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Tom Jones International.com’s September Question of the Month: Most Memorable Concert?
Monday, September 1st, 2008
There’s always lots of discussion about Tom Jones shows whenever fans gather in person or in cyberspace. They might recall a spontaneous song (the night he sang A Boy From Nowhere at the MGM, starting with just Brian on acoustic guitar and, by the end, being joined by the entire band and the singers) or the way Tom dealt with special audience members (anyone remember Matty and Mary from Westbury?) or, maybe, a show like many others, made special because of a special occasion in the life of the person recalling it.
So, this month, we’d like to know:
What was the one — the single — most memorable Tom Jones concert you’ve seen and what made it the most memorable?
(And, please, try to keep it to one concert, one answer. Thanks!)
We thank Audrey for suggesting this question and hope, if you have a question of the month or any Tom Jones question you’ll write us at tji.com.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Happy Labor Day to all. I hope you had a good day off.
My most memorable Tom Jones concert is, really, difficult to remember at all. It was the night I knew I was going to have a photo taken with him at the MGM in 2005 (pure luck….mind you). I had only seen him a couple of times at that point, and the show was fantastic. His voice was perfect, he was singing very well. It’s actually difficult to even recall that show because the entire time I was watching him, I was anticipating what I would say, what I would do, and how it was all going to happen. It happened quickly……I didn’t stutter or do anything to embarrass myself (Thank God), and he was as gracious as any performer could have been. After the show my friends gathered at the Planet Hollywood and asked to see the photos. I went to retrieve the photos and the camera stated “Out Of Memory.” There were no photos and I was one sad puppy. However, feeling the pure joy of knowing that I would be meeting Sir Tom in person after the show, is an experience I shall never forget.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
My most memorable Tom Jones concert was this year April 7 in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. I was lucky to sit in front with my two Las Vegas friends. Never been that close to the man. Hopefully I will be able to re-live that moment in the near future.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Although I always enjoy Tom’s concerts, the first time I saw Tom live was so special. But, when I saw him in Blackpool, I was in the front row. At the end of the show I was able to get close to Tom. I asked him, “Can I wipe your face?” He smiled and I did, very gently. And I still have the hankie.
September 1st, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Every Tom Jones concert I’ve been to, at the Westbury Music Fair, was more special than the last. Out of all of them, the most memorable would be the last concert I would attend, either back in 1983 or 1984. As always, I had the chance to get up on stage with Tom Jones, speak with him for a short while, and then have my photo taken with him. Tom Jones was always a true gentleman. When opportunities presents itself, I only hope one day I will be able to attend one of his concerts and have that chance, again, to get up on stage with him and be able to speak to him. It may never happen, but it is something to look forwards to.
September 1st, 2008 at 7:51 pm
I’ve had the opportunity to see Tom Jones on numerous occasions throughout his career. The shows I’ve found most memorable have been those where he’s done a song spontaneously, in a cappella, without the band. One instance occurred in Lake Tahoe after he introduced Tennessee Ernie Ford. Tom immediately broke into 16 Tons - without the band. On another occasion, someone in the audience requested My Yiddishe Mama. The band didn’t know it, but he did, and he sang it. And of course, anytime he’s included Walking in Memphis in the show - it’s been awesome! I guess if I had to select one occasion, it would have been at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis. The stage curtain was drawn and the lights dimmed. The crowd got a bit restless, but it was dead quiet. Then all of a sudden, you heard Tom begin to sing the first few bars of What a Feeling from the movie “em>Flashdance. The band joined in, the curtain opened and he came out on stage to start the show. For me, it’s always been about the “Voice” — and he’s got one.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:55 am
For me it was 2 occasions. The first time I ever saw Tom which was in my Home town of Neath South Wales,he was so young and wild. Then the second time 2 years ago at Cardiff when he sang “Grandmas Hands” it really blew me away and really touched the heart strings.
