Review: Tom Jones, Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle

Oct 15 2009 by Martin Green, The Journal

HE may be losing his hair and his ability to gyrate at will, but the Welsh crooner can still belt out an array of powerful songs and the voice from the Valleys rings true.

Tom wowed a die-hard crowd with old-favourites Delilah, You Can Leave Your Hat On and What’s New Pussycat? among others.

These were interspersed with tracks from latest album 24 hours, which may be his best.

It is a collection of largely original songs that the boyo with the big voice co-wrote, containing some of the most revealing work in a five-decade career.

The crowd pelted him with underwear and twirled walking sticks as they danced to his beat.

There was something for everyone, young and old. Several of Tom’s songs were digitally remixed and accompanied by strobe lighting and a fast tempo.

By the time he sang It’s Not Unusual, the whole packed crowd was on its feet.

Highlights from his new album include a song, Sugar Daddy, that Tom asked Bono to write for him when they met in Dublin.

One of the most natural performers of all time received a well-deserved ovation.