Sir Tom Jones has issued an apology in his memoir for snubbing one particular music superstar, years after he admitted wanting to 'punch' the singer 'in the mouth'. The Welsh star, who turned 86 on Sunday (June 7), was performing on A Salute to Sir Lew Grade in April 1975, a tribute programme honouring the media mogul which turned out to be John Lennon's final televised performance.
Final Televised Performance
Following The Beatles' dissolution, the star seldom performed before large audiences, but he appeared alongside comedy legends Peter Sellers and Dave Allen on the prestigious bill. After delivering their individual performances, Sir Tom and Lennon gathered with fellow artists on stage for the closing sequence. Having exchanged handshakes with Dame Julie Andrews and Sellers, Sir Tom found himself positioned beside Lennon.
When the Liverpool-born musician reached out to clasp Sir Tom's hand, the Delilah performer withdrew. In his memoir Over The Top And Back, he reflected: 'It felt strange to me. Men holding hands with men...I was shy of that. So I shook it off - dropped his hand. Stupid, uptight reaction. I'm sorry now that I did that.'
Previous Encounter
This wasn't the pair's first meeting, though. In his autobiography, Sir Tom also revealed he'd previously wanted to 'punch the lippy Scouser in the mouth' after Lennon had mocked his hit song It's Not Unusual earlier in the Welsh vocalist's career. Lennon had been rehearsing for ITV's Thank Your Lucky Stars while Sir Tom observed from the auditorium.
The 84-year-old recalls Lennon noticing him and being prompted to break into song. He continued: 'And what he sings is It's Not Unusual, except with his own words. "It's not a unicorn, it's an elephant." Then he nods at me and says "how are you doing, you Welsh poof?" Wow, a double-slap. John Lennon just took the p*** out of my song and then called me a poof. I'm thrown into confusion: crushed and bristling at the same time. Should I melt into my seat or punch the lippy Scouser in the mouth?'
Sir Tom explained that his manager at the time, Gordon Mills, eventually reassured him it was simply Lennon's 'sense of humour'. Reflecting on the incident, the singer admitted he ought to have simply 'rolled with it' at the time, but was still finding his feet in the business. He added: 'I'm touchy. I'm a novice. I'm working out where I belong here - if I belong here.'
