Sir Tom Jones brings Ages and Stages tour to Audley End

The concert marked the end of his latest tour and, as the ever-exuberant Sir Tom told his fans, “this is the 46th show and what a way to finish”. 

Admittedly, opener 'I’m Growing Old', from his 2021 studio album 'Surrounded by Time', kicked off proceedings with a slightly melancholic air, as the (still sprightly) 83-year-old Sir Tom sang of the experience of ageing.

Dancing in the rain at Audley End (Image: Celia Bartlett)

He followed it with a powerful rendition of Bob Dylan’s 1997 single 'Not Dark Yet', but it was when his band launched into perennial favourite 'It’s Not Unusual' that the party really got underway.

His career-spanning set covered an incredible six decades of music and struck a careful balance between deeper cuts for the hardcore followers and plenty of crowd-pleasing hits for the more casual fans.

'Sexbomb', 'What’s New Pussycat', 'Kiss; and more rolled back the years and Sir Tom
finished a memorable night with revved up rock n roll classics 'Johnny B Goode' and 'Great Balls of Fire'.

He may move a little less on stage these days, but Sir Tom’s incredible, bombastic voice is simply immune from aging.

The 83-year-old star had three acts opening, the first being a group of Australian sisters called Germein, who delighted the audience with their close harmonies and indie pop feel.

Next was young Scottish solo singer Tamzene, who’s beautiful voice entranced the crowd It seemed apt that the self-proclaimed ‘emotional warm-up act’ brought a light drizzle, which only added to the atmosphere.

The main support act was UK-based Canadian-born singer Storry, who held the crowd spellbound with a Mozart aria before switching to a funky groove that had everyone dancing.

Australian sisters Germein opened the show (Image: Celia Bartlett)

Scottish solo singer Tamzene was one of the support acts (Image: Celia Bartlett)

The main support act was UK-based Canadian-born singer Storry (Image: Celia Bartlett)