Tom As Usual – A tribute to Sir Tom Jones

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward OBE, otherwise known as Tom Jones, is one of the greatest, if not the greatest singers these isles – or indeed any country – ever produced. At the age of 82, he still puts singers a good few decades younger to shame – and he’s still got it – he is indeed, still – THE voice!!! Should you get the chance to catch him live – then I strongly urge you to do so – no question!!! However, in the absence of that option, then the next best thing is definitely the simply sensational Robert T Leonard with his Tom As Usual Showband. Close your eyes and Robert IS Tom Jones – open them up again – and he’s STILL Tom!!! The look, the mannerisms, the moves, the accent – and most of all – THE VOICE!!! Astonishing vocals from an astonishing vocalist!!! And all backed by a superb band – who’s energy really brings Sir Toms classic songs to life!!! Robert started in the industry at the age of 13 and only four years later he released his first ep with his hard rock band at the time – swiftly followed by an album on Heavy Metal Records – which charted. The group also toured throughout the country with a variety of well-known bands and established a large following in the process. Bass guitarist David (Gibby) Gibson, who’d tasted chart success in France with his own bands ep – and who’d previously spent a year in London playing with a well-known professional drummers new group – met Robert and persuaded him to join the new outfit he was involved with along with guitarist Denis (Den) Curran and drummer James Clark, both of whom were experienced musicians and had played at festivals in the UK and abroad. The band – performing their own songs – went on to tour extensively throughout – building up a large live following in the process and attracting label attention. They eventually signed with a Welsh record company and relocated to the valleys to record their debut album.

Meanwhile a self-financed ep was receiving major airplay so radio and press interviews, tv appearances and a general buzz about the band followed in the wake – culminating in Kerrang magazine making them their tip as “The next big thing”. Despite this – as well as numerous support slots with several “name” bands along the way – from Goodbye Mr. McKenzie to Girlschool – Samson to The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – not to mention having well known bands such as The River Detectives and Norman Cook (Aka Fatboy Slim) and his new band Freak Power support them, the band suffered from poor management decisions and record company incompetence and decided reluctantly to part ways. However, they remained firm friends and kept in touch – both Clark and Curran continued playing in various projects whilst Gibson’s new outfit attracted the attention of Creation Records before he ultimately joined a band with well-known Scottish singer/songwriter and BBC TV’s Fame Academy winner David Sneddon. He also made a one-off appearance playing with Stars In Their Eyes winner Gary Mullen (Freddie Mercury) only a matter of days after the latter won the TV talent show!!! Meanwhile, Robert carved out a hugely successful solo career – touring all over the UK and Europe – including appearances on an oil rig and a stint performing on a luxury cruise ship – and became an unmissable live attraction. Peer recognition and awards followed, but it was inevitable that at some stage he’d “get the band back together”. So, it was therefore that they returned triumphantly to the live scene – with various gigs, festivals and charity appearances duly following suit. However, Robert wanted to fulfil an ambition he’d had ever since the band had played at Cardiff’s Stage Door – one of Sir Toms old haunts – with pictures of the great man adorning its walls – and put together a tribute to the Welsh legend. And because of that dream – the Tom As Usual Showband was born!!! Reaction to the show has been through the roof – with recent comments including: “Outstanding Robert and your band. Phenomenal show. Standing ovation well deserved” “Was an amazing night Robert thanks for having us band was fantastic” And: “I’m not surprised the show is outstanding. Whatever your venture enjoy every single minute yourself and the band, fine musicians and vocals. Delighted for you all” But don’t just take theirs – or mine for that matter – word for it, come and see the show for yourself – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

DOORS OPEN 7.00pm – SHOWTIME 7.30pm