TOM JONES – FROM VEGAS STAR TO BOOTLE HEADLINER
As a native of Bootle I’m delighted to see the second music festival taking place at Salt and Tar this weekend.
Local heroes Red Rum Club open up on the Thursday with some great emerging local bands also on the bill. Friday sees those denim clad rockers Status Quo take to the stage, and then Saturday and Sunday are given over to the legend that is Tom Jones.
Tom Jones in Bootle! I never would have believed it but I am so glad it is happening. When it was announced my first thought was how I could engineer it so me and Tom could have a quick pint in the neighbouring Mayflower pub before the show. I imagined getting Tom to tell me stories about hanging out with Elvis, how he got on with The Beatles and other musical heroes. The Mayflower was never the fanciest of places but I think Tom with his working class Welsh roots would have been at home there. Sadly that isnt going to happen now – all my plans laid to waste by the fact that the Mayflower has closed. We cant even nip over the road to the Merton as that big old hostelry stalwart has also closed its doors for the final time. Maybe next year eh Tom?
Why is Tom such a big deal? Put simply he is just one of the biggest and best ever and he is still proving it at the grand old age of 84. His career began in the 1960s with a string of top ten hits and he has just kept going and remained a big star in both the UK and America. He has had over 30 top 40 hits in the UK alone including Its Not Unusual, Delilah, She’s A Lady and Green, Green Grass of Home. A cover version of the Prince song Kiss with Art of Noise reignited his career in the late 80s and highlighted his vocal versality. This was shown again in 2000 with his massive worldwide hit Sex Bomb which Tom collaborated on with German producer Mousse T.
Tom is a legend and his live shows are a celebration of a man with a special talent who also has a great taste in music. For those of you lucky enough to have tickets for one of the shows enjoy what is sure to be a special night. And while you are there enjoy Bootle – I love the place and the Salt and Tar venue is a key part of the regeneration of the town. I know the Mayflower has gone but the wonderful community owned pub Lock and Quay is only a short walk away so get yourselves there for a pre or post drink gig.
Written by Kevin McManus
