Tom Jones further cemented his status as a living legend following his memorable appearance at Rhyl on Wednesday, September 1.
The 81-year-old who celebrated his birthday by scoring a hit album which won him new fans and plaudits from the critics, greeted the thousands assembled inside the Events Arena, and lining the outside of the seafront venue, by saying it was great to be in Rhyl and to be in North Wales.
Judging by the array of Welsh flags and illuminated novelty cowboy hats on show it was clear the audience were there to enjoy themselves at what was the region’s first big outdoor music event following the relaxation of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
But if the assembled crowd of locals and holidaymakers thought Sir Tom, familiar to millions of TV viewers as a judge on talent show The Voice UK, was simply going to perform his extensive back catalogue they would prove to be mistaken.
You don’t celebrate seven decades in showbusiness without being brave and taking some risks.
His eclectic set showcased new material from his number one album Surrounded by Time, and mixed blues, country, gospel, funk and even 60s psychedelia, thanks in part to his talented backing “boys” band, who the veteran performer said reminded him of his first backing band in Pontypridd while launching his career in the early 1960s.
And it was the sixties that provided fertile for his set.
He opened the show with What’s New Pussycat, quickly followed by his signature song It’s Not Unusual, both this time subject to an accordion-infused interpretation.
Covers of Bob Dylan’s One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below), Lazarus Man and The Windmills of Your Mind, showcasing heavy blues guitar riffs and Hammond organ solos were further brought to life by way of fantastic psychedelic visuals and lighting.
These bells and whistles were however not necessarily needed thanks to Sir Tom’s remarkable voice remaining as commanding and powerful as ever proving the main attraction while his energy levels, no doubt charged by the “beautiful Welsh air”, propelled the show.
Despite what could be viewed as something of a subdued finale, following an encore, this show certainly proved entertaining.
Highlights included his guitar-laden take on his 90s dancefloor banger Sex Bomb, his funky cover of his and Prince’s hit song Kiss, a Latin flavoured Delilah and moving versions of I’m Growing Old, and his second hit single Green Green Grass of Home, which the crowd duly sang along with at the top of their voices.
Sir Tom revealed his visit to Rhyl was his first Welsh concert for some time and the first on this tour – let’s hope for many more from this Welsh icon and many more concerts at this fantastic seafront venue.
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