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:21 am
I have always enjoyed every show I have seen in Las vagas at the MGM. But, my all time favorite was here in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. I took my daugher Sammi who was 10 at the time. We had front row seats which were awesome!!! A lady behind us gave Sammi flowers to give to Tom . Sammi stood up and waited patiently to give them to him. He saw her but the band didn’t. He stopped the band and said wait a minute I have a little girl who wants to give me flowers. He stopped the show for her. He asked her name and in that deep wonderful voice he says ohh Samantha. He asked her how old she was and she says 10. He asked her aren’t you a little young and she giggled and the whole crowd laughed. Of course I’m proud mama and I’m siting there with tears on my face because I’m so happy for her. That year at Christmas she sent him a thank you letter for being able to meet him. He sent it back to her and on the bottom it says Your welcome Samantha, Merry Christmas,Love Tom Jones. I framed it for her and put in in her keepsake box. What a true gentleman.
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:04 am
I have to agree; that first concert is really the one that catches you. My husband and I drove from Oklahoma City to Pueblo, Colorado to see him perform at the Colorado State Fair. We were in the 5th row. The security team were allowing people to go near the stage one at a time. I waited patiently for my turn (I had brought him a little gift). When it was my turn I walked on shaking legs up toward the stage. He was right in front of me. I was completely speechless. He looked down at me, took the gift out of my hands and smiled. It seemed like the entire world stood still. I made my way back to my seat in a daze. The woman sitting behind me tapped me on the shoulder. When I turned back to her she asked me “what did you give him?” I asked her “Why?” She said that when I was standing there he stopped singing and the band just kept looping the music for a minute or two. I guess the world kind of did stand still! I’ll never forget the feeling of seeing him for the first time… the feeling of sharing that amazing moment with my husband (no, he’s not a big fan but he understands why I am)… the feeling that any time I would get to see this legend perform would be a gift.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Well I first saw Tom Jones at the Copa. But my most memorable concert was at Resorts in Atlantic City!!! Tom had just became a Grandfather and inbetween songs Tom would interact a lot with the audience. I walked up to the stage and I had a hankie in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other hand. I called Tom and he came walking towards me. Tom was up on the stage and I was standing against the stage….I could not believe how calm I was after being a fan for a long time that I was going to be so close to Tom. Tom bent down and the first thing I noticed was his eyes….they are beautiful!!! Tom called me “sweetheart” and asked if I would wipe his face and that I did….then he took the bottle of champagne and gave me a kiss I will never forget!!!! Well I have gotten about 5 of those beautiful kisses and one was on Valentines Day when I gave Tom a heart-shaped balloon!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:29 pm
In 1971, I saw Tom Jones for the first time, at the Civic Center, Atlanta, Ga. I made a bet with my husband, in 1968, that I would see Tom Jones and get a kiss. The bet was $10.00. I had a seat on the second row and when Tom walked to his water stand I ask him if I could wipe his brow. He ask me to come up on the stage, I did, I wiped his face and he ask if he could do anything else for me. I ask him if I could have a kiss. He removed his mic and said, “I have a temperature of 102 and I have the flu.” I answered him with, “I have had my flu shot.” He gave me a KISS and I got my $10.00 from my husband. I also got Tom’s flu and I called all my friends to tell them. It was a time I will never forget. Love is Tom Jones.
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
They say you never forget your first time….lol. I had been listening to Tom’s music for several years. I would think, if this man’s voice is this beautiful on a CD, I can’t imagine what it would sound like in person. I FINALLY got to go to a show in AC. I didn’t have great seats but it didn’t matter. I was going to hear his voice live. I literally gripped the sides of the chair when I heard him for the first time. I still get chills thinking about it. In fact I still get chills when I see him and it’s been about seven times now.
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Darla - I am so glad that you mentioned TOM’s VOICE - I think I felt the same the first time I have heard TOM LIVE - I only remember when he approached the stage and everything after that is bluurrr…hahahaha This man swept me off my feet and I am still flying after - I don’t know how many shows - I stopped counting a long time ago!!! My son asked me after my second show why I want to see TOM again??? and I answered: I have to make up for 40 years I have missed!
My favorite show??? Always the next one comin’
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
My favorite concert was two years ago in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was about the 12th time I saw TJ in concert. This concert was electrifying, even more so than the other times. I was floating on cloud 9 and headed back to my hotel to have a night cap. My best friend had taken me to the concert for my birthday. We walked into the lobby and their was Tom Jones standing at the hotel bar in the lobby, my knees went weak. My friend and I slipped into two bar stools and sat for 2 hours, letting him eat his dinner and unwind and I finally had the nerve to go up and talk to him. He was so gracious, kind and I got a wonderful picture with him. It was like time stood still. That moment will go down as one of the highlights of my life and I will never forget it. WE are so lucky that we have such an unbelievable talent and gift in Tom and to top it off, he is just a regular nice guy.
