Sir Tom Jones took to the Jockey Club Live stage at Haydock Park Racecourse on Friday 4th July, defying the relentless rain with a powerhouse performance that proved why he remains one of the UK’s most cherished performers. Excitement had been building all evening, and it reached fever pitch when Tom arrived by helicopter just before the final race, drawing cheers from the crowd as he was escorted by car to his dressing room. It was a rockstar entrance befitting a living legend, and it only heightened the anticipation for the main event.
Following the final race, the drenched but determined crowd surged toward the stage, ready for a night to remember. Sir Tom opened with the reflective trio of I’m Growing Old, Tower Of Song, and Not Dark Yet—poignant selections that have become staples of his Defy Expectations tour this year. They set the tone for a performance that balanced deep emotional resonance with undeniable showmanship. His deep, commanding voice cut through the downpour with stunning clarity, and as the show progressed, the energy only built as he moved into more familiar anthems from his storied catalogue.
What made the evening particularly special was the diverse audience: a mix of generations, from long-time fans who grew up on Tom’s music to younger racegoers discovering the legend for the first time. With drinks flowing and spirits high, the wet weather only seemed to add to the sense of camaraderie and celebration. Songs like Delilah and Green, Green Grass Of Home turned into full-throated singalongs, the kind of moments that remind you why live music matters.
This may be one of the last chances to catch Sir Tom Jones on tour, but he delivered and then some. His voice, powerful, soulful, and utterly distinctiver—one of the greatest in popular music. As part of the Jockey Club Live summer series, which also features performances from Jamie Webster and Becky Hill, Tom’s show was a shining highlight, an unforgettable evening where music, racing, and memories collided, rain or no rain.
A personal highlight of the night was his electrifying performance of Sex Bomb. Backed by his impeccably tight band, the track exploded with funk-driven energy that had the crowd moving despite the soggy ground. With its infectious rhythm and cheeky charisma, it was a reminder of Tom’s ability to bring joy and swagger to the stage with ease. Every brass stab and bass groove landed perfectly, and Tom’s vocal delivery was as playful and commanding as ever, proof that even after all these years, he can still light up a stage with pure style and attitude.
Ahead of a run of shows across the United States and Canada later this year, Sir Tom is showing no signs of slowing down. While the days of leaping across the stage might be behind him, his vocal ability remains nothing short of astonishing. His voice, rich, textured, and emotionally resonant, continues to outshine many of today’s chart-topping stars. The maturity he brings to each performance adds a depth and sincerity that can only come from decades of experience, and it’s clear that audiences on both sides of the Atlantic are in for something truly special.
By the time he closed with a rousing version of Strange Things Happening Every Day, the crowd was soaked through but smiling, entirely swept up in the magic of the performance. For many in attendance, it wasn’t just another gig; it was a bucket-list experience, a celebration of a remarkable career, and a testament to the enduring power of live music led by one of its true icons.
Words and photos by Ben Whitehurst (Instagram)
