Tom Jones gives emotional speech at his Cardiff homecoming show

9 August 2023, 13:01

Sir Tom Jones promotes ‘The Hourglass Edition’ of his album Surrounded By Time

Tom Jones closes out the last of three nights at Cardiff Castle with a touching speech.

Tom Jones is a global star who plays to massive crowds all over the world, year after year.

He lived in Los Angeles for 20 years before returning to London, but was of course born in Treforest, Wales.

• QUIZ: How well do you know Tom Jones song lyrics?
• Tom Jones speaks out after 'Delilah' is banned from Welsh rugby matches
• Listen to the Gold 60s Live Playlist on Global Player

And The Voice has never forgotten his roots, and he made that absolutely clear at the last of his three shows at Cardiff Castle, which he played on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

As he closed out the show, Tom addressed his homecoming crowd to let them how much they meant to him.

"Ladies and genetlemen. This is the truth. We’ve been all over the world playing all over the place this summer but there is nothing like coming back to Wales," he said.

"And that is a fact. So I want you to know that. I’m a Welsh boy. Always have been always will be.

“We have had a wonderful time. This is the third night that we have played and it’s been wonderful every time.

"Thanks to you. So until we see you all again – nos da – good night and god bless you all."

Tom has said that, unlike other stars who have recently hung up their mic, he has no plans to retire – unless he can no longer sing.

"If something went wrong with my vocal ability, I wouldn’t want to go on not in full strength. I wouldn’t like to shortchange an audience," Jones said.

"When you’re young you’re full of piss and vinegar and you’re giving it plenty. Now I concentrate more on singing than I do anything else."