The legendary Sir Tom Jones may have entered the stage at Chicago Theatre with the aid of a walking stick and a chair, but any hint of his 82 years vanished the moment he began to sing. With a cheeky nod to his hip replacement and a promise it was only temporary, Jones quickly proved that age has barely touched his timeless voice—still as rich and powerful as it was in the swinging ’60s.
Sitting center stage, the Welsh icon captivated the packed house, his baritone as commanding as ever. Opening with the haunting “I’m Growing Old,” he set the tone for a night that balanced introspection with pure showmanship. Without the distraction of stage theatrics, the spotlight remained firmly on his extraordinary vocal prowess, sending shivers through the audience from the first note.
Rather than saving his classics for the finale, Jones surprised the crowd early on with fresh renditions of “It’s Not Unusual” and “What’s New Pussycat?”—his five-piece band breathing new life into these decades-old hits, giving them a modern flair while honoring their roots.
Spanning an incredible seven-decade career, Jones delivered a genre-hopping setlist that showcased his versatility and enduring appeal. He brought swagger with the playful “Sexbomb,” humor with Cat Stevens’ “Popstar,” grit with “Talking Reality Television Blues,” and heartfelt reflection on “One Hell of a Life.” The latter two tracks came from his recent critically acclaimed album Surrounded By Time, which made Jones the oldest artist to top the U.K. charts—proof that he’s still pushing creative boundaries.
Despite moments of deep reflection, Jones never lost his sense of fun. The crowd roared as women rushed the stage, tossing undergarments during “Delilah,” a time-honored tradition at his shows. Things got even steamier with a sultry version of Randy Newman’s “You Can Leave Your Hat On,” sending energy levels soaring.
Jones also showcased his impeccable taste with powerful covers, from Leonard Cohen’s soulful “Tower of Song” to Prince’s funky “Kiss,” Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s gospel-infused “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” and rock ‘n’ roll staples like Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” and Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire.” Each was delivered with the same conviction and charisma that have made him a living legend.
By the end of the two-hour spectacle, it was clear: whether performing his own hits or honoring the greats, Sir Tom Jones remains a force of nature. His unparalleled longevity and ageless voice left the Chicago crowd in awe, witnessing a master who continues to defy time itself.