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I’ve attended other concerts over the years, where the performers were very good but somehow sounded like I was playing their albums or CDs a few notches higher in volume. Yet, when listening to Tom Jones’s albums, and then hearing him perform those same songs, as well as other songs, live…let me put it this way…no words could ever describe the experience unless you’ve seen Tom Jones perform live, which all of you ladies and gentlemen could testify to that. It’s been a very long time since I’ve gone to one of Tom Jones’ concerts and yet, I still can remember that special electricity errupting the second the show began with the music and announcer, and Tom Jones bursting on to the stage at Westbury Music Fair. I may have recalled my most memorable concert before, but in reality, every one of those concerts I’d seen of Tom Jones’ since I was three years-old, will always be my favorite concerts which no other concerts from other singers have yet to reach that certain level of excellence along with that unique personal touch Tom Jones always had with his audience. It takes a special gift, and Tom Jones has been blessed with that gift in which he continues to give, today, over and over again.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:06 am
I loved the concert Tom did in Milan in 2001. I was in the front row so close to Tom. I hope Tom will come soon in Europe and in Italy! W Tom
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:15 am
Dear Moderators - this has to be your toughest question yet! I’ve been running all of Tom’s concerts through my mind and this selection has not been easy! I would have to say because of the anticipation I had before the show, and how young and naive I was, it has to be the first show I attended at Caesars Palace. The Circus Maximus showroom was electrified and needless to say, Tom was incredible! The entire experience was a bit awe inspiring for someone, who at the time, was not even old enough to gamble or have a highball. That was the time of the dinner show - a dinner and Tom’s show cost you $25 plus three drinks — mine were 7 UP. I remember staring at the high-rollers and their dates (cough) sitting next to the stage, smoking their cigars and flashing their money — and the cigarette girls selling “cigars, cigarettes, lighted earrings.” Ah, great memories!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:09 pm
What makes a concert most memorable to me is when Tom is spontaneous either in word or song. When we attend a concert we expect the full Tom Jones experience, and we are never disappointed. What we do not expect, and sometimes get any way is a small glimpse of Tommy Woodward, and that is beyond special. My most personal memorable concert was in Lancaster Penna. in 06. I took along a magazine with Tom and Elvis on the cover that I had carefully preserved from 1969. During the encore I tried to make my way up front to see if I could get an autograph from the stage. I could not get close enough for him to sign the magazine, but he did acknowledge me with a wink. He took his final bow and started to walk of stage. I made my way up front, but it was too late. He was one step past the curtain when he turned to wave one last time, and saw that I moved up front. I could not believe what happened next. Tom walked back the entire length of the stage and winked to me again twice as he signed my book. I interpret these winks only as “Thanks for coming to the show” or “My but you’ve kept this book a long time” or “I’m glad you are enjoying yourself”. I had another opportunity to give him a gift during a show which is also quite memorable, but because of how he came back to sign my magazine when the show was technically over will always make me feel that for the 30 seconds or so it took that he was all mine.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:50 am
I can only mimic what others have written .The anticipation of what is to come is still felt when remembering all the concerts I have seen.I believe he only gets better and his talent is over the top.His charisma is unsurpassed which is why we have a hard time recollecting one specific concert.He always leaves us hungry for more and a not just a lttle let down when the night is over.He could sing until he’s 104 and we would still feel the rush right before and after he enters the stage. I could go on and on and on but the others have said it quite well.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:41 am
