Tom Jones to perform April 29 at Birmingham’s Iron City – The Birmingham News
March 29, 2014 by admin
Filed under Lingerie Events
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — What’s new, pussycat? If you remember the Welsh singer who crooned that catchphrase for thousands of excited women in the 1960s, you’ll want to be at Iron City on April 29.
Tom Jones earned a reputation as a sex symbol in his youth, prompting women to throw lingerie on stage at his concerts. (Courtesy of Everett Collection)“Tom Jones, a 59-year-old grandpa, has caught more than his share of lingerie during three decades as a sexy singer and charismatic entertainer. While flimsy undergarments once stuck to him like flypaper, a mature Jones now shrugs off the occasional G-string or D cup that gets tossed his way in concert.
”So it was Monday night at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex Concert Hall, where Jones was performing as part of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s SuperPops series. His 8 p.m. show replaced a previously scheduled date by another Vegas veteran, Wayne Newton, who had canceled because of scheduling conflicts. ”But judging from the screams and professions of love that greeted Jones’ every move, the audience here was far from disappointed. So big Tom ignored a few bundles of cotton and silk that hit the stage floor during his rendition of “Give Me One Reason.” Didn’t he cover Tracy Chapman’s song splendidly, with throaty style? ”Jones, who made his fame in the mid- 60s and early ’70s with hits such as “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?,” still has a fine Welsh voice, although it contains an undertone of gravel and burr we never heard in his younger days. ”No matter; he created a high level of excitement at the BJCC with assured versions of “Help Yourself,” “Delilah,” “Without Love (There is Nothing)” and “She’s a Lady.” “ Backed by an eight-piece band and three backup singers, Jones also put his slickly appealing stamp on numbers as diverse as Three Dog Night’s “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and Marc Cohn’s “Walking in Memphis.” “ Talk about sweat equity: Jones soaked through his black shirt (under a tailored black jacket) during the first set, and could be seen flicking away droplets from his forehead throughout the entire evening. In short, he worked hard. Earned his keep. ”He’s a real pro, as the saying goes – probably the reason Jones has adapted nicely to his senior status. His gyrations are far fewer, his form a bit beefier, yet the guy really knows how to emit heat and project soul.”