Legendary performer Tom Jones graced the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday night, October 7th, marking his long-awaited return to the city after a two-year hiatus and his first performance at this iconic venue since 2018. The 84-year-old music icon took the stage with his impressive band of blues-rock musicians, delivering a mesmerizing set filled with hits and heartfelt covers from artists who have shaped his illustrious career.
It’s inconceivable that Jones has never even been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, despite countless collaborations with the biggest names in rock, from Elvis Presley to Prince and beyond. Graced with one of the best blues-rock voices ever—even at age 84—Jones was also, two years ago, the oldest person to have a number-one blues album in the U.K.
Kicking off the evening, Jones opened with Bobby Cole’s poignant “I’m Growing Old,” a bold choice that saw him seated, allowing the audience to appreciate the depth of his vocals. Despite his age, Jones showcased an astonishing vocal prowess that defied expectations, proving he remains formidable in the music scene. Over the past three years, he has been tirelessly touring globally, captivating audiences as live concerts returned triumphantly following the pandemic. On his last visit to California, Jones was nursing a recent hip replacement and had to perform the entire show seated. But at this Greek Theatre performance, it was apparent that he had recovered, standing for the second song of the set and for most of the remainder of the two-hour show, even throwing in a few dance moves from time to time.
The night featured an impressive 22-song setlist, showcasing timeless tracks from some of the greatest songwriters, including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Prince, Randy Newman, and Burt Bacharach. The concert also highlighted significant milestones of Jones’s storied career, from securing a U.K. number-one hit with “It’s Not Unusual” to crooning the themes for James Bond’s Thunderball and the beloved TV show What’s New Pussycat?. His extensive accolades—including 36 Top 40 hits in the U.K. and 19 in the U.S., over 100 million records sold globally, a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1966, and a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II in 2006—are a testament to his enduring legacy and significant contributions to the music industry.
The audience was treated to iconic classics such as “Sex Bomb,” “Delilah,” and “If I Only Knew.” One of the standout moments was a rendition of Prince’s “Kiss,” a song Jones recorded in 1994 and has included in previous setlists. The encore brought even more joy, starting with “One Hell of a Life”—a fitting tribute to his remarkable 60-year career, as it has been nearly sixty years since he recorded “It’s Not Unusual,” with its release anniversary approaching. The night closed with high-energy rock classics, featuring Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and Jerry Lee Lewis’s “Great Balls of Fire,” leaving the audience euphoric.
Reflecting on his time on stage through his website, Sir Tom recently expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans. In a message after the concert, he wrote:
“I just wanted to express my gratitude to you all who came to see the show this year. We understand what it takes to venture out to see a concert these days, and I want you to know how much your time and effort are appreciated.
“From the stage, it has been absolutely wonderful for me, the band, and the crew to visit your neighborhood and play for you each night. You all know how much I love to do what I do and to share that space with you; there is nothing better.
“We close this chapter after performing 74 shows in 24 countries this year! (Not bad for a pensioner). We’ll see you again, so until the next time, keep healthy and happy, and keep the joy of music in your life!“
Tom Jones continues to be a vibrant force in music. His sold-out performance at the Greek Theatre was a reminder of the timeless power of his artistry and the unwavering connection he maintains with his audience.
