New Tom Jones Biography

A new warts-and-all biography tells the full story of Tom Jones' amazing career: his innumerable affairs, his friendship with Elvis, and his brush with Charles Manson. It decscribes how he hit the heights, outselling Frank SInatra at the Copacabana night club, New York and the 5,000 bedroom keys that got thrown at him at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas.

However there were many lows as Tom Jones continually reinvented himself from young rock-and-roller in Pontypridd to sixties hip-swiveller to seventies cabaret king, and then, under the strict direction of his own son Mark, to mature rocker and born again gospel singer with the recently released Praise and Blame.

Now 70 years of age, Tom Jones says, "I'll still be belting out tunes when they're trying to nail me down." The biography also highlights Tom's attachment to his Welsh roots and to his wife and childhood sweetheart, Linda Trenchard -- which is, according to the author, "the craziest thing of all in the rascal's ultra-crazy life."

Author Aubrey Malone, says: "Tom is a flawed icon but an irresistible one, going up the down staircase, refusing to stay down for long. His huge belief in himself as The Voice made this the thing people would always remember when the knicker-throwing stopped."

Aubrey Malone has also published biographies of Ernest Hemingway, Charles Bukowski and Brendan Behan. This biography, Still Rockin', sells for £6.95 and is published by Y Lolfa at www.ylolfa.com.

Interview With Jonny Owen - Star of 'A Bit of Tom Jones'

Ceri: How did you get into acting and theater? Jonny: Basically I was in a band in the mid 90's called The Pocket Devils. We became quite well known on the live circuit especially in Wales where we did quite a bit of TV. There was a drama series starting in my home town of Merthyr Tydfil called 'Nuts and Bolts'. The casting director at ITV Wales had seen me in this band and approached me about auditioning for a part in the series (the Character was called 'Richey' and in a band you see?). Anyway many weeks and screen tests later I got the part. From there I got an agent and parts in other series. So, you could say there was a bit of luck! Ha.   Ceri: You won a BAFTA Cymru, Gwyn Alf Williams Award in 2006 for your part in the making of documentary "The Aberfan Disaster". Care to tell us a bit about that experience? Jonny: Yes of course. The town where I come from, Merthyr Tydfil, has a small mining village just outside where tragically a Coal Tip fell onto the Primary School and surrounding streets in 1966. The 'disaster' was seen by millions world wide as over a hundred school children and local people were killed. My Father worked at one of the local Mines at the time and was one of the first on the scene to help with the rescue and clear up. Forty years later I was working at ITV Wales as an Assistant Producer in the Factual dept as well as acting. They said they were doing a documentary in conjunction with S4C and SKY about the disaster. They asked would I like to work on the program. Now being from Merthyr I was acutely aware of how sensitive the subject was and how poorly the people had been treated by the Coal Board and Government after the disaster so I said that I would only be involved if we could tell the truth about how appalling the disaster was for the people of the village both during and after. They not only agreed but wanted to go down that path too. So we did just that. We were pretty scathing of the Govt of the time but felt justified when the people of the village thanked us afterwards for telling the real story. That meant more than anything. That year it seemed Bafta Cymru also agreed and gave us the special 'Gwyn Alf Williams' award for program of Historical significance. Ceri: You've starred in a number of critically acclaimed films. Care to tell us a little about your roles in two of them:- "Little White Lies" and "Good Arrows"? Jonny: Little White Lies was about a family torn apart by racism. There is a lot of tension in the UK about immigration. Wrongly people seem to think it's a threat. The truth of the matter is that the UK would pretty much stop functioning without the work done by people from across the UK. LWL tells the dark tale of a Welsh lad who gets into right wing politics with tragic results. It was a difficult role to play but also important and the film carried a good anti racist message. Good Arrows was about a Darts player who has fallen on hard times. He also finds out his wife has been financially bleeding him dry. It's a comedy but also is a sad story about people's obsession with celebrity. Ceri: How did you come to be involved in A Bit of Tom Jones? What do you think about the final film? Jonny: I was cast by the Director/Writer Peter Watkins Hughes. Years ago (On Nuts and Bolts) he told me Roger (my co star) that he would write a film for us one day..and he was as good as his word. It was as simple as that really. I think it's what it is. Just a funny film. A bit like a cross between Monty Python and the Carry on films in the UK. I just thought it was gonna be another film that went to DVD I didn't expect it to become a Box Office smash in the UK and win a Bafta Cymru for best film. That's a nice bonus obviously! Ceri: The response to the film has been very positive in Wales, how do you think it will do outside the country? Jonny: I think it'll be cool. They love Python in the States and Japan and it's of that ilk. You know, you cant make things for people's taste, I don't think anyway. That way you just end up chasing your tail. I think you make what you think is funny and then if someone liked it then fantastic, but trying to second guess is pointless. It may need subtitles in the US for my accent mind..;-) Ceri: You created and star in the internet series, "Svengali," which can be seen on youtube, what can you tell us about that? How did that come about and what are your plans for this? Jonny: It was an idea between me, Dean Cavanagh and Phil John. We just wanted to do something based on the music industry where (we believe) there is a lot of room for comedy, after all it's the only industry where bad behaviour is encouraged, and that's ripe for parody. We filmed some short Ep's and put them on the net and people loved it. We've been approached by some TV Production companies and Broadcasters who are interested but at the moment we are gonna keep making them as they are as we have complete control, which is great. The main character is Dixie and is based loosely on the manager of my old band The Pocket Devils. I also want to bring in his American partner Bobby Poe who I want Jack Black to play. I must get him the Ep's actually.. Ceri: What's next for your professionally? Jonny: A follow up to A bit of Tom Jones called Wales v's Uranus. We are pretty fed up that only the Americans get to take on Alien Invasions so we fancy having a pop ourselves...;-) Filming later this year. I'm back on Shameless for Channel 4 again this summer. Ceri: On your MySpace page, you cite the following quote from Aneurin Bevan as your inspiration:- "You know what happens to people who stand in the middle of the road don't you? They get knocked down....". Is it the quotation or the man himself that inspires you? Jonny: Yes but more Nye himself really. Astonishing man who left an incedible legacy. We are very proud of our universal health care system in the UK, the fact that treats you equally, whether you are rich or poor. Nye was the founder of this and Welsh too. He was voted 'The Greatest' ever Welshman in newspaper polls in 2000. I have to say I agree with that too! Ceri: You are known to be a big Cardiff city supporter? What did you think of their performance on Wednesday? Jonny: It was a disapointing end to the season...but we have new backers now and I fancy we'll go that one better next year. It would be fantastic to get a Welsh club into the English Premiership as it has such a worldwide profile...I'm sure we will next year. Ceri: Any final message for the readers and members of AmeriCymru? Jonny: Just to say 'Hi and Diolch for asking me to be interviewed. There'll always be a welcome in the 'Old Country' for you all and I'd love to drop by to see you all sometime soon. Find more videos like this on Americymru Interview by Ceri Shaw Email

