Tom Jones to sing again soon
I do not know if his new schedule will include a concert stop in Manila but the latest word in the performing circuit is that Tom Jones has announced his return to the stage following the death of his wife, the Lady Melinda Rose Woodward. She died of complications brought about by cancer on April 10 at the Cedars Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California.
Tom was born Thomas Jones Woodward 75 years ago in Wales. He and Linda were barely kids in high school when they got married when they were only 17 years old. They stayed together for nearly 60 years despite Tom’s controversial image as a womanizer. They have one son named Mark. Tom has been honored with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006. Hence his late wife was the Lady Linda.
Tom posted this message on his website only a few days ago: “Seeing some unexpected press over the weekend, I came to the conclusion that singing really is my best therapy. Music is so important to me — it’s my life and through the brightest and darkest of times, it has embedded a soundtrack to all my memories.
“So it means a huge amount to be able to continue to perform for such a loyal and giving audience. Your support has been uplifting and doesn’t go unnoticed. See you all at the shows this summer.” His first gig post his mourning period will be at the Hampton Court Palace near London on June 8.
His local fans and also those in Asia are now seriously thinking about the possibility of a Tom Jones show finally happening in Manila. Most of you surely recall how Tom abruptly cancelled his Asian tour dates giving “a serious illness in his immediate family” as the reason. It was, I must say quite a bombshell for Manila promoter Ovation Productions.
A short while before he was supposed to step on the stage of the packed Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on April 2, there came the
announcement that the show was cancelled. Just like that. It was a most disappointing experience for the many who bought tickets, dressed up and had looked forward to watching him perform for a long time. Remember his last Asian stint about 10 years ago was also cancelled. It was due to his throat problems.
But can you fault the guy for wanting to be with his wife of so many years during her final hours? Let us just hope that the Manila show will be in Tom Jones schedule soon and that we will finally get the chance to hear him sing and to watch him work his magic, live.
You can start dreaming now. Kiss, Sex Bomb, It’s Not Unusual, Thunderball, Help Yourself, What’s New Pussy Cat, Green Green Grass Of Home, Delilah, She’s A Lady, I Who Have Nothing, With These Hands, I’m Coming Home, etc. etc.
Speaking of shows, here is a list of forthcoming ones by foreign artists that you might want to check out:
Little Mix will be at the Kia Theater in Araneta Center, Quezon City, May 20, 8 p.m.; Jason Derulo featuring Redfoo at SM MOA Arena, Pasay City, May 27, 8 p.m.; Culture Club featuring Boy George at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, June 17 and 18, 8 p.m.; Brian McKnight at Kia Theater, June 20, 8 p.m.; MTV Music Evolution Manila
2016, OneRepublic, Sarah Geronimo, James Reid, Nadine Lustre and others at SM Mall Of Asia Concert Grounds in Pasay City, June 24, 9 p.m.; Selena Gomez at SM MOA Arena, July 31, 8 p.m.; and Charlie Puth at Kia Theater, Aug. 14.
And certainly one of the most awaited shows ever, the first visit by country music giant Kenny Rogers. He popularized The Gambler, Lady, Through The Years, She Believes In Me, Lucille, Coward Of The Country, Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town, Islands In The Stream, Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer, We’ve Got Tonight and others. Kenny stars in his final world tour, The Gambler’s Last Deal at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Aug. 11, 8 p.m.