to see Tom Jones (while sitting) without the worry of having someone’s head blocking your view. Maybe, due to the circular structure of the theatre, but the sound of the music and singing from Tom Jones’ just exploded in atomsphere. Also, what was great about seeing Tom Jones at Westbury, was that you he saw him, and only him, thanks to the orchestra pit located below, not under, the stage. Does orchestra pit still exist, or has the layout of the theatre changed? I loved that theatre. As soon as you walked in to find your seat, you could feel the electricity. As the concert began with the lowering of the lights, the announcer introducing “Ladies and Gentlemen, This is Tom Jones!”…it was like, Oh WOW! Get Ready, Tom’s here! I have yet to go to a concert that could equal an evening with such magnitude like a Tom Jones Concert, in Westbury. Absolutely, Outstanding, beyond words!
August 1st, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Deborah - I can imagine how beautiful it must have been to see TOM at the Bay - i have seen him under the stars in Florida and it has been an outstanding performance
August 1st, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Barb S - you got me curious now - Tom kissing all the gilrs in the 70ties and you got yours!!! tell me how does he kiss??? Beautiful? just like he is breaking our hearts when he is singing????
August 1st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
August 1st, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I just thought of another place…The Radio City Music Hall. Could you imagine what Tom Jones would have sounded like there? Forget it, everyone would still be talking about it. Why is it that Tom never performed at Radio City? Has he ever performed there? If he did, I don’t remember, or I would have definitely been there with my parents to see him. Still, Westbury is the better place to be at. It’s not too big, and not too small, it’s just right. How I wish the Westbury Music Hall’s name would be restored back to the theatre. Oh, well.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:40 am
As I’m Welsh it has to be the C.I.A. in Cardiff, but would love to see him in the States.
August 2nd, 2008 at 3:56 am
Gill, C.I.A is a good venue, but I have a feeling that if you have a seat at the back on the floor level you must not see much. I was on one side quite close to the stage and it was great.
I’ve said it before but my dream venue would be the Montreux Festival here in Switzerland. It’s a smaller very intimate venue. And usually has a relaxed mood. But I’d hope for a standing admission, no seats. I’ve seen Van Morrison there several times, and I have fond memories of seeing Solomon Burke, too. We were literally leaning on the stage and soaking it in. Great!
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:29 am
I have seeen Tom in many different venues since 1971. My first was the Charleston Civic center in front of 10,000 fans. I have seen him in the theaters-in-the-round which were popular from the 70s thru the 90’s and have seen him in many of the old movie houses that were saved from destruction, and have definitely seen him in Vegas but my favorite has to be the House Of Blues for sheer total Tom fun and excitement. The audiences are truly into Tom and his music and the fun starts from the beginning and doesn’t stop till Tom exits the stage
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:04 am
Note: The “CIA” is the Cardiff International Arena — hey, maybe when the change the name of the Cardiff International Airport (another “CIA”) they’ll change the name of the arena, too! And, of course, where you live should have nothing to do with your favorite venue. Lots of people from all over, for example, say their favorite is in Las Vegas and they’re not all from Las Vegas.
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 am
For me, it will always be Vegas. I love the Hollywood Theather and the MGM. I have followed Tom from Caesar’s to Ballys and the MGM. As long as Tom is there, I hope I will be. I think we all will agree that our favorite is wherever TOM will be preforming. Hope to see him in August at the MGM, can’t wait!!! Hope to see all of you there.
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
My favorite venues were Caesar’s Palace and even the larger venues like the civic centers with 10,000 attendees. Back in the day, we were focused on gaining Tom’s attention in a flirtatious way. It was da bomb!
August 2nd, 2008 at 4:22 pm
TJFriend- Westbury still looks the same with the orchestra in their own pit. I also believe Tom once played Radio City Music Hall in the late 80’s. I remember seeing TV ads for it.
