The legendary Tom Jones thrilled a sold-out audience at a festival in Greece over the weekend in his first-ever live appearance in the country.
The 84-year-old superstar finally set foot on Greek soil, took the stage at the Sani Festival, in Halkidiki, and unfolded his musical journey through songs that made history.
Tom Jones’ performance in Greece
The Welshman unraveled the tangle of his illustrious yet tumultuous career, starting with “It’s Not Unusual”, his first hit in 1965, and continued performing some of the best-known tracks from his records, which have sold more than 100 million copies, including the well-known “Sex Bomb”, “What’s New Pussycat?” and “Delilah”.
Jones, with his resonant baritone voice, resembled a mature traveler who has reached his destination and recounts the incredible adventures he has experienced along the way.
His deep, soulful voice and dynamic performances have made him a beloved figure in pop and rock music. Beyond his musical talents, Jones has also been recognized for his versatility, successfully navigating genres such as pop, R&B, country, and gospel.
Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards and honors, solidifying his status as a music legend. He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1998 and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for services to music.
The Sani Festival in Halkidiki, Greece
Every summer, from July to August, Sani Festival brings together Greek and international artists, strengthening the cultural bond between natives and visitors.
Rooted in jazz, the first event took place in 1992 over three days. Since then, the program has evolved beyond one main genre, hosting a wide variety of musical acts, from the likes of pop and rock to classical and indie, alongside the ever-present jazz masters.
As the festival’s repertoire has grown, so too has its reputation and global reach, with ever more popular international acts performing each year.
In 2024 the Festival began with a performance by Plácido Domingo. With an illustrious career including some 150 roles and more than 4.400 performances, over a hundred recordings, and an impressive collection of 12 Grammy Awards, he is rightfully recognized as one of the finest and most influential singing actors in the history of opera.
Emeli Sande will perform on August 3. Her debut album, “Our Version Of Events,” propelled her to fame, winning the Brit Awards’ Critics’ Choice prize and critical acclaim. Featuring chart-toppers like “Heaven” and “Next To Me,” the album outsold Adele’s debut, remaining a defining record of the 2010s.
The world-renowned Gipsy Kings featuring Tonino Baliardo will close this year’s Sani Festival on August 10, thrilling the audience with their lively tempo and beloved hits like the world-famous “Bamboleo.”