Introduction
When Sir Tom Jones stepped onto the stage at the Chicago Theatre, leaning on a walking stick and settling into a chair, some may have expected a gentler performance. But the moment he opened his mouth to sing, any doubts were instantly erased. With a playful remark about his recent hip replacement—assuring the audience it was only temporary—Jones made it clear that his body may show signs of age, but his voice certainly does not.
Seated at center stage, the legendary Welsh singer immediately commanded the room. He began with a haunting rendition of “I’m Growing Old,” setting an introspective tone that threaded through the entire performance. Stripped of elaborate stage effects, the focus was placed entirely on his voice—still powerful, textured, and deeply emotive. From the first note, the audience was entranced.
Rather than hold back his most beloved songs for a dramatic finale, Jones surprised fans by diving straight into them early in the show. Fresh takes on “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?” were met with thunderous applause. His tight, five-piece band gave these classics a refreshed energy, respectfully blending nostalgia with modern touches while preserving their signature charm.
Throughout the night, Jones offered a stunningly varied setlist that traveled through decades and genres. His performance of “Sexbomb” carried the same swagger and playfulness that made it a hit, while Cat Stevens’ “Popstar” brought humor to the stage. The spoken-word grit of “Talking Reality Television Blues” and the emotional weight of “One Hell of a Life”—both from his recent album Surrounded By Time—highlighted his ongoing creative evolution. That very album made history by placing Jones atop the U.K. charts as the oldest artist ever to do so.
Even in moments of deep personal reflection, Jones’s charisma never faded. The audience erupted during “Delilah” as a long-standing tradition resumed—fans tossing undergarments toward the stage with cheeky enthusiasm. Things only heated up with his steamy delivery of Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” electrifying the atmosphere.
His exceptional taste in music was on full display through powerful covers of iconic songs. From Leonard Cohen’s poetic “Tower of Song” to Prince’s infectious “Kiss,” from Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s gospel-charged “Strange Things Happening Every Day” to Chuck Berry’s rock ‘n’ roll anthem “Johnny B. Goode” and Jerry Lee Lewis’s wild “Great Balls of Fire,” each was performed with intensity, reverence, and unmistakable flair.
By the time the final note rang out, it was undeniable—Sir Tom Jones remains a phenomenon. At 82, he continues to inspire, entertain, and surprise with a voice that defies age and a presence that fills every corner of the room. His performance wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of music.