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INTERVIEW
AN INTERVIEW WITH SIR TOM JONES
Sir Tom Jones: He’s not unusual, he’s one of a kind…
The original sex bomb, selling over 100 million records in a career
which has stretched across more than half a century, Sir Tom Jones
has just celebrated his 80th birthday during lockdown this year. He
was due to play Haydock Racecourse in June which has now been
postponed until June 19th, 2021.
Sir Tom, who grew up in Pontypridd in Wales, enjoyed huge success
with hit songs including It's Not Unusual, What's New Pussycat? and
Delilah. He became one of the world's biggest stars, with his live Las
Vegas performances and friendships with Elvis Presley and Frank
Sinatra.
Wirral Life caught up with ‘The Voice’ to find out how unusual the last
few months had been.
How did you feel having to postpone your tour?
I was so sorry to have to inform everyone that my shows scheduled for
this summer had to be postponed until next year. My team had been
monitoring the UK government advice on organised gatherings and
we had to take this action to ensure the protection of fans, my crew
and everyone who works in support of the shows. It is so important
to support those working on the front line to fight this virus. It's been
hard, you know how much I love performing, but everybody’s safety
must come first. We’ll be back in 2021, all tickets already purchased for
this year will remain valid for the rescheduled shows. God has been
good to me and my voice is still there and so as long as it's there I want
to get up singing live to people.
How has lockdown been for you?
Lockdown has reminded me of when I was in isolation with
tuberculosis for two years when I was 12. I sympathise with young
people that can't go and play. I'm thinking 'my God, how are those
kids coping?' because I remember it. It taught me not to take health for
granted. In the meantime, it’s important to stay home, stay safe and I
look forward to seeing you all soon.
You have celebrated your 80th birthday during lockdown, what do
you think you’ve learned now you’re an octogenarian?
Wow 80 years young! It’s amazing when I think about it and it’s a great
feeling to hit this milestone. When I was young, to make ends meet, I
worked 12-hour shifts in a paper mill, in a glove factory, and I was a
labourer before I eventually got my break as a singer.
I’ve been blessed with so many extraordinary experiences and have
had the privilege of meeting and working with outstanding, talented,
and inspiring people across many generations.
To have a life in music, along with love, family, friends, and the most
loyal fans throughout the years – who have allowed me to continue to
record and tour the world for over fifty years, is truly an honour.
It was lovely seeing and reading all the goodwill birthday messages. It
really lifted my spirits and I am really looking forward to the future.
Touring at the age of 80 must take its toll on you and it’s not like
there are only a few dates planned. You’re in Belfast, Dublin,
London, and Amsterdam, as well as Spain and Italy and Austria.
Will you ever stop singing?
As long as there's breath in my body. The memories are tremendous,
and I don't want to stop. You can't express yourself properly unless
there are people there to listen to you and to reach the age of 80 and to
have such wonderful memories and to be still out there doing it and
still making a point - or trying to – I’d like to thank everybody that has
been with me, those who have been my audience.
A whole new audience found you on The Voice which you’ve been
doing since 2012 (with the exception of 2016) – how did that come
about?
I had watched the show in America, you know the American version,
and thought what a great idea it was, so when they called and asked,
‘Have you seen The Voice in the States?’, I said, ‘Yeah.’ Then they said,
‘That’s good because they want you to be one of the coaches. Do you
fancy it?’ and I said, ‘Uh yeah.’ But I did say it was as long as I could
be myself, I've got to tell the truth. I seem to have won a legion of new
young fans. It’s a wonderful feeling because kids recognise me in the
street and I thought it was just the show, that they watch The Voice, but
they come back and say, ‘No, it’s really you.’
What has been your most embarrassing moment?
Years ago, I was in the toilet somewhere on the M1, sitting with my
trousers down, and some girls jumped over the door.
What is your most treasured possession?
I would say my voice. It makes me unhappy when I can’t sing.
Tickets are still available for the postponed Tom Jones show at
Haydock Racecourse which has been rescheduled for 19th June
2021. You can find out more including other dates in the tour at
https://www.tomjones.com/
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