Tom Jones – Wales’ living legend – sends heartfelt message ahead of two massive nights at Cardiff Castle
Sir Tom Jones, the 85-year-old Welsh music legend, made an emotional homecoming performance at Cardiff Castle, kicking off a two-night run as part of his Defy Explanation Tour. The first night sold out completely, with thousands expected to flock to the second show.
“Wales lives in me” — a love letter to his homeland
On the evening of August 20, Sir Tom stood on stage and said, “First of all I would love to say, which I have to say, it’s good to be home. Yes, Cardiff, or as they say in Cardiff ‘Kairdiff.’ But actually I was born in Treforest, a suburb of Pontypridd, which is only 12 miles down the road.” When the question of whether he still lived in Wales came up, he declared proudly, “I’ll just tell you this… Wales lives in me,” as he placed a hand over his heart, prompting the Castle grounds to erupt in chants of “Wales! Wales!”.
A career-spanning show
The concert was a glorious retrospective of Sir Tom’s six decades on stage, weaving together early hits like It’s Not Unusual, What’s New Pussycat, Delilah, and the poignant Green Green Grass of Home. He balanced nostalgia with modernity through electrifying renditions of Sex Bomb and Kiss, and introduced more recent tracks such as Talking Reality Television Blues and This Is the Sea. Critics called the Cardiff Castle shows a fitting finale to his European leg, describing the homecoming atmosphere as both electric and deeply moving.
The setting and logistics
Presented as part of the TK Maxx Depot Live series, the historic Cardiff Castle grounds have become the backdrop for one of the season’s most unforgettable performances. Road closures were implemented starting August 20 to ensure crowd and traffic safety.
Fans’ emotional response
Despite the ease of entry being slightly hampered by long queues, fans lined up in anticipation, undeterred by the chill or the crowd. It was a night charged with homegrown pride—Sir Tom’s voice soared, emotion carried, and generations of listeners stood united in applause and song.
Final thoughts
The two-night engagement at Cardiff Castle shines as a testament to Tom Jones’s enduring connection to his country and his audience. His statement, “Wales lives in me,” was more than rhetoric—it was a shared sentiment, a heartfelt declaration to a nation. With the first night already a triumph, all eyes now turn to the second, to once again revel in the power, passion, and legacy of a Welsh icon on his wild, wonderful home turf.