From 1980 to 1990, I averaged approximately 25 TJ shows a year and every one of them was exhilarating. My friends and I would travel all along the east coast to hear and see the greatest “voice” on this earth. No sooner were we back from one trip, we were planning our next one. Money? Everything I earned was spent to see Tom. But I didn’t mind. At least then I knew where my money went - now, I can’t say I do know where it goes. One of my most favorite shows I ever went to was at Westbury Music Fair in NY. It was the one and only time I had taken my Mom (may she rest in peace) to see Tom. With Tom bursting down the ramp and onto the stage, everyone was electrified with his presence. After the third song, he removed his jacket and there was a little hole on the seam between his upper arm and upper back. As he continued to sing and MOVE, the hole was getting bigger. He finally said “what is this”? He put his finger in the hole and literally ripped his right sleeve off. He continued by ripping off his left sleeve. He stood there sleeveless in a black shirt that was saturated with sweat. The shirt and his gorgeous chest had become one. I couldn’t believe how loud that theatre was. Everyone was screaming. Me - I told my friend next to me that I thought I needed oxygen. In all the shows I had been to, I never saw this. The one and only show I took my Mom too……I told her “you don’t know how lucky you are”. Needless to say, he sang one song sleeveless, and someone from his entourage brought him a new sleeved shirt to change ON STAGE. The band started playing strip tease kind of music and Tom proceeded to take the old shirt off and put on the new one. I’m starting to hyperventilate now as I write this. Of course, he had to tuck in the new shirt, so he unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, put his finger through the waistband of his briefs, and said “and this is for those of you who don’t believe I wear any”. The theatre roared. It was an experience and I’ll always treasure it. Once he was fully clothed, everyone applauded, and he continued with the show. What a night…….something we talked about for weeks to come.
September 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
NYharriet - I just fainted and picked myself up from the floor -lol- that’s definetley the best show one can imagine - are there prizes Moderator??? This girl deserves gold - hands down :)))))
September 9th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
To me it was the last tme in Las Vegas, August 17. He was so relaxed and looked better than ever. we were so happy to be able to hear him entertain us again. I know one day he will retire, so each time is the VERY best of times for us.
September 11th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Honestly, after reading NYHARRIET’s entry, I can hardly breathe or think. Thank you for that descriptive and tantalizing retelling of that night at the Westbury. Lucky you (and your Mom)!
OK, yes, I can go on now (ha,ha). When the question came up several years ago–”Who would you like to see in concert that you haven’t yet seen?”, Tom Jones was at the top of my list. That’s when I figured, it was TIME! That was January 2005 and he was to perform at Pechanga Indian Reservation on May 13, 14, and 15th, but tickets wouldn’t go on sale until the end of February or March. I kept calling so as to be as early as I could. You see,I determined that I wanted to sit in the 5th row–center, so I HAD to time it just right. Well, I got the seats I wanted. Now, my anticipation could build. I told everyone I knew that I was finally going to see TOM. I remembered being “spellbound” in front of the TV watching “This is Tom Jones”, way back when, and I wondered what it would be like being one of those screaming fans, for real, thirty some years later.
The day came and I got all four of us away from dinner at one of the restaurants (which they said Tom had had dinner after the show the night before) so we could be early/on time–taking no chances.
Mainly after we were seated, my eyes were glued to the stage, waiting, heart beating a little faster than usual. After his introduction, he came to the center of the stage and started singing. He was DIRECTLY in front of me. All I could think was that he was so gorgeous–so gorgeous. His blue eyes were startling, he was tan and I loved the sculptured beard. He was trim and so virile. Just like he said in “200 Pounds of Joy”, he was pure muscle and man. His voice was fabulous, and his show was so energetic–all the musicians and singers really gave their all. He was truly a showman, playing to the women, of course, AND men in the audience. He truly lives his passion.
At the end of the show, I was standing, clapping wildly, “hooting and hollering”, etc. when I looked to my left and saw that the whole row was empty. I thought, “Why would those women that seemed to be having a terrific time leave now?” Then, I realized that they were up by the foot of the stage–and in one second, so was I, gazing up at my guy. It was “Kiss” and he was showing off his body–yea!–and I was so happy. Since then, I’ve seen him 6 more times, but not yet in Las Vegas. Every concert is great, but the first was memorable because there were so many delightful surprises.
Now, I just need some of that “just by chance” dust to fall on me so I can meet him, too.
Thank you for this wonderful website. It may be September, but I am going to keep the August 2008 calendar page up for quite a while longer!!!
November 25th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
The year … 1970; Minneapolis. It was the first time I met Tom in person! It was love at first sight for me! Every concert has been the best!