The Jockey Club Live: Tom Jones
Newmarket Racecourse, Newmarket - 01/08/25
Photo Credit: Angie Smith
Newmarket Nights
Newmarket Nights returned last night in the most legendary fashion, as the iconic Tom Jones took over the July Course at Newmarket Race Course. The Newmarket night concert series sees some of music’s biggest artists put on huge headline shows following a six-card horse race, with Jones being this year’s third headliner. Ministry of Sound Classical was the year’s first, bringing timeless dance anthems to the course. Richard Ashcroft shortly followed with a set of Britpop brilliance. The series will then be rounded out across the remainder of this month with a genre-spanning line-up that will see Faithless (August 8th), Michael Ball & Alfie Boe (August 15th), and Sugababes and Natasha Bedingfield (August 23rd) headline nights respectively.
Tom Jones
The crowd turned up in their thousands last night, traveling from across the region to witness one of music’s most mesmerizing voices in one of the most picturesque of settings. It was one of the largest Newmarket Nights crowds I have ever seen, and those extra voices certainly made themselves heard during a night full of singalongs aplenty. However, this show was much more than just singalong hits, it was a masterpiece in storytelling, celebrating a career that has not only endured but evolved with grace, grit, and more soul than ever. Backed by a band that sounded sensational from the very first note, the legendary Welshman moved effortlessly between tenderly reflective ballads and crowd-pleasing anthems, offering a live experience as rich as the stories that thread through his songs.
While most artists will take to the stage and play one of their most energetic songs to open the night, Sir Tom took a very different approach, and it was one that proved to be deeply effective. Taking to the stage under a single spotlight, Jones would begin this set with ‘I’m Growing Old’, creating a powerfully poignant moment that immediately set a sincere tone. This stripped-back start showcased the crisp, weathered beauty of a voice that has only grown more expressive with age. The audience stood in a respectful silence, being lost in the moment, before erupting in applause the second the opening number came to an end.
Photo Credit: Angie Smith
The run of heartfelt numbers continued with Jones’ takes on ‘Tower of Song’ and ‘Not Dark Yet’, as the presence of his exceptional live band subtly expanded with each track. By the third song, the crowd had already been drawn in by the richness of Jones’ vocals, hanging on to every word, but now, they were ready to dance. That invitation came with the unmistakable burst of accordion that signals the jazz-tinged live version of ‘It’s Not Unusual’. After three commanding openers, the arrival of this beloved track marked a vibrant shift, as the evening opened up into a full-blown celebration. From this moment on, the July Course had turned into a giant dance floor, with only the occasional pause to make space for the evening’s more tender reflections. 'What's New Pussycat?' and 'Sexbomb' came next, furthering the party feel, with Sir Tom proving that even at 85 years of age his stage presence is as infectious as ever. Whether it be his endearing dancing, striking vocals, or his hilarious name-dropping stories, you cannot help but become captivated.
The haunting rendition of ‘One More Cup of Coffee (Valley Below)’ and the emotional ‘I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall’ allowed the crowd to catch their breath and truly appreciate the emotional depth behind this voice. These quieter moments were met with hushed awe, before the energy surged back with the iconic ‘Delilah’, which sent the crowd into a frenzy of singalongs and dancing once again. The ebb and flow of the set felt effortlessly natural, a testament to Tom’s mastery as a live performer, flawlessly blending the nostalgic hits with more personal songs that reflect where Tom Jones is as an artist today.
It was the ever-spirited ‘Kiss’ that brought the main set to a close, before Sir Tom reemerged for an encore that continued the theme of emotion and celebration. The massive singalong of ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ united the crowd in a warm, communal moment, before the deeply moving ‘One Hell of a Life’ brought a powerful, introspective pause. The joyous energy of ‘Strange Things Happening Every Day’ then lifted the atmosphere once more, sending everyone home happy. It was the perfect finish to an evening that balanced reflection with exuberance, proving that after nearly six decades, Sir Tom’s music still resonates with passion and timeless appeal. The near two-hour set provided a journey of musical excellence, with the serene setting of Newmarket Racecourse adding an extra layer of memorability to the night.