Legendary singer Tom Jones returns to Abu Dhabi on 19th September and sat down with Abu Dhabi Week to chat about immortality, his friendship with Elvis Presley and singing in the shower
With more than 100 million record sales, a singing history stretching back more than 50 years, recording with some of the world’s best artists and a knighthood to his name, Abu Dhabi Week find out what continues to drive Tom Jones to perform and entertain at the age of 73.
It’s not your first time in the UAE – are you looking forward to coming back and do you get any time to look around?
Yes I really am. I’ve been to Dubai and Abu Dhabi before and always have a great time when I’m there. I get to have a good look around and the hotels are always lovely. To tell the truth I’m quite happy sitting by the pool and relaxing. It’s a one-off show although they might schedule a trip to the Far East or Australia as well, off the back of coming to the UAE.
What can people expect from your show?
I try to mix it up for everyone who comes and sees the show with some new songs I’ve been recording, songs from my latest albums and some of the old ones such as ‘Delilah’ and ‘It’s not Unusual’. There should be something in there for everyone, young and old.
What continues to drive you?
Singing itself. All roads lead to the stage for me and although I don’t do as many live shows as I used to, it’s still an amazing feeling to get up there and entertain. I love to perform and that’s what keeps me going and drives me onwards. I’m also currently a judge on The Voice which is all good and I always enjoy going into the recording studio to do new tracks.
When will you stop?
When I’m dead! My voice is still going strong and I’m in good shape. However, I know time is my enemy. If I stopped now and then realised I could have sung for another 10 years, then that would make me really unhappy. Frank Sinatra tried to pack it in twice, but missed it so much he kept coming back. I just want to keep on going and going.
If you could sing a duet with anyone alive or dead who would it be?
I think it would have to be Whitney Houston, she was an incredible talent and someone who is really sorely missed.
The song you most enjoy singing live?
“It’s Not Unusual’ - This is the one that launched my career and changed my life and I get a real buzz out of singing it to this day.
I thought you were moving back to the UK from Los Angeles? How are the paparazzi in the US?
It’s always in my mind to move back home and I would probably head to London or Henley-on-Thames and spend more time with my son and daughter-in-law. The paparazzi don’t bother me out here and they are more of an issue in the UK. Mind you everyone has a camera nowadays so it is always best behaviour for me.
You’ve worked with some amazing talent over the years, who stands out for you?
That’s not easy, but I think it would have to be Jerry Lee Lewis in the 60s. He was my idol in the 50s. We sang together on a TV show and it was very special to be able to sing with him.
What was your relationship like with Elvis Presley?
I met Elvis in 1965 when it was my first year in showbusiness. I met him while he was filming and I didn’t think he would even know I even existed. However, we got on really well and he was a really great guy, very special and very talented. I still see Priscilla to this day. I have fantastic memories of Elvis, he was someone who loved his music so much. Even after he had done two shows in a day we would go to his room in Vegas and carry on singing. They were amazing times.
How was being knighted by the Queen?
It was the most special moment of my life. It really surpasses anything I have done musically and is a very treasured memory of mine.
What do you sing in the shower?
I like to sing some Country songs and some old ones from the 50s.
If you could have done any other profession what would it have been?
I can’t really imagine doing anything else, I guess this is something I was born to do. I really don’t think I had any other options than singing, but it has treated me very well over the years!
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
That’s a hard one, there are so many fantastic places out there, I would have to say just being on planet Earth.
Any ambitions left?
I want immortality and to live forever!
Sing to win!
fancy yourself as a bit of a vocalist? Why not put those singing skills to good use by flexing your vocal chords to WIN TWO TICKETS to see Tom Jones, with a double room at Rotana’s Centro Yas Island thrown in! We want to see your best rendition of the classic ‘Delilah’. Go to abudhabiweek.ae for full details on how to enter.
Adam Jankiewicz
