To the man behind me who laughed as the lights went down and said, “I bet he’ll come out in a wheelchair,” my golly, I hope the socks were shot from your feet. Sir Tom Jones, 75-years-young, performed on stage at Hamer Hall last night with a staggering amount of energy. He comfortably pushed out an unforgettable two hour performance, leaving both my plus one – my Grandpa – and I in awe.
The show featured a number of his legendary hits – some of them revamped, as well as tracks from his new autobiographical record, ‘Long Lost Suitcase’. After the first few songs, whilst waving to some enthused younger ladies in the choir stand, Jones said, in his sonorous baritone voice, “It’s great to be back”. He was clearly in his element, smiling and shouting “Oh Yeah!?”, as a call and response to the crowd between songs.
The jostling band were a class act in themselves, and Jones looked on in appreciation and enjoyment as each member performed their solo acts – and there were some joyous ones! The pianist/accordionist/singer hammered the keys so brilliantly at one point that he received his own standing ovation from the piano-appreciating audience members.
Before singing Gillian Welch’s “Elvis Presley Blues”, Jones told a touching story of when he first played the song to his friend’s widow, Priscilla Presley. “That’s a haunting tribute to Elvis,” she had said. The song certainly had sombre tones, a reminder of the remarkable talent Jones has worked with throughout his lengthy fifty year career.
In quiet moments proud male fans, some older than Jones himself could be heard calling “Go Tommy! You go Tommy!”. The night came to a close with a “rock ‘n’ roll, country, rhythm ‘n’ blues, gospel, with a little bit of boogie on the side”, a true Tom Jones cover of the traditional “Strange Things Happening Every Day”. Taking a group bow, humble Jones acknowledged each of his band members, including special acknowledgement to his long-time musical director, drummer and friend Gary Wallis.
Moving past all the obligatory fandom; loud sobs, piercing screams, delirious off-beat clapping, red lingerie flying through the air and shameless silver-haired women being reprimanded for dancing, it is easy to understand why Jones was knighted by the Queen for his “services to music”. He is a sensational performer with impeccably preserved vocals, who is well-deserving of each and every standing ovation he will receive on this world tour. In the words of Tom Jones, “Goodnight and God bless you all”.
-Lisa Martin
Lisa is a lover of music, words and frolicking in the garden. She’s also an avid people watcher and a qualified teacher who doesn’t teach.
Tom Jones‘ last Australian show will be on Monday 28th March at the Byron Bay Bluesfest.
