Tom Jones Greenwich review – Welsh legend’s vocals just as powerful at 83

This year Sir Tom Jones celebrates his 60th anniversary as a professional singer and Elvis Presley’s old buddy shows no sign of stopping.

The 83-year-old legend took to the stage at the intimate Greenwich Summer Sounds, located on the grounds of the grand Old Royal Naval College.

As a beautiful sunset went down over Canary Wharf behind him, the Welsh legend began his 22-song set with a candid and poignant cover of Bobby Cole’s I’m Growing Old, before moving into Bob Dylan’s Not Dark Yet.

From the go it’s clear that, unlike some other stars of Sir Tom’s generation, he very much still has those powerful vocals that made him a star.

Matching the chilled vibe of the festival, he then went into more gentle versions of the first of a number of his hits with It’s Not Unusual and What’s New Pussycat, accompanied by an accordion no less.

An energetic highlight had to be his rendition of Sex Bomb, which had everyone on their feet as fiery graphics flamed behind the singing legend.

Mid-way through the set, Sir Tom treated us to covers from his latest album Surrounded by Time, which debuted at No 1 in the UK making him the oldest male to achieve this in album chart history.

Highlights here included Cat Stevens’ Popstar and Talking Reality Television Blues, before we headed into an audience participation rendition of Delilah which really continued to brighten the mood.

And just before the encore, Sir Tom treated fans to funky takes of You Can Leave Your Hat On and Prince’s Kiss.

After an uplifting performance of One Hell of a Life, reflecting on his 60 year career that’s still going strong, the Welsh legend and his band couldn’t resist ending with some rhythm and blues, boogie-woogie and good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll.

Following Strange Things Happening Every Day, he left everyone dancing with Chuck Berry’s Johnny B Goode and Jerry Lee Lewis’ Great Balls of Fire.

As he bowed and closed the show, Sir Tom – tenacious as ever – promised he intends to keep touring the world for many more years to come.

Greenwich Summer Sounds continues tonight and tomorrow headlined by Black Eyed Peas and Kaiser Chiefs and tickets can be booked here.