'Sexbomb' About To Burst Over Portland - Left Coast Eisteddfod 2010

'SexBomb' is a two-piece Tom Jones tribute band from Hanford CA, combining the musical talents of William Parry ( vocals ) and Bobby Z ( guitar, trumpet ). The band will be performing at the Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland Oregon 2010 ( watch this space for further details ). They agreed to a world exclusive interview with Americymru which we proudly present below. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Americymru:  'Sexbomb' are about to explode on the Portland music scene in October 2010. Can you tell us a little about how the band came to be formed? Sexbomb: True, I’m excited for Portland.  We’ve been terrorizing, uh, I mean, rocking the California music scene for months now, so a little “West Coast Tour ‘10” will be epic.  Sexbomb came together as a natural progression; an ‘evolution’ really of all my past musical forays and experiences . . . that and my other band broke up when my bass player went to jail for his second DUI.  Plus, Bobby Z (SB’s other half, and guitarist / trumpeter supreme) had just been asked to leave his church’s band, so the timing was perfect. Americymru:  Can you explain the symbolic significance of the bands name? Sexbomb: ‘Sexbomb’ is named after Sir Tom Jones’ 2000 hit song of the same name, from his massive “Reload” album.  We can’t really play ‘Sexbomb’ live yet (it’s disco beats don’t lend themselves well to a 2-man acoustical arrangement), but it’s a way cooler band name for us than, say, “Daughter of Darkness” or “Letter to Lucille”…. No symbolism, Bob and I are both married (not to each other). Americymru:  Can you describe a typical 'Sexbomb' performance? Sexbomb: I’d say that we’re the greatest band in the world by default, as we tribute/cover the greatest performer in the world; makes sense.  (But, “Surprisingly good” was the overall audience consensus at our world debut in October ’09…. We’re a 2-man acoustical/unplugged act.)  We’re fun, upbeat, disinclined to take ourselves too seriously, but always respectful of Sir Tom and the material . . . Bob and I like to rock the house, and get off stage quickly so we can go get properly pissed (Ok, ‘more’ pissed.)  Bottom line, we’re a very fun, entertaining band; what we may lack in talent and ‘classical training’ we more than make up for with enthusiasm, good humor, and a love for Sir Tom. Americymru:  Who, besides Sir Tom, are your biggest influences? Sexbomb: Good question.  Vocally I’d have to say Chris Cornell, Dick Haymes, and Dean Martin.  Onstage, my biggest “performance” influences are David Lee Roth, the late Robert Palmer, and Big Ernie McCracken.  Bob has a range of guitar influences, including Johnny Cash, Jimmies Hendrix and Page, Richie Blackmore, Brian May, and even some heavy metal guitarists, which has something to do with his ejectment from the church band. Americymru:  How long have you been a Tom Jones fan? Sexbomb: Since birth, I’m Welsh!! I first saw Sir Tom live in August of ’84 at the Paso Robles mid-state fair; that was my “Woodstock.” Blew me away.  I’ve seen him live many times since, and even shook his hand at the August 9, ’95 gig in Visalia (nearly took a savage beating after from a group of insanely jealous, panty-less housewives), and again in Vegas on April 27, ’06.  Epic.  (Bob’s been a fan since I begged him to form SB with me last year.) Hear 'Delilah' and 'She's A Lady' performed by Sexbomb (recommended listening level is .14% blood alcohol l!! ) Find more music like this on Americymru Americymru:  'Sexbomb' celebrates Welsh culture with particular reference to 'Tom Jones'. Can you explain the significance of drinking in Welsh culture? Sexbomb: Ah, wow, big question… I could more easily break down the I Ching, the Koran, or the DeNiro vs. Pacino debate…. It’s kind of at the Heart of our culture isn’t it?  (um, have I revealed too much about my own personal habits here?) Americymru:  We have pictures of you in a kilt at a Chicago Mass transit station. Can you explain what you were doing on that occasion and were you arrested for it? Sexbomb: Under advice of my counsel, I’m really not supposed to talk about that as litigation is still pending, and I’ll thank you to drop the subject.  I will say this, just to clarify:  I was never “arrested,” merely detained for questioning.  