Tom Jones at Texas Trust Theater: A Timeless Icon’s Electrifying Performance
At 84 years old, Sir Tom Jones continues to defy the passage of time, and his performance at
the Texas Trust Theater on September 25th, 2023, left no doubt that he remains one of the
most captivating entertainers on the planet. With a career that has spanned over six decades,
Jones has performed on some of the world’s grandest stages, and yet, the intimate atmosphere
at this Grand Prairie venue provided an unmatched sense of connection between the legendary
Welshman and his adoring fans. His age may say 84, but his voice, energy, and command of the
stage speak to a man who is still very much in his prime.
Setting the Stage: A Legend Among Legends
The Texas Trust Theater was the perfect backdrop for an evening of nostalgic hits and soulful
covers. The packed audience was buzzing with anticipation long before the first note was
played, a testament to the enduring appeal of Sir Tom Jones. As the lights dimmed, revealing a
brilliantly lit stage, the crowd erupted in applause—a clear indicator that they were ready to
embark on a musical journey that would span decades of hits and heartfelt tributes to the
music that has shaped Jones’ career.
From the moment Jones took the stage, there was a palpable sense of reverence in the air.
Many performers claim to have legions of dedicated fans, but few can boast the level of
devotion that Jones commands. Fans of all ages, many of them women who’ve followed him
since the 1960s, couldn’t contain their excitement. It wasn’t long before the familiar sight of
undergarments being flung onto the stage punctuated the performance, a time-honored
tradition that further emphasizes Jones’ ageless charisma. At 84, Jones still has women
swooning—a feat that few, if any, of his contemporaries can match.
Opening the Show: Reflecting on Time
Jones opened the evening with a poignant cover of Bobby Cole’s “I’m Growing Old,” a song that
set the reflective tone of the night. Rather than shy away from his age, Jones embraced it,
offering the audience a glimpse into the mind of a man who has lived through it all. His voice,
rich with years of experience and emotion, resonated deeply with the crowd. The lyrics carried
extra weight coming from Jones, as if he were imparting wisdom to his audience, inviting them
to join him in acknowledging the passage of time while still embracing the present moment.
Immediately following was a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Not Dark Yet.”
Jones’ ability to channel the melancholic intensity of the song was nothing short of masterful.
His voice, a deep and resonant instrument in its own right, captured the aching reflection of
Dylan’s lyrics, reminding the audience that, despite the years, Jones remains a consummate
storyteller. It was a stunning start to a night that would be filled with emotional highs and
reflective lows, all carried by the strength of Jones’ unparalleled voice.
The Hits: A Timeless Collection
Of course, no Tom Jones concert would be complete without his signature hits, and the crowd
was treated to several of his most iconic songs. The first familiar notes of “It’s Not Unusual”
sent a wave of excitement through the theater. The energy in the room shifted instantly as
Jones, ever the showman, gave a playful yet polished rendition of the classic. It was impossible
not to be swept up in the infectious rhythm, and the audience responded in kind, clapping and
dancing along with every beat.
“What’s New Pussycat?” followed, and the collective nostalgia in the room was palpable. This
Burt Bacharach-penned tune is one of Jones’ most well-known songs, and the crowd’s
enthusiastic sing-along was a clear indication that it’s still a fan favorite. Jones’ voice, still as
powerful and nuanced as ever, breathed new life into the familiar hit, making it feel fresh even
after decades of repeated listens.
The night took a dreamy turn with “The Windmills of Your Mind,” a Michel Legrand cover that
showcased Jones’ remarkable ability to convey deep emotion through song. The ethereal
quality of the arrangement, paired with Jones’ warm, velvety vocals, cast a spell over the
audience. The combination of light and sound was truly captivating—each note seemed to
shimmer in the air, further elevating the already impeccable performance.
The Mid-Show Fire: Raw Power and Pure Fun
The mood shifted dramatically with “Sexbomb,” which saw Jones leaning into his role as a
provocateur. “Sexbomb” was followed by a delightful rendition of Cat Stevens’ “Popstar,” a
witty nod to Jones’ status as a living legend of the music industry.
For many in the audience, “Green Green Grass of Home” was a highlight. This country-tinged
ballad has been a staple of Jones’ repertoire for years, and hearing it live, accompanied by
Garry Wallis and his stellar band, was a deeply emotional experience. Jones’ vocals on this track
were nothing short of mesmerizing, and the crowd was visibly moved by the heart-wrenching
story told through the lyrics.
The Dylan cover “One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)” was another standout moment, with
Jones’ soulful delivery highlighting the song’s haunting beauty. The decision to include several
Bob Dylan covers in the setlist further showcased Jones’ deep respect for musical greats and his
willingness to push the boundaries of his own artistry.
A Reverence for Legends: Musical Tributes
As the show progressed, it became clear that this was more than just a showcase of Jones’
hits—it was a celebration of the music that has inspired him throughout his career. His cover of
Ry Cooder’s “Across the Borderline” was a poignant commentary on the human condition, and
Todd Snider’s “Talking Reality Television Blues” offered a clever, satirical take on the modern
media landscape. Both songs were delivered with a level of insight and wisdom that only
someone of Jones’ experience could offer.
“I Won’t Crumble with You If You Fall,” a lesser-known gem by Bernice Johnson Reagon, was a
particularly touching moment. Jones’ voice, raw and vulnerable, conveyed a deep sense of
empathy and resilience, reminding the audience that, despite his age, he remains a pillar of
strength. Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song” followed, and Jones’ rendition was nothing short of
spellbinding. The song’s meditative lyrics, paired with Jones’ deep, resonant voice, created an
atmosphere of quiet reflection that was both intimate and profound.
The Climactic End and Electrifying Encore
The show reached its zenith with “Delilah,” a song that has become synonymous with Tom
Jones’ name. The audience was on their feet, singing every word along with the Welsh crooner,
and the energy in the room was electric. Jones’ performance was full of passion and drama,
with each note hitting harder than the last. By the time he reached the final chorus, the crowd
was in a frenzy, cheering and clapping with fervor.
The sultry “You Can Leave Your Hat On” brought the night to a playful close, with Jones reveling
in the song’s suggestive lyrics and the crowd responding with delighted laughter and applause.
“If I Only Knew” and a rousing cover of Prince’s “Kiss” rounded out the set, leaving the audience
wanting more.
As the lights dimmed and the band left the stage, the audience erupted in chants for an encore.
Jones obliged, returning with a trio of covers that served as the perfect sendoff. Katell Keineg’s
“One Hell of a Life” was a fitting reflection on Jones’ incredible career, while Sister Rosetta
Tharpe’s “Strange Things Happening Every Day” showcased Jones’ deep roots in gospel and
blues. The night ended on a high note with Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” a rock ‘n’ roll
anthem that had the entire theater on its feet.
A Legend for the Ages
Sir Tom Jones’ performance at the Texas Trust Theater was nothing short of spectacular. From
start to finish, he delivered a masterclass in showmanship, proving once again that age is just a
number. His voice, his presence, and his ability to connect with the audience remain as strong
as ever, and the evening was a testament to his enduring legacy. For those lucky enough to
witness the show, it was clear that Tom Jones is not just a performer—he is an icon, a legend,
and, most importantly, a man who still loves what he does.
This performance was a reminder that, in a world where musical trends come and go, there will
always be a place for the timeless artistry of Sir Tom Jones.