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Hi Vince - Thank you for being so kind in letting me know about Westbury not losing her special touch. What a shame if Tom Jones did appear at Radio Music Hall. What an evening it must have been. Still, my experiences in seeing and meeting Tom Jones in person at Westbury have definitely made up for the lose in seeing him at Radio City. I could just imagine what he must have sounded like at Radio City, incredibly awesome, beyond words. Again, thanks for the information. Caio!
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
One of the very special places we enjoyed seeing Our Tom was in South Lake Tahoe, CA. It’s such a beautiful place that seeing Our Tom there was extra special every time. This was in the l970’s and Norm Crosby was the opening act and sometimes it was David (forgot his last name) they were comedians. We’ve also seen Our Tom in Reno (but missed this last time due to illness). Now, the very best place I’ve been is Las Vegas at the Hollywood Theater. He seems very relaxed and at home. Glad August is here so I’ll be seeing the great show once again. Can hardly wait!!!
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Well the first time I saw Tom Jones was at the Copacabana, it was then a Super Club. There was no stage, Tom was level with the audience…but it was like a mad house! This is where the panty throwing started…a woman actually took off her panties and threw them at Tom and others threw hotel keys! Then I saw Tom at Westbury, I loved it! No matter where you sit you have a wonderful view of Tom and because it is built in the round his voice is awesome!! This is where I first saw Tom kiss a fan. The next time was in AC at the Resorts, Tom always played at the Resorts, his hand prints are on the wall there. They still had tables and chairs and I had my champagne with me. Tom had just become a grandfather. He use to interact much more with the fans…they were giving him gifts for the baby and I walked right up to the stage and called him…after almost 20 years I was finally going to get close to Tom..he asked me to wipe his face which I gladly did and I gave him the champagne and he bent down and this is the first kiss I recieved from Tom and yes Tom is a fantastic kisser!!! I saw him there many times it was very nice and the staff were very pleasnt and I always got my kiss! Then I saw Tom at Irving Plaza in Manhattan. My daughter and her boyfriend took me for my birthday but I had no idea who I was going to see..they usually had Rock Groups. This was my favorite kiss. Rob my daughter’s boyfriend at the time worked there so he let me bring Tom the bucket with the champagne back to Tom’s dressing room when I walked in Tom had no shirt on yet. Tom said “oh sweetheart you brought be a gift” he took the bucket and this time he put his arms around me and kissed me…everytime I got a kiss I was so calm it was when I was walking away my heart was pounded like crazy. I have to say I liked WESTBURY the best….because of the round theatre…no matter where you sit you get a perfect view of Tom and the sound is awesome his voice is awesome. I have never been to Vegas yet…that is my next dream.
August 2nd, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Hi Shirley - It was David Brenner, who used to be one of the opening acts for Tom Jones, at the Westbury Music Fair. The first act were always the Blossoms, at least, on the nights I attended the show with my parents.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:12 am
Although, I’ve seen TJ many times, I have only seen him in 4 venues. I must say the MGM is the best. As been noted, Tom doesn’t interact with the audience as he used to. When not at the MGM, it may be the rush on the road to get to the next gig or whatever. At the MGM, Tom seems more at home, relaxed, and more given to chat with audience once in a while. I also love the smaller venue. With only 700+ capacity, every seat is good. You can actually get a great view several rows back. Vegas is also a wonderful place to meet up with TJ fans from around the world. Its the total package. I’d call it a happening but I would be dating myself. lol
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
OH how could I forget — VIVA AUGUST!
August 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Does Tom ever sign his biography books? I have tickets to see him soon, and on my birthday, could it be likely?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Lynn: Tom is great (and gracious) with fans when they run into him unless he’s got an appointment or something to do. We don’t understand why anyone would want one of those unauthorized bios signed. He certainly didn’t write them, they’re all really bad and he had nothing to do with them — never spoke to any author except for the 1969 bio. Just our opinion, but we’d rather he signed a CD, DVD, album or photo — something that represents Tom himself.
August 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
My favorite place to see Tom is at the MGM Hollywood Theater in Las Vegas. I like it because it’s a smaller venue with a more personal atmosphere. Also, no matter where you’re seated you have a great view of Tom. Although getting to see Tom perform anywhere is great!