And that was mostly the fault of fellow Americymru member Phil Morgan (for plying me with copious amounts of Newcastle at the Wales v. USA rugby match earlier that day, where you may have seen me – a tattooed dancing Gorilla waving a Welsh flag if you watched the game—I’m told I made the ESPN2 and BBC telecasts.)  The statute of limitations for drunk in public and indecent exposure doesn’t expire for another 20 months, so, no further comment.  (ps – you’ll be subpoenaed and we’ll be setting your deposition soon to ferret out exactly  how you came in to possession of said photos.) Americymru:  Does 'Sexbomb' have any plans to record? Is there anywhere online where people can hear the band? Sexbomb: Yes, we’re recording now actually at American Made Studios, in Fresno, California, with our good friends Marc Kapetan and Paul “Smokin’ Joe” Turner.  When our master recordings are mixed down and ready, we’re prepared to debut them here on Americymru !!  (you’ve still got that case of Penderyn you’re sending me, right?) Americymru:  You are rightly famed on the Americymru site for an incident involving a flight of stairs in your student years. Care to tell us a little more about that? Any chance of a demonstration at the Eisteddfod? ( we need to know for insurance purposes- Ed ) Sexbomb: My only comment is to advise others never to slide head-first down a cement stairway on a lousy 20 quid bet (particularly after 9 JR Tenant Supers).  I should have counted the damn steps… 34 steps at that blood alcohol level is ill-advised, from what I remember anyway. (Hey, did I ever get paid for that?!@?)  And will I be recreating that feat at the LCE? Oh, no, I’m much more mature now and . . . um, why?, you gonna have any JR Tenants Super there?? Americymru:  Any upcoming gigs you'd like to mention? Sexbomb: We’re playing the Sky Line Room in Fresno, Calif. later this month, with a couple return dates tentatively in the works.  (ie, if we don’t get too drunk and stink up the initial gig.)  We’re also set to rock Joey Rubinstein’s bar mitzvah in March, and the Kings County Fair this summer.  Things are really taking off. Americymru:  Any final message for the members and readers of Americymru? Sexbomb: “To live for today and to love for tomorrow is the wisdom of a fool, because tomorrow is promised to no one.  You see, love is that wonderful thing that the whole wide world needs plenty of.  So, if you think for one minute you can live without, then you’re only fooling yourself.”  – ‘Without Love’ by Sir Tom Jones.  Amen. Interview: Ceri Shaw Email

The Left Coast Eisteddfod 2009 - Enter Online Competitions Here!

To visit the main Left Coast Eisteddfod page click HERE. To enter one of the competitions click on the group links below. PLEASE do not forget to read the relevant rules of submission before entering. ALL competitions are open to non-Americymru members but once again please read the rules before submitting your entry. They differ slightly for members and non-members. Winners will be announced at The Left Coast Eisteddfod on August 22nd 2009.
	Poetry Competition Group You may submit your entry in either Welsh or English. The two language categories will be judged separately and there will be a prize for each. There is a US100 dollars (approximately 50GBP ) prize for the winners in both categories.
	Student Essay Contest Group This essay competition is open to children between the ages of 8 and 16 years of age. The student chooses a person of Welsh birth or heritage who has made a significant contribution to world history.
	Visual Image Competition Croeso/Welcome to the Left Coast Eisteddfod Visual Image Competition. Here you can submit TWO photographs in the categories defined below and compete for a first place cash prize of $100 in each category.
	Short Story Submission Group Submit stories in the short story category here. Each story (and any links) must be added as a separate discussion in the group forum .
	Tom Jones Impersonators Group! Calling All Impersonators of His Royal Hotness, President of Wales, the Right Honorable Tom Jones - Give us Your Videos!
	Left Coast Eisteddfod - PIRATES Group! Show off your inner Pirate! Win $50 and acclaim! We're looking for Pirate Impersonators to send us photos in all their glory! Show us your John Callis, Howell Davis, Robert Edwards, John Evans, privateer Henry Morgan or Dread Pirate Bartholomew Roberts .
SPONSORS If you would like to sponsor the Eisteddfod or any of the individual online competitions please email americymru@gmail.com for details . Here is a list of our current sponsors.